Wilmington, MA – October 5, 2006 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, reported today that their Adaptable Radiation Area Monitor (ARAM) radiation detection system successfully detected evidence of depleted uranium present within a truck's container that was being shipped and transported along a California interstate highway.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that on July 20, 2006, a large rig passing through a California-Nevada border check point triggered the radiological alarm on the ARAM system detector. The alarm prompted action from the Truckee Fire Protection District and the Nevada County Health Services, as well as the Truckee Fire's Hazardous Materials Unit, which conducted the inspection and finally cleared the vehicle for release. Although the truck was carrying the load legally and the public was never in danger, the ARAM demonstrated its unique capability to rapidly and accurately identify radiological material passing through the area and provide an immediate alarm.
Textron Systems' ARAM detection system, developed by the recently acquired Innovative Survivability Technology (IST) located in Goleta, California, is an automatic portal monitor designed to identify illicit movement of radiological materials which may be concealed in automobiles, trucks, packages, boats, cargo, shipping containers, or by personnel. The system can detect and identify radioactive materials as well as medical and industrial isotopes that may be used in the making of "dirty bombs" or other radiological weapons of mass destruction. The ARAM system is unique among radiation detectors in its ability to accurately detect very small quantities of radioactive materials moving at speeds as fast as 50 miles per hour, in real time.
"The frightening reality is that terrorist attacks can occur anywhere, at any time," said Brian Adlawan, Textron Systems' program director, emerging systems. "The ARAM detection system can be readily inserted into the stream of commerce to prevent the transfer of radiological threats that might otherwise enter this country with relative ease. With fast, accurate detection and identification by the ARAM system, we can fill the gap without interrupting the flow of traffic and commerce. The California Highway Patrol has deployed ARAM wisely at many critical way points; and other states are following suit."
Textron Systems' ARAM radiation detection system can play a key role in supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The ARAM system has been adapted to operate in fixed portals, vehicle mounted mobile/portable systems, man-portable backpacks, cargo planes, as well as aboard small watercraft for maritime interdiction. ARAM detectors can be used as a standalone radiation monitor or can be easily networked to be part of a more comprehensive security program.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron Systems") provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries. The company supports military and homeland security missions with strike weapons, as well as mobility and surveillance systems, and provides commercial and general aviation with engines and actuation systems. The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons, surveillance systems, aircraft control components, piston engines, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles. Textron Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.systems.textron.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.