John Ferrie, group managing director commented, "Aviation security is an important endeavour where we are keen to apply the technology and experience of our Aerospace businesses. Our capabilities are broad and include providing aviation security systems for both airborne and ground applications".

The Sentinel walk through explosives detection portal is the latest Smiths product to address increasing security concerns. The Sentinel was developed at Smiths Detection & Protection Systems - Barringer and addresses the security need to perform non-invasive passenger screening for the presence of explosives. Another key system for ground applications includes trace explosive and chemical warfare detection systems. Leading aviation organisations including the FAA in the United States and the BAA in Great Britain, have extensively deployed the IONSCAN® for this use. There are currently over one thousand IONSCAN® trace detectors in aviation security use at the major international airports throughout the world, with a significant installed base in the U.S., Great Britain, and Asia. Among the technologies for airborne applications is Cabin Video Monitoring for cockpit door and cabin surveillance. This system is designed to provide video monitoring and can be enhanced to provide both Crash-Protected and Non-Crash protected recording, as well as direct video downlink. The system can be configured by the operator to provide multiple camera and monitor configurations and various operational modes, dependent on the status of the aircraft. Smiths Aerospace is also supporting a major airline with cargo surveillance and is actively involved in support of Eurocae working group 50 cockpit image recording.

There are over 16,000 aircraft in service in the world that could benefit from aviation security applications. There are an additional 2,700 potential forward fit aircraft over the next 10 years.

Smiths Aerospace is the leading transatlantic aerospace equipment company, with half its 2,000 staff and $2 billion revenues in North America. Smiths Aerospace holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a worldleader in electronic systems, actuation systems, precision components and detection & protection systems.