Smiths Detection: mobile and stationary X-ray systems for cargo screening. Customs and border protection requirements are constantly evolving. Traditional fiscal roles continue, such as the collection of excise duties, but there is now additional emphasis on the identification of threats to local and national security – a first line of defence against possible insurgent attacks. The priorities have moved from monitoring cross-border cargo and reducing international shipments of contraband, to screening for explosives, arms, dirty bombs and weapons of mass destruction.

Identifying such threats is increasingly more difficult, hidden inside a vehicle or concealed in the middle of the shipment. The challenge is rapid detection without disrupting the daily flow of goods. Smiths Detection HCV X-ray systems have set the industry standard in cargo inspection for more than 15 years. They are available in various forms, from mobile units ready for use on all terrains in less than 30 minutes, up to fixed high-volume installations.

More than 250 cargo screening systems and over 200 mobile cargo systems have been supplied worldwide, and the sophisticated mobile and stationary Xray screening systems now will provide security scanning at various US locations.

X-ray Screening Systems for the US Government

In January Smiths Detection announced that it has been awarded three contracts totalling US$ 58.3 million from a US Government agency. The contracts are for advanced, high-energy cargo screening solutions including three different Xray screening configurations: the HCV Mobile, HCV Gantry and HCV Pass-through systems. With the exception of the HCV Pass-Through, each high-energy cargo screening system will be deployed at various locations within the United States for the inspection of inbound and outbound shipping containers and trucks.

Stephen Phipson, group managing director of Smiths Detection, said: “This contract is a strong validation of our high-energy X-ray products suite. These state-of-the-art detection systems will be used to secure ports by rapidly assisting in the identification of potentially life threatening or illegal shipments. We look forward to delivering security solutions that will help make the world safer.”

Cherif Rizkalla, president, Smiths Detection Americas, said: “This suite of security products, the HCV Mobile, fixed Gantry and highthroughput Pass-Through systems add a flexible layer of security in our nation’s fight to protect our ports and borders against terrorism.”

Contact:

Charlotte Breitwieser
Smiths Detection,
Wiesbaden, Germany
Tel.: +49 611 9412 189
Fax: +49 611 9412 661
charlotte.breitwieser@smiths-heimann.com
www.smithsdetection.com