L-3 Communications Secuirty & Detection Systems
by L-3 Security & Detection Systems
L-3 Communications Security & Detection Systems (S&DS) is a leading global provider of products and services that help ensure the safety and security of aviation, shipping, transportation border control, and public and private facilities.
Working in partnership with government authorities, private enterprises and other leading security providers, L-3 S&DS has broad experience in developing and delivering multi-system, multi-level screening solutions that are customised to meet the unique requirements of each project and fully integrated with other security technology and infrastructure systems.
With an installed base of more than 18,000 systems and an established presence in 60-plus countries, L-3 S&DS is well qualified to help customers navigate the complexities of local regulations, security standards, business customs and service and support needs.
ITALIAN BORDER POLICE USE L-3 MOBILE X-RAY SYSTEM
L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc. and its partner in Italy, Italarms srl, recently unveiled a pair of CX-3800M mobile X-Ray systems to the Italian Border Police during an event in Rome that will use the system to inspect large trucks, shipping containers and other cargo for contraband including weapons, drugs and people.
The Italian Border Police Service presented the two CX-3800M systems to Italian Interior Minister, Giuseppe Pisanu, and other government officials at the Polizia di Stato headquarters in Rome. As mobile systems, the CX-3800M can be used at a number of Italian ports such as Naples, Ravenna, Livorno, Brindisi or Bari.
The CX-3800M system features a 3.8 MeV linear accelerator that provides the highest penetration capability achieved by mobile cargo systems today. The system utilises the latest imaging technology, which provides high-quality images with the best resolution available in the industry. The CX-3800M systems developed for the Italian Border Police are built on Volvo European FM 15 chassis. The systems are fully road-legal and do not require special permits.
The CX-3800M system is in use in the Netherlands and L-3 has several scheduled deliveries of additional systems in other European nations. The mobile X-Ray screening system has also been tested and demonstrated at maritime ports, airports and other facilities throughout the United States. The system offers mobility to high-volume, security-sensitive screening environments, such as border crossings, maritime port facilities, airports, customs facilities and other high-security cargo screening locations.
CX-3800M
Key features of the CX-3800M include:
- The L-3 CX-3800M has a throughput of over 20 trucks per hour and is capable of imaging the contents of a fully loaded, 18-wheeled tractor-trailer or 40ft cargo container with unparalleled detail.
- Each CX-3800M mobile system has the capability to penetrate up to 270mm (10.6 inches) of steel using a state-of-the-art 3.8MeV linear accelerator.
- Using the CX-3800M, operators can quickly verify manifests, detect stowaways and seek out threats, explosives, weapons, drugs and contraband.
ADVANCED L-3 X-RAY SYSTEM SCREENS CARGO AT MIDDLE EAST PORT
Sharjah Customs of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) wil be using two CX-3800G high-energy X-Ray cargo inspection systems that will be deployed at two of Sharjah’s main ports that handle over 1.5 million tons of cargo each year.
The CX-3800G combines key features, such as superior imaging and resolution with high-energy scanning, to offer customs officials unmatched performance and significant cost advantages.
CX-3800G
As the regulatory agency that oversees some of the busiest ports in the Middle East, Sharjah Customs required a screening system that offers superior images of the contents of containers, without disrupting port throughput.
L-3 is a leader in the development and worldwide deployment of cargo screening solutions, and is uniquely positioned to tailor a system to the specific needs of this region.
L-3’s CX-3800G high-energy X-Ray cargo screening system is very flexible, capable of inspecting trucks, ISO intermodal shipping containers, vans and cars. Each system utilises a 3.8 MeV high-energy X-Ray that can penetrate over 10-inches (270 mm) of steel, and achieves a throughput rate of approximately 25 full containers per hour.
EG&G Middle East, which acts as L-3’s distributor and systems integrator in the UAE as well as throughout the GCC and other parts of the Middle East, will supply the X-Ray systems to Sharjah Customs. In addition to distributing L-3’s cargo X-Ray systems, EG&G Middle East also provides integration, training and maintenance services to its customers throughout the region.
EUROSTAR PASSENGER X-RAY SYSTEM
The terrorist bombings of four commuter trains in Madrid that killed 170 people on
11 March 2004 highlighted the vulnerability of Europe’s rail system. As a result, many rail firms are increasing security on their train lines.
The Eurostar between London, Paris, Lille and Brussels, is one rail firm investing in controlled entry and exit points with airport-style screening. Before boarding passengers pass through a metal detector and all luggage is screened by X-Ray scanners, supplied by L-3 Security and Detection Systems.
The French national rail company, SNCF, started operating its high-speed Eurostar rail service linking the UK with France and Belgium via the Channel Tunnel in 1994. Since then, Eurostar has carried 59 million passengers. With the number of air passengers falling on London-Paris routes, Eurostar has gained a 68 per cent share of the London-Paris rail/air market.
eurostar train
In the first six months of 2004, Eurostar carried 3.4 million passengers through the Channel Tunnel, an increase of 19 percent, and this will grow when the new international station at London’s St Pancras station opens in 2007.
As the Eurostar network extends across France, SNCF is investing in X-Ray systems for screening luggage in the left luggage areas in the larger stations. L-3 Security and Detection System installed the first X-Ray system at Paris Gare du Nord in 2001 with a further nine systems commissioned at six Eurostar stations across France.
HTDS France installed the systems for L-3 Security and Detection Systems in Paris, working closely with SNCF that required a system that would screen large pieces of luggage.
L-3 Security and Detection Systems provided the best solution and one which is supported by an effective technical support service. This was a particularly important selection criterion for SNCF given the need for quick response to any problems that may occur. As the systems are in constant use they need to be robust - this particular system from L-3 is robust, simple to use and provides excellent imagery.
With the need for effective security controls to be implemented by the rail industry L-3 has been able to provide complete solutions that meet international codes and regulations.
GAMBIAN PORT USES L-3 MOBILE X-RAY SYSTEM
As ports across the globe gain ISPS compliance and work with the rules of US Container Security Initiative regulations, Customs and Port Authorities are investing in technology to raise security standards.
In Africa, a number of ports are investing in multi-role X-Ray devices that help customs officers and port officials tackle the issues of trade compliance and security. One such country is the emerging West African nation of Gambia, which has a long tradition as a leading maritime centre for trade at the Port of Banjul.
Located on the River Gambia, 26 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Banjul is a multipurpose port catering for containerised, RO-RO-off traffic, break bulk, liquid and dry bulk as well as neo-bulk cargoes, handling around 700,000 tons of cargo each year and serves major lines operating in West Africa.
The Gambia Government has selected Scanning Systems Limited, a UK company, to purchase and operate a mobile X-Ray screening unit to comply with the ISPS code and also to enhance Customs facilities in the port, manufactured by L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems.
Principal Collector Customs, Abdou MC Jallow of the Gambia Customs Department stated, “Banjul is one of the busiest ports in West Africa and handles a variety of cargo. Each day the port processes anything from containers to cars, vans or trucks that are being imported into Gambia.
“With imported goods, false documentation is used to either hide the fact that there may be contraband in the container, or mis-declare goods for the purposes of tax evasion, so we have a very real need to inspect cargo safely while ensuring the correct revenue is paid.
“The mobile X-Ray system will be used to check all containers moving in and out of the port and to scan anything suspicious. If a threat or other sort of anomaly is identified during the scan, our officers then take a closer look at it.”
The equipment used in Gambia utilizes a 450kV X-Ray system, which can penetrate up to 4.0 inches (100 mm) of steel while providing a clear, sharp image. Operators can inspect high-volumes of cargo within large consignments. This means that customs staff have the capacity to inspect trucks, ISO intermodal shipping containers, vans and cars and achieving a throughput rate of approximately 25 full containers an hour.
L-3 Security and Detection Systems has seen how heightened security measures being implemented in Europe and the Middle East are being closely followed by ports in Africa as they gear up to meet the ISPS code and the US Container Security Initiative.
For additional information on L-3, go to www.L-3com.com/xray