17 March 2003

Passengers in the central search area of Terminal 1 will randomly be selected to pass through the Smiths Detection Sentinel II portal. The device can detect the smallest traces of explosives on a person or clothing, providing security staff with a warning, within seconds.

"The world's busiest international airport is constantly looking to enhance its security through new technologies, so the Smiths Detection Sentinel offers a promising step forward," commented BAA director of security, Ian Hutcheson. "This could be a useful addition to our existing layers of security and should give the public further confidence in air travel. Subject to trials, I look forward to its wider introduction across our airports," he added.

The passenger existing checks will complement hand-baggage checks, using x-ray and Smiths Detection explosive trace detection equipment, in the central search areas.

"Sentinel is the logical next step in airport security", said Bill Mawer, Managing Director of Watford-based Smiths Detection. "It provides a proven technology to screen people, without compromising throughput. We are delighted that Europe's premier airport, London Heathrow, is the first airport installation in the world for the Smiths Detection Sentinel II."

The Sentinel II has successful completed laboratory testing by the leading aviation security agencies worldwide and is now ready for evaluation under normal operating conditions. Airports in the USA and Canada are expected to begin trials of the portal shortly.

About the Sentinel:

Since its introduction in May 2002, the IONSCAN ®