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Wilmington, MA.
October 6, 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 provides innovative technology solutions to
meet the needs of the global aerospace and defense industries.
The company supports military precision engagement and dominant
maneuver with strike weapons, mobility and surveillance systems.
The Textron name is well known in the areas of advanced weapons,
surveillance systems, aircraft control components, specialty
marine craft and armored vehicles. Textron Systems Corporation
("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 in continuing
operations. 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.
Textron Systems Media Contact:
Joanne Walsh
978-657-2100
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