L-3 explosives detection technology selected by TSA

L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. will participate in an air cargo screening pilot program that will use the company's eXaminer 3DX 6000 explosives detection systems, officials of the New York company announced today.

L-3 Communications' subsidiary, L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems Inc., will participate in the Transportation Security Administration pilot program.

The pilot program will last two months, according to TSA spokesman Mike Fierberg.

He did not disclose the value of the pilot program to L-3 Communications.

The L-3 eXaminer, which provides a 3D image for analysis of cargo, will be used at Miami International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage.

The objective of the pilot program is to determine if it is feasible to use automated explosives detection technology ? now used for screening checked passenger baggage ? to clear cargo flown on commercial aircraft.

L-3 Communications' technology will be used to screen bulk-break cargo, items that could be consolidated on a pallet or in a container. Bulk-break cargo commonly consists of lightweight manufactured components, individual packages and small parcels, according to L-3 Communications officials.

L-3 Security and Detection Systems' clients include major airlines, airports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Agriculture and State departments.