Morpho (Safran), through its subsidiary Morpho Detection, announced it has received a contract valued at approximately $10 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) for the development of a next-generation checked baggage explosives detection system (EDS).
Morpho first began working on the project in 2011, and has to date received approximately $7 million in incremental funding from the contract. Under terms of the contract, Morpho will deliver a prototype EDS based on advanced X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology in 2015. By utilizing advanced XRD technology to detect liquid and homemade explosives and IEDs in checked baggage, Morpho's next-generation EDS will give airports the detection and operational capabilities needed to meet emerging threats while accommodating anticipated growth.
“Morpho Detection is honored to continue our decades-long work with the U.S. government developing explosives detection systems to meet current and emerging security threats,” said Cameron Ritchie, vice president, technology and chief technology officer, Morpho Detection. “This contract is another example of our commitment to develop next-generation technology and deliver the most advanced solutions available to protect air travelers and streamline the security screening process.”
Since 1994, all Morpho EDS systems have achieved TSA certification by meeting stringent requirements for both throughput and detection. In addition to checked baggage, Morpho is developing the XRD-based XDi? cabin baggage screening system for airport checkpoints. Scheduled for commercial availability in 2015, XDi will provide the detection and throughput capabilities needed to lift current checkpoint liquids restrictions and enhance the passenger screening process.