Morpho Awarded U.S. Department of Homeland Security R&D Contract for Advanced Itemiser DX Air Cargo Trace Detectors

ANDOVER, MA--(Marketwired - October 28, 2015) - Morpho (Safran), through its subsidiary Morpho Detection, today announced a research and development (R&D) contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to develop the Advanced Itemiser® DX Air Cargo explosives trace detector (ETD).

Under terms of the contract, valued at nearly $1 million, Morpho Detection will develop and build an Advanced Itemiser DX retrofit kit for the aviation security market -- a major user of the Itemiser DX. The air cargo upgrade kit is designed to enhance detection capabilities for new explosives threats and increase the threat library capacity. Morpho Detection will deliver three prototype kits for DHS S&T validation in early 2016.

"Morpho Detection takes great pride in our decades-long work collaborating with the U.S. government to develop and deploy advanced security technologies and solutions," said Karen Bomba, president and CEO, Morpho Detection. "The Advanced Itemiser DX will help maximize system life by quickly and easily upgrading ETD detection capabilities to meet emerging threats and air cargo screening challenges."

A lightweight and portable desktop system, Itemiser DX can detect residue from explosives on parcels, bags, cargo, skin, clothing, vehicles, and other surfaces. Approved by seven global regulatory agencies, more than 5,000 Itemiser DX units have been deployed to airports, air cargo screening facilities and secure locations around the world.

For more information on Morpho's detection products, visit www.morphodetection.com.

About Morpho Detection

Morpho Detection, part of Morpho, Safran's (PAR: SAF) security business, is a leading supplier of explosives, narcotics and CBRNE threat detection systems to government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography, trace (ITMS™), mass spectrometry, X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. Morpho Detection's solutions are deployed to help protect people and property the world over.

For more information: www.morpho.com www.safran-group.com. Follow @SAFRAN_MORPHO on Twitter.

About Morpho

Morpho, a high-technology company of Safran, is a global leader in security solutions. The company employs more than 8,400 people in 40 countries and reported revenues of 1.5 billion euros in 2013. Morpho's unique expertise lies in providing cutting edge security solutions for government identity, public security, critical infrastructure, transportation and business markets. Morpho is the world leader in multibiometric identification technologies, biometric identity documents, Automated Biometric Identification Systems (ABIS) and Explosives Detection Systems (EDS). It is one of the leading suppliers of SIM cards, smart cards, trace detection equipment and gaming terminals. With systems operating in more than 100 countries, Morpho's solutions simplify and secure the lives of people around the world.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2015/10/27/11G069303/Images/Morpho-Detection_Itemiser(R)DX_COMPRESSED-447330901336.jpg