Smiths Detection Unveils X-Ray System for Rapid Cargo and Vehicle Screening
Smiths Detection has introduced a new high-energy X-Ray system that it says is the first pass-through system to offer steel penetration of 30cm combined with three-color material discrimination. The HCVP 6030 viZual is designed mainly for high-volume cargo screening and can inspect up to 100 trucks or container loads per hour. The system’s options include optical character recognition, automatic radiation detection, electronic data interchange and remote service maintenance. The company says it has received orders for the HCVP 6030 even before official market entry. “It is ideal for rapid cargo throughput with high safety standards for truck drivers and operators alike,” says Mal Maginnis, president of Smiths Detection.
ManTech Acquiring Cyber Security Firm HBGary
ManTech International [MANT] has agreed to acquire the cyber security firm HBGary in a deal that gives it a comprehensive array of software products to detect, analyze, and diagnose advanced persistent threats and targeted malware. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in March, were not disclosed. The pending acquisition also broadens ManTech’s presence in the commercial market, where HBGary has customers in the financial services, energy, and critical infrastructure and technology sectors. The acquisition fits with ManTech’s strategy of growing its capabilities and presence in the cyber security market. “The combination of ManTech and HBGary will create a broader cyber security solution capability for both our commercial and government customers,” says L. William Varner, president and chief operating officer of ManTech’s Mission, Cyber and Technology Solutions (MCTS) group. ManTech’s new business will be led by Ken Silva, who the company hired last November from Booz Allen Hamilton [BAH] to be senior vice president for cyber strategy of the MCTS group.
Thales Launches LTE Solution for U.S. Public Safety Market
Thales has launched an end-to-end integrated and distributed Long Term Evolution (LTE) solution for the U.S. public safety market. The company says its LTE solution is the only network with a corresponding push-to-talk smart phone that offers a fully distributed architecture for public safety and first responder communities. The offering consists of a network management system using the LTE core broadband network, the smart phone device operating on the network, and applications that support first responders in the field.
Raytheon Introduces Interoperability Server to Enhance Public Safety Communications
Raytheon [RTN] has introduced a new interoperability server that aims to help public safety agencies communicate with one another. The server includes the ability to bring in P25 radio users over Internet Protocol and to connect 4G/Long Term Evolution system users by a Bluetooth link to a system handset. “Improving voice communications among first responders will always be our number one priority,” says T.J. Kennedy, director of Public Safety and Security Systems for Raytheon’s Network Centric Systems segment. “But no one can discount the usefulness of key metadata such as user identification and emergency call. The new server continues our mission of providing interoperability among existing equipment and also facilitates budget-friendly, phased-in deployments of new systems by linking the upgraded and existing portions of the network.”
Universal Detection Developing Rad Detector for Smart Phones
Universal Detection Technology [UNDT], through an agreement with Honeywell International [HON], is developing a radiation detector this is compatible with smart phones. The device is designed to detect radiation levels on surfaces and food to automatically send the collected data to a smart phone through a user-friendly application. The system will measure elevated levels of gamma radiation using a cesium iodide scintillator. UNDT is also developing a smart phone application to control, collect and interpret the readings from the detector.