Re Contract

Smiths Group PLC
27 September 2006



Smiths wins $71 million US Government contract for explosives detectors

SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today
announces it has won a contract to supply explosives trace detectors (ETD) to
the US Government with a potential value of $71 million.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the US Department of
Homeland Security, will deploy the Smiths Detection IONSCAN 400B desktop
explosives trace detectors at airports across the United States.

The TSA, which protects America's airports and rail network, has already made
its first purchase under the contract placing a $7.2 million order for IONSCAN
400B machines.

The detectors will be used to scan carry-on and checked baggage for traces of
explosives.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: 'We are
delighted to be able to provide equipment that can contribute greatly to the
detection of threats against the travelling public.

'There are already around 4,000 Smiths IONSCAN explosives trace detectors
deployed at airports in the United States. This contract is recognition of our
technological leadership in the global effort to keep transport systems safe.'

Smiths hand-held explosives detectors are already being used by the New York
Police Department to protect the subway and were involved in high-profile
security trials on the London Underground this year.

Smiths walk-through explosives detection portals are currently deployed at 17 US
airports, including JFK, Washington Dulles and Newark, and were recently
deployed by HM Revenue and Customs at Heathrow and Manchester airports to detect
narcotics.

The IONSCAN 400B is an explosives trace detector that can detect and identify
traces of more than 40 substances in eight seconds.

The desktop unit quickly analyses sample swabs of items such as handbags and
briefcases. The swab sample is then placed into the IONSCAN 400B for analysis
and the results are displayed to the operator.

A detection of trace explosives indicates that an explosive device may be
present or that the person may have been handling explosive material and further
investigation is necessary.

ENDS

IONSCAN is a trade mark of Smiths Detection

Smiths Group

Smiths is a global technology business, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced
technologies.  Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and
more productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical
and Specialty. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50
countries. For more information visit www.smiths-group.com

Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group. Smiths
Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and
identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband,
plus specialist applications for life sciences and food manufacturing
industries. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths-Heimann
x-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides security solutions for customers in
homeland security and defense markets worldwide. For further information visit
www.smithsdetection.com



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