Smiths Detection announces deployment of explosive detection walk-through trace portals at two Washington D.C. Airportstest presse

First Sentinel II Deployments in 2006 Following Successful TSA Field Trials in 2005

Pine Brook, New Jersey, 9 January 2006 - Smiths Detection, the world’s leading provider of trace detection and X-ray security screening equipment, announced the deployments of its Sentinel II explosive detection walk-through trace portals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The Sentinel II, a next-generation passenger security screening technology, was deployed at major New York metro-area airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport and JFK International Airport.

Additionally, the Sentinel II was deployed at San Juan International Airport in September 2005, at Pittsburgh International Airport in October 2005, and at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in December 2005.

"As security is critically important on every inch of America, and especially here in the nation’s capitol, we are proud to be a part of the TSA’s efforts to provide for passenger safety at these Washington D.C. airports," said Mark Laustra, Vice President, Transportation Security Technology & Programs, Smiths Detection. "As the first installation of 2006, this is a significant milestone for Smiths Detection and the TSA, with the Sentinel II a proven asset in the TSA’s layered approach to aviation security, with its non-intrusive passenger screening."

The Sentinel II enhances explosive detection capabilities by rapidly detecting various explosive substances that could emanate from a passenger’s clothing, skin or hair. This non-invasive walk-through scanner helps to reduce the need for pat down procedures at the checkpoints with the devices.

Using Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), the walk-through trace portal operates automatically, passing air gently over a person from head to toe, releasing any particles that are naturally absorbed by or cling to a person’s clothing or body. These particles are then drawn by a vacuum and collected for analysis. Detection of particles or vapors can indicate that a person is either carrying an explosive device or has come into contact with explosive substances.

During the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) field trials, completed in July 2005, the Sentinel II was tested in Terminal 1 of JFK International Airport, as well as at multiple international airports throughout the U.S. to determine the systems capabilities and impact on terminal operations.

Following the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport installations, the Sentinel II will be deployed at Sacramento International Airport on January 13, 2006.

About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection, with North American operations based in Pine Brook, NJ, is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group plc. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons and contraband. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths Heimann X-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides screening solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide.


Media Contacts

Sarah D’Souza
Coltrin & Associates
Phone: 212-221-1616 ext. 102
Sarah_D’Souza@coltrin.com

Susan Cooper
Smiths Detection
Phone: 973-830-2131
Susan.Cooper@smithsdetection.com