X-ray Diffraction’s low false alarm rate and reduced need for manual inspections dramatically improves screening effectiveness, detection performance and passenger convenience

Brussels – Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, Safran group’s security business, today announced its XRD 3500™ has become the first X-ray Diffraction-based explosives detection system (EDS) to be tested and evaluated by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) as meeting the ECAC Standard 3 technical specifications, the requirement for complying with the European Union’s Standard 3 for hold baggage screening.

As a result of this milestone, EU airport operators and security organizations can meet tomorrow’s EDS mandates with a system that is standards compliant through 2012 and beyond. Beginning in 2012, Standard 3-certified EDS systems will be the preferred screening solution at EU airports. Future mandates will include a Standard 3 certification requirement.

“The XRD 3500 utilizes advanced X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technology to pinpoint the exact location of potential explosives in any given suitcase,” said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. “With this capability, airports are able to screen checked bags more effectively, reducing the number of bags requiring manual inspection. With fewer false positives and hand inspections of luggage, airports can reduce costs and increase return on investment for security infrastructure, while travelers benefit as more bags make it to their planes on time.”

Using XRD technology, the XRD 3500 can accurately distinguish explosives from non-threat materials in luggage without the need to open the bag or remove its contents. Additionally, the XRD 3500’s extremely low false alarm rate results in a simplified inspection process. XRD technology identifies materials based on their molecular composition, not densities or other less distinctive characteristics. As a result, the XRD 3500 can identify potentially threatening substances in many forms – including powders, solids and liquids – where other technologies cannot.

For more information on the XRD 3500 or other Morpho Detection products, please visit www.morpho.com/detection.

About Morpho Detection, Inc.

Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, a business of the Safran group (PAR: SAF), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Following Safran Group’s 2009 acquisition of GE Security’s GE Homeland Protection, Inc. business, Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography (CT), Raman Spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™ technology), X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. With industry-leading products such as the Itemiser® DX trace detection system, the CTX line of explosive detection systems (EDS), and the StreetLab® Mobile hand-held chemical and biological substance identification unit, Morpho Detection’s solutions are deployed to help protect people and property in some of the most important and sensitive world locations.