NEW YORK, 21 Nov. 2005. L-3 Communications announced today that its Security and Detection Systems subsidiary has been chosen to provide a range of systems that automatically screen checked baggage for explosives at nine Mexican airports.
The first phase of the rollout includes nine eXaminer 3DX systems, four VIS 108 systems, and four VDS 108 systems.
The eXaminer explosives detection system (EDS) is a computer tomography (CT) system that is certified by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for automated explosives detection. The VIS 108 and VDS 108 use advanced technology (AT) screening systems for explosives detection. Both systems are accepted for use by the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) and meet international and U.S. regulatory standards and criteria for the automated detection of explosives in aviation checked-baggage screening applications.
L-3 will install the nine eXaminer systems at Cancun International Airport, a major international airport that serves as the gateway to Mexico's Caribbean resort area. VIS 108 and VDS 108 systems will be installed at the eight remaining airports belonging to the Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) group. They include:
* Cozumel,
* Huatulco,
* Merida,
* Minatitlan,
* Oaxaca,
* Tapachula,
* Veracruz, and
* Villahermosa.
"L-3's business in the international market continues to expand, helping nations to meet the changing and demanding needs of airport security," said Thomas Ripp, president of L-3 Security & Detection Systems. "With our range of CT and AT products, L-3 can tailor solutions to specific airports, providing advanced explosives detection capabilities without compromising baggage throughput."
The L-3 systems are scheduled to be operational in December 2005, enabling these six Mexican airports to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) January 1, 2006 security-screening deadline. The ICAO has mandated that airports within its member countries perform 100-percent checked-baggage screening for explosives.
The L-3 eXaminer 3DX is certified by the TSA for aviation bag screening, and there are currently more than 600 eXaminer systems deployed worldwide. L-3 has recently introduced a number of advancements to the eXaminer that set it apart from competing systems, including:
* baggage throughput of 600 bags or more per hour when operating within a fully integrated baggage-handling system environment,
* ability to accommodate long, oversized baggage up to 100 inches (2.54 meters) in length, such as skis or golf club bags,
* 3-D imaging capability allowing operators to resolve alarmed bags more quickly, resulting in improved operational efficiencies,
* networking capability that allows images from multiple machines to be evaluated by multiple operators over a secure system, and
* features that improve the overall reliability of in-line systems.
Accepted for use by the U.K. DfT, the VIS 108 is a high-speed, automated, in-line EDS specifically designed to meet the needs of multi-level hold-baggage screening. It provides automatic explosive detection at a rate of 1,800 bags per hour, with proven easy integration, high reliability and a large tunnel opening to screen large and out-of-gauge baggage.
The VDS 108 is a freestanding automated EDS similar to the VIS system; it also has a large tunnel opening, can accommodate out-of gauge bags up to 98.4 inches (2.5 meters) in length, and is accepted for use by the U.K. DfT.
With a broad range of systems and technology, and an installed base of more than 18,000 systems worldwide, L-3 Security & Detection Systems offers screening technologies for numerous security applications that include: (1) aviation systems for hold-baggage explosives detection, oversized baggage, and checkpoint screening; (2) cargo and air freight screening; (3) port and border inspection; and (4) facility protection. L-3 Security & Detection Systems' customer base includes major airlines, airports, numerous government agencies around the world (including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Agriculture), and international authorities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. For more information, see www.L-3com.com/xray.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training, and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors. For more information, see www.L-3Com.com.
