WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 2004--
U.S. Transportation Security Administration Program Designed To
Enhance Airport Security
Tampa International Airport today became the fourth airport in the country to participate in a live pilot of GE's EntryScan3 walk-through explosives detector conducted by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.
EntryScan3, developed by GE Infrastructure, Security, a unit of the General Electric Company, is one of a range of GE explosives detection technologies currently helping to protect infrastructure at thousands of critical locations throughout the United States.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced plans in June to evaluate the GE EntryScan3's screening of passengers for explosives at security checkpoints in five airports in the United States. The trial is already underway at T.F. Green Airport, Warwick, RI, Greater Rochester International Airport, Rochester, NY, and San Diego International Airport, San Diego, CA. The final airport scheduled to participate in the trial is Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport, MS.
"In the time than it takes most people to tie their shoes, GE's EntryScan3 screens passengers for microscopic traces of explosives to help identify potential threats," said Louis Parker, president and CEO for the homeland protection business of GE Infrastructure, Security. EntryScan3 was designed to help secure critical infrastructure by effectively screening people for explosives in a non-intrusive manner, while helping to maintain efficient checkpoint flow.
"EntryScan3 is a great example of how GE's partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration is working to help provide increased security and peace of mind to the traveling public," adds Parker.
"Following positive feedback from ongoing trials of EntryScan3 at airports in New York, Rhode Island, and California, we are confident of strong results in Tampa," said Parker.
"The trial is part of the TSA's ongoing 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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