WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2004--
U.S. Transportation Security Administration Program Designed To Strengthen Airport Security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that San Diego International Airport has become the third airport in the country to launch a live pilot of GE's EntryScan3 walk-through explosives detector. San Diego International Airport is the largest airport to date to deploy EntryScan3.
EntryScan3 is one of a range of GE explosive detection technologies currently protecting infrastructure at critical locations throughout the United States.
At a June press conference in Warwick, RI, the TSA announced that it would evaluate EntryScan3's screening of passengers for explosives at security checkpoints in five airports in the United States. In addition to San Diego International Airport, trials of EntryScan3 are already underway at T.F. Green Airport, Warwick, RI and Rochester International Airport, Rochester, NY. The two remaining airports chosen to pilot this new technology are Tampa International Airport, Tampa, FL and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport, MS.
Some passengers at San Diego International Airport will be asked to step into the trace portal and remain still for a few seconds while several quick "puffs" of air are released, prior to walking through the metal detector. The pilot program will last 45 days and is expected to yield important data on technology effectiveness, passenger wait times, and impact on airport operations.
"In seconds, EntryScan3 can help detect microscopic traces of explosives and identify potential threats to security screeners. With its rapid throughput and cutting-edge technology, it is well suited to this trial," said Ken Boyda, president of GE Security. "We are delighted to be able to partner with the Transportation Security Administration and participate in this landmark airport security program. We are confident that EntryScan3 will perform successfully in San Diego and that the ongoing trials at airports in New York and Rhode Island will deliver strong results."
"The trial is part of the TSA's on-going efforts to implement cutting edge technology and enhance the security of the aviation system," said Mark Hatfield, Jr., TSA Director of Communications and Public Information.
About EntryScan3
The EntryScan3's patented sample collection system takes advantage of a natural airflow phenomenon called the "human convection plume." This eliminates the need for forced air from a fan, which would stir up contaminants, dirt, and dust, and enables cleaner sample acquisition for higher detection sensitivity. This design also requires fewer moving parts resulting in quieter operation, reduced weight, and improved long-term reliability.
EntryScan3 utilizes GE's patented Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer (ITMS(R)) technology, enabling its users to detect a wider range of contraband with unprecedented sensitivity. It achieves this through a proprietary ion "trap" that increases ionization efficiency, the main factor determining detection sensitivity. EntryScan3 is the only walk-through portal with versatile detection of both positive and negative ions, enabling the detection of the broadest spectrum of explosives in seconds.
About GE Infrastructure
GE Infrastructure (NYSE: GE) is a high-technology platform comprised of some of GE's fastest-growing businesses. These global businesses offer a set of infrastructure protection and productivity solutions to some of the most pressing issues that industries face: pure water, safe facilities, plant automation, and sensing applications in the operating environment. GE Infrastructure is headquartered in Wilton, CT. Learn more at www.geinfrastructure.com.
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CONTACT:
GE Ion Track, Inc.
James Bergen, 978-909-1215