News
OCTOBER 2010
European Commission's Technical Taskforce Liquid Explosives Study Group Common Evaluation Process for Security Equipment (CEP) for Liquid Explosive Detection System (LEDS) is now complete.
System Two's Liquid Explosive Test Kit (LETK) has been tested under the CEP framework and is endorsed that the LETK is a Type A equipment that meets the performance requirements of Standard 2 for equipment for the screening of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs), defined in ECAC Doc 30, Part II (13th edition/May 2010). These performance requirements are identical to the performance requirements in the EU aviation security legislation currently in force.
The ruling on passengers within the civil aviation sector carrying liquids onboard aircraft was modified by the European Union in 2006 through Commission Regulation (EC) No 1546/2006 and addresses the increased risk of liquid explosives being introduced onto aircraft. With the current ruling set to expire in April 2012 there is now a formal plan within the civil aviation sector; which is supported by European Parliament, to lift the current ban and again allow passengers to carry liquids onto aircraft.
During early 2008 the European Commission commenced a study aimed at reintroducing liquids into passengers hand luggage. System Two were formally invited to participate in the study and subsequently responded by the development of the Liquid Explosive Test Kit based on the same proven technology of the ETK.
Within the European Commission (EC) the Directorate-General for Energy and Transport (DG TREN) division is responsible for developing and implementing European policies in the energy and transport field. In April 2008; as part of the European Civil Aviation Conference Technical Task Force (ECAC TTF), a working group was formed on Aviation Security and Liquid Explosives. The resulting Technical Taskforce Liquid Explosives Study Group programme began consultation with manufacturers of screening equipment to identify what technology was available and whether there were any suitable solutions for the screening of liquids. The culmination of this testing programme will ensure that any subsequent standards issued by the EC will be based on independent system testing.
An initial evaluation focused on estimating the False Alarm Rate (FAR) of screening equipment using a precompiled set of 500 benign items (as designated by the ECAC Technical Task Force Liquid Explosives Study Group). System Two joined the working group in mid 2008 and had immediate success in meeting the majority of testing requirements within Category Type A for the screening of individual open liquid containers with a modified version of the Explosive Test Kit. The results of the False Alarm Rate testing boasted <1% FAR; putting the technology at the top of it's category.
From April 2011, liquid items bought during transit; such as duty free purchases, will be allowed on board, providing the appropriate security measures, such as screening, are in place at the airports concerned. The results of the ECAC LED trials establish that the LETK technology is ready to allow the 2011 deadline to be met by the airports. By April 2012, the ban will be lifted completely, allowing the carriage of liquids on flights across Europe.
Coupled with the potential of a cost effective high technology simple solution which was immediately available; System Two was offered an advanced verification trial at the European Commision's Fraunhofer Institut für Chemische Technologie (ICT) in Pfinztal, Germany during November 2008 for the Liquid Explosive Test Kit (LETK). The results of the verification trial were released to System Two in January 2009 demonstrating that the kit had a 100% success rate.
Whilst the LETK is thought to be an ideal solution for smaller airports it also has enormous potential as an alarm resolution tool when used in conjunction with other technologies such as x-ray screening.
System Two has been part of the ECAC CEP LEDS since 2008 and the LETK is now available for sale.
SEPTEMBER 2009
System Two's Explosive Test Kit (ETK) has been evaluation by the UK Government Home Office Scientific Development Branch [HOSDB] (www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research) and the ETK reached a standard of performance acceptable for use by UK Government bodies.
This standard leads to the product being listed within the HOSDB 'Blue Book' in early 2010 and allows any government agency to place orders for the product. The ETK was found to be lightweight, portable and easy to deploy, whilst giving a rapid accurate confirmation of the presence of an explosive material. It successfully detected all explosive targets . Along with its use in all weathers, the kit does not require supplementary equipment such as heaters, battery operated gadgets or gas burners. This adds to the versatility of the kit.
MARCH 2009
Perth-based research and development company System Two has developed ground breaking new technology which will enable airport security to detect explosives within liquids using a simple swab test
Responding to upcoming plans to lift the current ban on passengers carrying liquids in hand luggage, the Liquid Explosive Test Kit (LETK) could be implemented in airports throughout Europe in 2010.
System Two's Research Director developed the technology and said the LETK was single use, disposable and economical and detected explosive residues in liquids, gels and creams.
“The LETK is easy to use and contains a sterile swab stick and test card with five miniature tests that respond to all classes of explosives, including those used in clandestine terrorist laboratories,” he said.
System Two is part of the European Commission Aviation Conference Technical Taskforce Liquid Explosives Study Group, with the LETK scheduled to undergo pilot tests in Europe in mid 2009.
Existing rules that limit airline passengers carrying liquids on board aircraft were introduced in 2006 and are due to expire in early 2010.
With more than 1.5billion passengers travelling through 400 European airports each year, the liquid ban is estimated to have cost Britian's aviation industry alone more than £100m in increased security costs and lost duty free sales.
“The LETK is the most affordable, compact and comprehensive liquid explosive test device available and is therefore an ideal detection tool for small regional airports as well as larger international hubs,” said a spokesperson for System Two.
The LETK can work alone to detect explosives in opened containers and can also work compatibly with current screening technology such as x-ray.
With trial results pending, the LETK can also be implemented in other security industry sectors such as emergency services, the military, ports and customs.
About System Two Pty Ltd
System Two Pty Ltd is a Perth-based research and development company specialising in the commercialisation of innovative chemical technology across a broad section of industries.
Established in 2004, System Two's philosophy is based on simple solutions developed from accessible technology.
JULY 2008
XTEK Limited awarded agency agreement for Australia and New Zealand
XTEK Limited is the provider of high-quality, high-end security equipment and services to those responsible (Government and Corporate) for protecting the well-being of Australia. This is achieved by the local manufacture and importing of high quality security, bomb disposal, search chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear detection, decontamination, forensic diagnostic and screening equipment, for sale to Government Agencies, Law Enforcement Agencies and the Armed Forces.
For more information visit www.xtek.net
JUNE 2008
System 2 UK Limited incorporated and a full time aviation security marketing specialist in the UK engaged to head operations.
System Two Pty Ltd has taken on board a full time aviation security marketing specialist in the UK to establish the European market for the test kit. Suzie Barrett-Crane has 15 years experience in the field of aviation security throughout Europe, the Middle East and USA. In the past Mrs Barrett -Crane has held senior managerial positions with a number of specialist security companies including Rapiscan Systems (X-ray screening systems), Smart Approach Limited (Aviation Security Training) and ICTS (Airline and Aviation Security Specialists).
After living in Dubai for almost 12 years she now resides in the UK and has been operating for the past 6 years as a security consultant providing specialist services internationally within the private security sector and to various Government bodies.
A confident marketeer, with an emphasis towards product branding; Mrs Barrett-Crane is a strong relationship builder and has built successful relationships with senior government decision makers both within Europe and the Middle East throughout her long and high profile career. These combined skills have resulted in a track record of highly successful sales and System Two Pty Ltd welcomes her on board to assist in generating revenue in the implementation of the Explosive Test Kit system throughout Europe.
MARCH 2007
Australian International Air Show 2007 & LanDef 2007 20-25 March.
The Frontline Explosive Test Kit will be represented by XTEK Limited at the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition from 20th to 25th March 2007 at Avalon Airport, Victoria, Australia.??The Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition has established a reputation as the largest and most comprehensive event of its type staged in the Southern Hemisphere.
More information can be found at the conference website.