Transportation Security Administration Deploys QinetiQ North America's New Airport Security Technology for Republican and Democratic National Conventions

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- QinetiQ North America's Technology Solutions Group announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) deployed its new mass transit security solution at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to enhance security measures surrounding the 2008 Republican National Convention.

TSA used QinetiQ North America's groundbreaking millimeter wave, passive stand-off detection solution -- called "SPO Technology" -- to scan for weapons and explosive materials in and near MSP. SPO Technology has already proven successful in both air and surface transport use. TSA for the very first time operationally deployed this new threat technology solution at the Denver International Airport during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

"TSA is committed to providing technologies and solutions that make this country safe for travel, and we're honored that they have turned to QinetiQ North America to help them," said Dr. William Ribich, President of the Technology Solutions Group, QinetiQ North America. "SPO technology is a perfect example of how complex challenges can be met with innovative, trusted solutions."

SPO has the ability to scan moving people-even those who are not in line-within one second before or after they enter a transit area and have been singled out as a potential threat. It can detect concealed weapons or explosives without patting down passengers, opening bags or showing revealing body images. Added Ribich, "With SPO Technology, public safety is protected while we achieve scanning rates up to 45 times faster than competing technologies -- all while preserving individual privacy."

About QinetiQ North America

QinetiQ (pronounced "kinetic") North America provides world-class technology and responsive solutions to U.S. government customers. With more than 6,000 engineers, scientists and professionals working in partnership with customers, QinetiQ North America develops innovative technology solutions to meet the challenges of national defense, homeland security and information access. QinetiQ North America is part of QinetiQ Group plc, one of the world's leading defense and security technology companies. For more information, please visit www.QinetiQ-NA.com .

About QinetiQ North America Technology Solutions Group

QinetiQ North America's Technology Solutions Group, headquartered in Waltham, MA, includes the businesses of Foster-Miller, Inc., and its subsidiaries Planning Systems Incorporated, Automatika, Applied Perception, Spectro, Inc., and the research and development activities of Apogen Technologies, Inc. It is a technology and product development group with an international reputation for delivering innovative products and systems that perform under the most demanding conditions.

    For more information:
    Cindy Black
    QinetiQ North America, Technology Solutions Group
    781-684-4093
    cblack@foster-miller.com

    Melissa Templeton, Boscobel (for QinetiQ North America)
    301-588-2900
    mtempleton@boscobel.com