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Morpho’s XDi Liquid Explosives Detection Solution Poised for 2013 EU Checkpoint Arrival

Dépèche transmise le 21 juin 2011 par Business Wire

Morpho’s XDi Liquid Explosives Detection Solution Poised for 2013 EU Checkpoint Arrival

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morpho Detection, Inc., the detection business of Morpho, Safran group’s security unit, today announced its XDi X-ray Diffraction-based screening solution is under development for 2013 deployment in time to meet the EU requirement to reliably detect liquid explosives, and their components, in passengers’ carry-on bags at the checkpoint. XDi is being developed at Morpho’s XRD Center of Excellence in Hamburg

“X-ray Diffraction is the only existing technology known capable of delivering a true Type D liquid explosives detection solution to the EU’s passenger checkpoints”

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), widely used for the screening of passengers’ hold baggage for explosive threats, is the only available and proven technology known capable of detecting liquid explosives in containers, in passengers’ bags. This first “Type D” solution will deliver the low false alarm rates and in-bag screening airports need to address real-world operational requirements at their checkpoints, reliably detecting liquid explosives, when available for operational testing in 2012 and regulatory testing in early 2013.

In April 2010, with the release of Commission Regulation No. 297/2010, the European Union announced a plan to lift a long-standing ban on liquids carried by passengers at aviation checkpoints. The change in policy will be phased in -- with a complete lifting of the ban planned for 2013.

“X-ray Diffraction is the only existing technology known capable of delivering a true Type D liquid explosives detection solution to the EU’s passenger checkpoints,” said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. “XRD is already widely and successfully employed for other aviation security applications. Though other technologies claim to accomplish liquid explosives screening, only X-ray Diffraction can reliably detect such threats in containers and in passengers’ bags.”

XDi will add automated liquid explosives detection at the checkpoint. Its low false positive rate will dramatically reduce manual inspections. With fewer false positives and hand inspections of luggage, airports can reduce costs and increase return on investment for security infrastructure, while travelers benefit as they pass through checkpoints more quickly and make it to their planes on time.

XDi will use advanced XRD technology to pinpoint the exact location of liquid explosives in any carry-on bag. XRD technology can accurately distinguish explosives from non-threat materials without the need to open bags or remove contents. This capability will support EU plans to lift the current liquid ban with an automated solution that will also address airports’ needs to maintain checkpoint throughput as they screen an ever higher volume of passengers.

XRD identifies materials based on their molecular composition, not densities or other less distinctive characteristics. As a result, XDi will be able to identify potentially threatening substances in many forms – including powders, solids and liquids – where other technologies cannot. Additionally, XDi will incorporate conventional X-ray for screening for non-explosive threats such as weapons.

Morpho Detection development plans recognize the looming deadlines in the EU and the urgency to effectively address the liquid explosives issue around the world. The company plans to deliver a Type D solution that solves this problem in conjunction with these deadlines.

The full size XDi concept model will be on display at the Paris Air Show, June 20-26 at the Safran stand, Hall 2A, B254.

For more information on Morpho’s detection products, visit www.morpho.com/detection.

About Morpho Detection, Inc.

Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, a business of the Safran group (PAR:SAF), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Following Safran Group’s 2009 acquisition of GE Security’s GE Homeland Protection, Inc. business, Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography (CT), Raman Spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™ technology), X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. With industry-leading products such as the Itemiser® DX trace detection system, the CTX line of explosive detection systems (EDS), and the StreetLab® Mobile hand-held chemical and biological substance identification unit, Morpho Detection’s solutions are deployed to help protect people and property in some of the most important and sensitive world locations.

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