WOBURN, Mass – L-3 Security & Detection Systems announced today that the United Kingdom Department for Transport (DfT) has approved its OptEX® explosives trace detection (ETD) system for use in U.K. transportation security applications.
OptEX is based on L-3’s innovative energetic materials detection (EMD) technology, which uses thermal signatures to detect trace levels of explosives from the surfaces of objects, vehicles or people in order to indicate a potential explosives threat. OptEX is already in use at more than a dozen Australian airports and has been deployed in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas for transportation security, law enforcement, and military and commercial applications.
“The DfT’s addition of OptEX to its Approved Equipment List (AEL) affirms our products’ superior screening capabilities for demanding aviation applications at the checkpoint, in the checked baggage areas and for air cargo screening,” said Thomas M. Ripp, president of L-3 Security & Detection Systems. “Featuring leading-edge EMD technology with inherent advantages over conventional trace detection systems, our OptEX offers faster throughput, higher system availability and lower operating costs.”
L-3’s OptEX delivers exceptional operational efficiency with a five-second analysis capability and a rapid post-alarm clear-down time of less than ten seconds. Unlike alternative systems, OptEX does not require
substance reference libraries that must be continually updated, and its reusable swabs can significantly reduce overall operating costs. Applications for OptEX include air cargo, hold baggage and checkpoint applications in airport terminals, government and commercial facilities, military installations, and supply chain facilities.
About L-3 Security & Detection Systems With more than 50,000 systems deployed and supported around the globe, L-3 Security & Detection Systems (SDS) is a leading supplier of security screening solutions. For more than 30 years, L-3 SDS has developed and manufactured cutting-edge products using advanced technologies that include 3-D computed tomography; automated, conventional and high-energy X-ray; active millimeter wave imaging; metal detection; and energetic trace explosives detection. L-3 SDS solutions are used by the aviation and transportation industries, regulatory and customs authorities, government and law enforcement agencies, and commercial and other secure facilities. Applications include the screening of people, vehicles, baggage, cargo and packages for explosives, firearms, drugs, contraband and intellectual property. To learn more about L-3 SDS, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com/sds.
About L-3 Communications Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs approximately 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2010 sales of $15.7 billion. To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com.
For more information, contact: Theresa Taft, Public Relations L-3 Security & Detection Systems Phone: 781-939-3806 Email: Theresa.Taft@L-3com.com
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “will,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.