L-3 Lands Contract for Baggage Screening at Singapore Changi Airport

June 29, 2005
L-3 Communications's Security and Detection Systems selected by supply range of systems for screening

NEW YORK -- L-3 Communications announced that its Security and Detection Systems subsidiary was selected by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to supply a range of systems to automatically screen checked baggage for explosives at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). This substantial repeat order includes both advanced technology (AT) and U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-certified computer tomography (CT) systems. It is CAAS's third order for L-3 systems in the past two and a half years, bringing the total purchase value to over $58 million. Once installations are complete, SIN will operate L-3 X-ray systems at every screening level.

L-3 will install ten VIS 108s, five VDS 108s, seven Multi-View Tomography units (MVT), and seven eXaminer 3DX(R) explosive detection systems (EDS) into SIN's new Terminal 3, Low Cost Terminal and VIP Complex. All of the L-3 systems can be networked for ease of integration and operation.

In addition to this latest order, L-3 was recently selected to supply SIN with more than 30 PX-M checkpoint X-ray screening systems for installation in Terminals 1 and 2.

According to Allen Barber, president of L-3 Security and Detection Systems, Inc., the SIN order illustrates how airports can utilize "best in class" TSA-certified equipment and other proven technologies to ensure high throughput and enhanced security. Furthermore, the eXaminer purchase represents international airport operators' growing interest in certification standards set by the TSA.

"From checkpoint to checked baggage, L-3 is providing screening solutions for SIN," said Mr. Barber. "L-3 is uniquely positioned to supply CAAS with a full range of systems that not only satisfy SIN's current security requirements, but also provide the airport with the flexibility to meet anticipated future growth and respond to changing threats."

The L-3 eXaminer is certified by the TSA for aviation bag screening and there are currently more than 550 eXaminer systems deployed worldwide. L-3 has recently introduced a number of industry-leading advancements to the eXaminer that set it apart from competing systems, including:

-- Unprecedented baggage throughput of 600 bags or more per hour when operating within a fully integrated baggage-handling system environment.

-- Industry-leading ability to accommodate long, oversized baggage up to 100 inches (2.64 meters) in length, such as skis or golf club bags.

-- Advanced 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.

-- Additional operational features that improve the overall reliability of in-line systems.

The L-3 MVT meets the demanding needs of the airline industry, which requires high throughput rates while meeting international standards for the automated detection of explosives. MVT systems can be fully integrated into a baggage handling system (BHS) and support multiple detection algorithms that can be switched "on the fly" to meet varying criteria for explosives detection. MVT systems are deployed in the world's most security conscious airports, including London's Heathrow, Amsterdam's Schiphol and Australian airports serviced by the Qantas Group.

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, 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, which also has a large tunnel opening and can accommodate out-of gauge bags up to 98.4 inches (2.5 meters) in length. Both VDS and VIS systems are accepted for use by the U.K. Department for Transportation (DfT) and meet international and U.S. regulatory standards and criteria for the automated detection of explosives in aviation checked-baggage screening applications.

The PX-M checkpoint screening system is currently in use at multiple international airports, courthouses, government facilities, and schools. It features L-3's unrivaled X-ray image quality and integrates advanced technology that allows for more intense scrutiny of suspect objects, as well as features that minimize operator fatigue. The PX-M shares a common architecture and system platform with the LS110-II TRX, one of three checkpoint solutions approved by the TSA for U.S. airports.

Singapore Changi Airport is one of the busiest international hubs in the Asia-Pacific region, serving 80 airlines that fly to 175 cities in 55 countries. The airport opened in 1981 and has been internationally recognized as one of the best in the world.