Morpho (Safran), through its subsidiary Morpho Detection, has announced a research and development (R&D) contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to develop the Advanced Itemiser DX Air Cargo explosives trace detector (ETD).
Under terms of the contract, valued at nearly $1 million, Morpho Detection will develop and build an Advanced Itemiser DX retrofit kit for the aviation security market – a major user of the Itemiser DX. The air cargo upgrade kit is designed to enhance detection capabilities for new explosives threats and increase the threat library capacity. Morpho Detection will deliver three prototype kits for DHS S&T validation in early 2016.
“Morpho Detection takes great pride in our decades-long work collaborating with the U.S. government to develop and deploy advanced security technologies and solutions,” said Karen Bomba, president and CEO, Morpho Detection. “The Advanced Itemiser DX will help maximize system life by quickly and easily upgrading ETD detection capabilities to meet emerging threats and air cargo screening challenges.”
A lightweight and portable desktop system, Itemiser DX can detect residue from explosives on parcels, bags, cargo, skin, clothing, vehicles, and other surfaces. Approved by seven global regulatory agencies, more than 5,000 Itemiser DX units have been deployed to airports, air cargo screening facilities and secure locations around the world.