The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the purchase of eight Reveal Explosives Detection Systems (EDS) for screening checked baggage. The Reveal CT-80 machines are less in cost and smaller than the EDS machines currently in use.

"This new equipment is an example of our continuing partnership with the private sector to develop, test and deploy the latest, state-of-the-art technology," said Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA. "This new technology is yet another tool TSA can utilize to protect the American people."

The machines are to be deployed for operational testing and evaluation at Gulfport-Biloxi (Miss.) International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport by mid-May 2005 and will supplement Explosives Trace Detection and/or EDS equipment already in place.

Gulfport will receive two machines and Newark and Kennedy airports will each receive three machines. The selected airports have limited floor space, making them preferable for this pilot program. The field tests will last from 30 to 45 days at each airport and will be used to evaluate the machine's effectiveness in an airport environment as well as its impact on security and customer service.

The Firm Fixed Price contract with Reveal Imaging Technologies, Inc., of Bedford, Mass., is valued at $3.3 million through March 2006. Reveal will also be responsible for maintenance of the equipment.

The Reveal EDS machines were certified in December 2004 by the Transportation Security Laboratory in Atlantic City, N.J. Reveal becomes the third company to have EDS equipment certified for screening checked baggage at the nation's airports

For more information regarding TSA, please visit TSA's Web site at http://www.tsa.gov or contact: TSA Public Affairs, 571-227-2829