A device that makers claim civilian staff can use to neutralise up to 15lb (7kg) of TNT, with important applications for airport security, will be available in the Middle East after a deal agreed this week.
Saudi Arabia-based SOFAB Safety and Security Systems (W722) will be the exclusive distributor in the Middle East for the Neutralizer which was developed by US-based Counterterrorism Technologies Corporation (CTC).
The Neutralizer is designed to be placed over an improvised explosive device (IED) or suspected IED. “It takes the blast and turns it into a harmless puff of smoke. By putting this over a device you will have very little collateral damage and it stops practically 100% of frag,” a CTC representative says.
“Once a suspect package is identified, it takes time for a bomb squad to gather, get to the site and analyse the IED. In that time you are very vulnerable. What the Neutralizer does is buy you time before the bomb squad arrives,” he says.
CTC says that the unit, which was has been purchased by the US Department of Defense for trials, is also likely to cut down on disruption caused by false alarms, by minimising the area affected by a security alert. UK firm GLS Support has been give rights to distribute the Neutralizer in Western Europe.
A video at the SOFAB stand shows a test in which a bomb containing 4lb of TNT is neutralised with the device. Suitcases placed nearby are left standing after the detonation. The company claims that similar results are achieved with charges of up to 15lb.
Hani Shamsan Alsohaibi, vice-president of SOFAB Group, says: “There is no other product like this on the market.
“Our top priority in terms of security is airports. Modern airports are huge buildings – this is a product that can be placed at multiple locations in a facility and that you can easily train members of staff to use.”
The patented Neutralizer is the result of two years of development by CTC. The company says there is a huge demand for this type of product in airports and transport terminals worldwide.
The product works on the principle that accelerating matter cools it, so forcing the temperature of a blast down limits its damage.
The Neutralizer is made in a number of sizes to fit over suspect packages. One person can place it over a suspect package with minimal training and it does not require any form of maintenance care.
MIKE MCGRATH
Source: Flight Daily News