EADS North America Develops Portable Explosive Detector
The U.S.-based division of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) has completed development of a portable explosive detection device that determines whether suspicious objects contain chemical, radiological, nuclear or explosive threats. The man-portable SONEX-P weighs 50-pounds and is able to identify in as little as 90 seconds both the presence and location of threats located in parcels, luggage, ordnance or abandoned bags. “With the push of a button, SONEX-P allows first responders including explosive ordnance disposal teams to identify and characterize material threats concealed in everyday objects,” says Sean O’Keefe, chairman and CEO of EADS North Amerca. “We are working with the Navy to customize the product and provide the greatest possible protection for disposal teams, first responders and the general public.” The system works by projecting neutron particles at an object to identify the type, location and mass of the suspicious material. The system operator receives an automatic indication of a threat or no-threat condition with supporting 3D images.
Sandia Researchers Developing More Discriminating Sensors for Explosives Detection
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing sensors based on chemiresistor technology developed at the lab years ago that can detect relatively high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and differentiate that from a common interfering substance such as water. The sensor has other potential uses such as monitoring underground water, looking for plumes of contamination or monitoring industrial processes. Challenges ahead include reducing the chemical reaction time so that the sensor can work more quickly at a checkpoint and integrating it into a system that can gather a sample for analysis. The researchers say the sensor doesn’t need a significant amount of electronic processing or power supplies and can fit into a detector unit the size of a small handheld vacuum cleaner.
Smiths Detection Installs High Speed EDS System at German Airport
Smiths Detection says it has installed its HI-SCAN 10080 XCT explosive detection system (EDS) at an airport in Bremen, Germany, marking the first operational deployment of the hold baggage scanner, which was launched in 2012. The scanner, which combines X-Ray imaging and computed tomography to screen up to 1,800 bags per hour, allows airport authorities at Terminal 3 to upgrade checked baggage screening to the European Civil Aviation Conference EDS Standard 3 requirements for the first time. Standard 3 requirements will be mandatory for new EDS equipment at airports in the European Union beginning in Sept. 2014. The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is the fastest and largest tunnel-sized checked baggage screening system that is EU Standard 3 certified. Analogic [ALOG] is a key supplier to Smiths for the CT technology on the system.
EADS Delivers 15th HC-144A Patrol Aircraft to Coast Guard
The Coast Guard has taken delivery of its 15th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft from the U.S.-based division of prime contractor European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS). The aircraft, delivered on-time and on-budget, can remain airborne for more than 10 hours while performing a range of missions, including drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue. The Coast Guard has three more HC-144A aircraft on order and hopes to buy up to 36 of the patrol planes.
Suspect Detection Systems Conducts Cogito Pilot
Suspect Detection Systems, Inc. (SDSS), says it has completed a successful pilot of its Cogito security system with federal law enforcement agencies in a country that was part of the Former Soviet Union. The company says the test demonstrated the ability of the system to successfully identify criminals and terrorists in a variety of setting and applications, including large crowds. It adds that the technology led directly to admissions of guild during further interrogation of suspects. “We are extremely pleased with the presentation of Cogito into a wholly-new market for SDSS as well as with the successful results of the pilot,” says Gil Boosidian, CEO of SDSS. “We have been advised by our contractor that the success of the pilot is likely to lead to one or perhaps more commercial purchases of Cogito technology by their law enforcement agencies.”