EADS North America completes development of the SONEX-P portable explosive detection device

Jun 12, 2013 ASDNews Source : EADS

EADS North America has completed development of the SONEX-P portable explosive detection device, a new technology that determines whether suspicious objects contain chemical, radiological, nuclear or explosive threats.

The man-portable SONEX-P is able to identify in as little as 90 seconds both the presence and location of chemical, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats located in parcels, luggage, ordnance or abandoned bags.

A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement was started in 2011 with the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV). The CRADA provided EADS North America access to NAVEODTECHDIV munitions for testing and refining of the systems detection algorithm to improve detection of live ordnance and inert ordnance. Testing and demonstration of performance were conducted at NAVEODTECHDIV and results were documented.

The system has a separate algorithm for law enforcement, homeland security and first responders who deal with suspicious packages, abandoned bags and non-ordnance explosive threats.

“With the push of a button, SONEX-P allows first responders including explosive ordnance disposal teams to identify and characterize material threats concealed in everyday objects,” said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO. “We are working with the Navy to customize the product and provide the greatest possible protection for disposal teams, first responders and the general public.”

Weighing 50 pounds, SONEX-P is comprised of only two elements: a portable detection head and a companion laptop computer. The portable unit can be quickly deployed in urban environments to scan unattended bags or other similarly sized threat objects. The system projects neutron particles at an object to quickly identify the type, location and mass of suspicious material.

The SONEX-P operator receives an automatic indication of a threat or no-threat condition with supporting 3-D images to aid in the response. Detection is automatic; no operator determination is required other than initial setup and placement of the unit. The system signals either a red light (threat) or a green light (no threat) in as little as 90 seconds.