NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 2005--L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Security and Detection Systems subsidiary has formally received explosives detection certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for several of its explosives screening systems. L-3 is amongst a select few manufacturers of aviation screening products to have received the prestigious CAAC certification, making L-3 eligible to win significant future aviation security contracts in China.
The eXaminer 3DX(R), Multi-View Tomography High Resolution (MVT-HR(R)), VIS 108(R) and PX-M(R) systems have been formally qualified for use in the civil aviation industry of China. Select L-3 explosives screening systems have also been certified by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and accepted for use by the U.K. Department for Transportation (DfT).
"With certification in China, L-3 has now established itself as the explosives screening manufacturer of choice for the world's most important aviation markets," said Thomas Ripp, president of Security and Detection Systems. "Obtaining certification from the CAAC further cements our unique position as the only company that can provide a full range of screening products for the aviation industry."
The eXaminer explosives detection system (EDS) has previously been certified by the TSA for aviation bag screening and there are currently more than 600 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 (2.54 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.
L-3's MVT and MVT-HR systems meet the demanding needs of the airline industry, which requires high throughput rates while meeting international standards for the automated detection of explosives. The 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. Additionally, the 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 VIS systems is accepted for use by the U.K. DfT and meets 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(R), one of three checkpoint solutions approved by the TSA for U.S. airports.
With a broad range of systems and technology, and an installed base of more than 18,000 systems worldwide, L-3 Security & Detection Systems offers screening technologies for numerous security applications that include: (1) aviation systems for hold baggage explosives detection, oversized baggage, and checkpoint screening; (2) cargo and air freight screening; (3) port and border inspection; and (4) facility protection. L-3 Security & Detection Systems' customer base includes major airlines, airports, numerous government agencies around the world (including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Agriculture), and international authorities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
To learn more about L-3 Communications Security & Detection Systems, please visit the company's website at www.L-3com.com/xray.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.
To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at www.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. 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.
CONTACT: L-3 Communications Cynthia Swain, 212-697-1111 or Financial Dynamics Investors: Eric Boyriven, Olivia Pirovano Media: Evan Goetz 212-850-5600 KEYWORD: NEW YORK CHINA INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFICINDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS GOVERNMENT AIRLINES TRANSPORTATION NETWORKINGSOURCE: L-3 Communications
