Systems for the identification of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive hazards are shown for the first time at the Paris Air Show

LE BOURGET, France -- A trio of advanced EADS sensors designed to detect homeland security threats that range from drugs and explosives to chemical, biological and nuclear hazards is being displayed for the first time at this week's Paris Air Show.

These systems utilize EADS technologies that have been adapted to portable detection sensor applications at the initiative of the company's Chief Technical Officer and EADS Innovation Works, along with EADS SODERN in cooperation with EADS North America's new Homeland Security Program Office.

Two of them - the Laser Ion Mobility Spectrometry (LIMS) sensor and the Bio Detection System - were evolved from development activity at EADS Innovation Works, the Group's center for corporate research, while the neutron interrogation sensor is based on defense and industrial systems already fielded by EADS SODERN.

"This is an extremely important step for EADS, as it shows how advanced technology and systems from throughout the company can be identified and tailored for specific applications in the United States," said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman and CEO of EADS North America. "We are now seeking partners for the marketing and industrialization of these three very capable systems."

"EADS has put a priority on identifying licensing opportunities for our company's technologies, and the three sensors unveiled at the Paris Air Show are an excellent example how we can bring new capabilities to the U.S. for homeland security threats," said EADS Chief Technical Officer Jean Botti.

The Laser Ion Mobility Spectrometry (LIMS) sensor detects chemical and explosive threats, as well as drugs. It can be used for personnel and baggage screening in public locations such as airports, train and subway stations, and cruise ship departure points; as well as at secure facilities, prisons and other sites. It collects and analyzes tiny amounts of vapor or particles, and utilizes advanced laser technology for significantly improved sensitivity and selectivity.

EADS' application of an advanced laser for LIMS provides a system that is much faster and more versatile than currently-available systems, and is significantly less susceptible to false alarms.

The system prototype exhibited at the Paris Air Show is a book-sized LIMS system that has been integrated into a portal demonstrator, and further development is planned for a hand-held version.

The EADS Bio Detection System being shown at Le Bourget provides very fast detection of biological threats in drinking water. The system uses advanced micro-mechanical filters operating at 450 nanometers, can detect microscopic bio-hazards including bacteria and single organisms, is repeatable and provides results in 15 minutes. Operating automatically and unattended, it can deliver real-time alerts at reservoirs, in water systems and storage areas.

EADS' development of the Bio Detection System began for a potential application on large commercial airliners, and the current desktop-sized demonstrator will be further reduced to a hand-held device.

"Our Bio Detection System reduces detection from the current timeframe of hours or days to a matter of minutes, and it eliminates the need to take samples from the water source to a laboratory," explained Samuel D. Wyman III, the Vice President of Homeland Security Programs at EADS North America.

Also exhibited at the Paris Air Show is a suitcase-sized demonstrator of an EADS SODERN portable system for detection and identification of explosives and chemicals, as well as nuclear and radioactive materials. The technology has the potential to be developed for larger systems to screen the contents of cargo containers, trucks and checked luggage streams at airports. A system for land mine detection is at an advanced stage of development.

It uses EADS SODERN's fast 3D neutron penetration technology for the bulk inspection of luggage and shipping containers - even in cases where heavily-shielded materials are inspected.

Wyman said the system's advanced neutron tube results in faster scanning than with existing equipment, and provides a greater sensitivity to smaller volumes of threat material. In addition, its technology drastically reduces false alarm rates. The sensor was evolved through EADS SODERN's more than 40 years of experience in designing and manufacturing neutron generators for government and commercial applications.

About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)

EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $10 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 190,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With 12 operating companies located in 30 cities and 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.