Smiths - airport contract

Smiths Group PLC
31 July 2003


For immediate release


Press Contacts: Jennifer Villarreal  Richard Bayliss       Monika Witt
Tel:            [phone]      [phone]   [phone]


Smiths earns major contracts for additional airport
screening equipment

29 July 2003, Warren, NJ - Continuous improvements in airport security standards
have resulted in further orders for Smiths trace detection and x-ray security
equipment, valued at more than $15 million.  Around one-third of  this is the
value of a contract for additional Ionscan 400B explosives detection machines
for the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), for deployment at a
number of airports across the USA.

The TSA is acquiring the additional detection equipment to expand its operations
at airport security checkpoints, increasing screening levels and passenger
throughput.  The Ionscan 400B is the principal product used by the TSA for trace
detection of explosives in carry-on baggage, to protect air travellers against
terrorist threats.  Over 3,000 Ionscan 400B machines, capable of detecting the
smallest traces of explosives substances on hand luggage, have been purchased
from Smiths Detection during the past 12 months for use in most  major airports
throughout the US.

In addition to orders for trace detection equipment from Smiths Detection, the
TSA recently awarded Smiths Heimann a contract for x-ray systems valued at more
than $7 million, for checkpoint carry-on baggage.  These x-ray screening
systems, which will work alongside the Ionscan 400B detectors at many airports,
are equipped with threat image projection technology to improve training
procedures. Smiths Heimann has been awarded contracts covering more than 50 per
cent of TSA purchases of x-ray units for security checkpoints.
In another new contract, Smiths Heimann will supply the HI-SCAN 10080 EDtS
automatic explosives detection system, for installation at a number of UK,
airports. The contract, placed by British Airports Authorities (BAA), requires
delivery by September 2003. The EDtS systems provide automatic explosives
inspection of all checked baggage before loading onto an aircraft, with
throughput up to 1,800 bags per hour.

In Senegal, Dakar International Airport has become the first  African airport to
take delivery of the Sentinel II explosives detection portal, made by Smiths
Detection.  The passenger screening device is now being installed, together with
the Ionscan 400B trace detector. The increased security measures form an
important part of the refurbishment at Dakar, one of the busiest airports in
west Africa handling many trans-Atlantic and European flights, and which is
setting a standard for security that will provide a benchmark throughout the
African continent. The new trace detection equipment will operate alongside
x-ray security systems supplied recently by Smiths Heimann.

Sentinel II is currently undergoing extensive trials in Terminal 1 of the
world's busiest airport, London Heathrow. Over 75,000 passengers, randomly
selected,  have now passed through the portal, which adds to existing layers of
security without compromising throughput. Following the current evaluation,
airport operator BAA will consider the wider introduction of Sentinel, as part
of a continuous programme to increase public confidence in air travel.

In addition to these latest orders, x-ray equipment that forms the largest ever
automatic explosives detection project for Smiths Heimann, has just entered into
service with the opening of Munich Airport's new Terminal 2.  Forming a fully
integrated multi-level system at Germany's 2nd busiest airport, Smiths Heimann
has supplied 19 'Level 1' and 11 'Level 2' systems, valued at Euros 17 million,
to provide 100% hold baggage screening.

From August 1, 2003, Smiths Detection and Smiths Heimann will form the new
Detection division of Smiths Group plc. Combining the trace detection and x-ray
security technologies of the two businesses, the new Smiths Detection division
will provide screening solutions for customers in civil and military markets
worldwide.  In addition to explosives detection, Smiths Detection specialises in
equipment to identify chemical and biological agents, contraband, narcotics, and
hazardous or dangerous items. Specialist operations cover life sciences, product
inspection (food) and biometric systems.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange