GE's EntryScan3 Walk-Through Explosives Detector Deployed to Boston's Logan International Airport

NEWARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2005--

U.S. Transportation Security Administration Program Designed To Strengthen Airport Security for Domestic and International Travel

“GE is dedicated to developing the technologies that help travelers and their families enjoy greater peace of mind when flying. We are introducing new traveler-friendly equipment like the EntryScan to make travel safer -- and more enjoyable -- worldwide.”

GE Infrastructure, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), announced today that the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed the GE EntryScan3 walk-through explosives detector to screen passengers at Boston Logan Airport's Terminal A security checkpoint, starting today.

Louis Parker, Chief Operating Officer of GE Infrastructure, Security's Homeland Protection division said, "GE is dedicated to developing the technologies that help travelers and their families enjoy greater peace of mind when flying. We are introducing new traveler-friendly equipment like the EntryScan to make travel safer -- and more enjoyable -- worldwide."

The GE EntryScan3, which is popularly known as the "Puffer Machine," has already been deployed to dozens of high-risk facilities worldwide to help detect explosives. Later this spring, GE will introduce its ShoeScanner, which will enable travelers to keep their shoes on during security screening but check footwear for dangerous substances.

In March, the TSA announced that it would also purchase nine GE EntryScan3 machines for use in U.S. airports. TSA has allocated $28.3 million to purchase and install an additional 147 trace portals. TSA is currently developing a purchase and deployment plan to have the equipment in airports by January 2006.

Currently GE EntryScan3 trace portals are installed at passenger security checkpoints at airports in Boston, M.A.; Miami, F.L.; San Francisco, C.A.; Phoenix, A.Z.; Providence, R.I.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Diego, C.A.; Tampa, F.L.; and Gulfport, M.S. An installation in Los Angeles International Airport is expected before the end of May 2005.

The GE EntryScan3 detects microscopic traces of explosives and identifies potential threats to security screeners. Passengers stand in the trace portal for a few seconds while several "puffs" of air are released. The EntryScan3 then analyzes the air for traces of explosives and a computerized voice will tell the passenger when to exit.

About EntryScan3

EntryScan3 is the result of a successful five-year partnership between GE, the Pennsylvania State University Gas Dynamics Laboratory, and the FAA/TSA. This research effort was based on the concept of understanding the natural airflow around the human body.

In April 2003, the TSA confirmed that the EntryScan3 completed and passed a laboratory detection test at the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ. Testing focused on detecting trace levels of explosives substances on subjects.

The EntryScan3's patented sample collection system takes advantage of a natural airflow phenomenon called the "human convection plume." This eliminates the need for forced air from a fan, which would stir up contaminants, dirt, and dust, and enables cleaner sample acquisition for higher detection sensitivity. This design also requires fewer moving parts resulting in quieter operation, reduced weight, and improved long-term reliability.

EntryScan3 utilizes GE's patented Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer (ITMS(R)) technology, enabling its users to detect a wider range of contraband with unprecedented sensitivity. It achieves this through a proprietary ion "trap" that increases ionization efficiency, the main factor determining detection sensitivity. EntryScan3 is the only walk-through portal with versatile detection of both positive and negative ions, enabling the detection of the broadest spectrum of explosives in seconds.

About GE Infrastructure

GE Infrastructure, headquartered in Wilton, Conn., is a high-technology platform, comprised of some of GE's fastest-growing businesses, including the Security and Water & Process Technologies platforms. These global businesses offer a set of infrastructure protection and productivity solutions to some of the most pressing issues that industries face. Learn more at www.geinfrastructure.com. For more information about GE's Security business and our product offerings, please visit www.gesecurity.com.