Smiths Detection Launches a Light Vehicle Scanner for Checkpoints

PARIS--Nov 19, 2013: Smiths Detection today launches the HCVL, a medium energy X-ray scanner for light vehicles. It will meet increasing market demand for a system that provides smooth screening in busy traffic areas including ports, land borders and city entrances.

“Ports and borders have to deal with increasing levels of traffic at crossing points, requiring security checks to be fast and efficient. HCVL satisfies that requirement and removes the need for additional inspections, such as mirrors, sniffer dogs and other time-consuming manual controls.”

HCVL can scan 100% of traffic in a continuous flow, including cars, vans, minibuses and camping vans, for threats such as drugs, explosives, weapons, radioactive materials, contraband and stowaways. To support local and national regulations on the scanning of passengers, HCVL is offered as a drive-through or conveyor system, which can be easily integrated into existing road lanes or infrastructures. It is capable of scanning up to 180 vehicles per hour, resulting in a fast screening process, and minimising delays.

Even fully-loaded vehicles can be checked, thanks to the vertical-centric top view X-ray. Results are provided from a single sweep, showing the full picture in excellent quality on just one screen; reducing analysis times and helping operators spot concealed objects inside doors, fuel tanks, the frame or underneath vehicles.

Ian May, Senior Vice President of Sales at Smiths Detection, said: “Ports and borders have to deal with increasing levels of traffic at crossing points, requiring security checks to be fast and efficient. HCVL satisfies that requirement and removes the need for additional inspections, such as mirrors, sniffer dogs and other time-consuming manual controls.”

HCVL is launched today at MILIPOL 2013 in France, alongside two other new products: the HCVM e35 ultra compact mobile scanner and ACE-ID, a handheld, non-contact explosives, narcotics and toxic chemical identifier.

Smiths Detection offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide, developing and manufacturing government-regulated technology products that help detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, radiological and nuclear threats, weapons, narcotics and contraband. It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in applying integrated, advanced technologies to markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.