ICx Technologies Awarded $1 Million by DHS to Adapt Fido® XT Handheld Explosives Detector for Maritime Security and Screening
Explosive Detectors Enhanced to Protect Large-Scale U.S. Ports and Vessels
ICx Technologies has been selected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to adapt its ultra-sensitive Fido® Explosives Detector to provide high-volume sampling capabilities suitable for Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) operations. Through the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA), DHS is currently sponsoring the Rapid Technology Application Program (RTAP) to meet the needs of emergency responders and internal DHS customers. ICx will receive $1 million for the rapid enhancements of current ICx explosives detection systems through this program.
MSST operations require wide-area explosives detection capabilities that are not conducive to a checkpoint scenario. Due to this and other complexities of maritime environments, many approaches to explosives detection, such as the use of canines and technologies like ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS), are not well suited for use by MSSTs. For these reasons, a primary objective of RTAP is the development of a small, rugged, portable device that is capable of accomplishing explosives trace detection on assorted vessels and within facilities in maritime environments.
Through the RTAP project, ICx will modify the Fido sensor to provide a new low-cost, easy-to-use capability for the detection of explosives on fishing boats, container vessels, pleasure boats and other watercraft. These vessels and their dockside facilities are particularly challenging for todayâ??s trace detection equipment due to the large area to be swept in a short amount of time, as well as the environmental challenges that can be encountered.
The modified Fido sensor will provide high-volume sampling capabilities specific to maritime applications. Prototype systems will be tested by DHS to ensure that the goals of the project meet the stated detection requirements. Successful completion under this testing program will signal the transition of the system into a commercial product to support the needs of those served by DHS.
"One of the most difficult tasks for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security forces is the balance between security and industry needs," said Hans Kobler, CEO of ICx Technologies. "ICx Technologies is committed to the development and deployment of innovative detection devices that provide accurate, rapid responses without inhibiting the pace of commerce."
The Fido XT detects explosive materials and related vapors in a user-friendly, handheld device weighing less than three pounds. Utilizing ultra-sensitive vapor detection technology, the Fido has performance capabilities comparable to that of highly trained bomb sniffing dogs.
"Our mission is to put laboratory caliber technology into the hands of the men and women on the front line," said Kobler. "We strive to make our sensors, more sensitive and selective, while still being affordable and easy to use. This award will help further drive us in this direction."
Fido is currently in service with the US military in the fight against improvised explosive devices and vehicle-borne IEDS at home and abroad.
About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. The Company’s advanced thermal imaging and threat detection systems are used for a wide variety of imaging, thermography, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, navigation, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. Visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com.
The statements in this release by Earl R. Lewis, and the other statements in this release about the award described above, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including the following: the ability to manufacture and deliver the systems referenced in this release, changes in demand for the Company's products, product mix, the timing of deliveries under the award discussed above, the impact of competitive products and pricing, constraints on supplies of critical components, excess or shortage of production capacity, the ability of the Company to manufacture and ship products in the time period required, actual purchases under agreements, the Company's continuing compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, the timely receipt of export licenses for international shipments, the continuing eligibility of the Company to act as a federal contractor, and other risks discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet service providers.
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