A radar-based system for detecting concealed suicide vests and other weapons at stand-off distances has been introduced by Rapiscan Systems Inc.

The system is named CounterBomber and uses video-steered radar technology to identify a threat from as far as hundreds of yards away, the company said.

CounterBomber has been extensively tested by the U.S. government and has been deployed by the U.S. military in conflict situations since 2008.

"We believe CounterBomber is superior to any other comparable system on the market and provides a tangible and practical solution to the more than 3,500 suicide bombings that have taken place over the past three decades," said Brad Buswell, president of Rapiscan Systems North America. "The solution detects threats with tremendous accuracy, but also is intuitive to operate, allowing easy deployment in a variety of situations and threat levels.

"Rapiscan has always been committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that solve even the most difficult security challenges that our customers face. The addition of CounterBomber to our product offering further supports this mission and allows us to provide customers with an even greater range of products to support their unique needs."

CounterBomber, now part of the company's product portfolio, was originally designed to identify suicide vests but can also detect concealed threats such as handguns, machine pistols, grenades and pipe bombs.

Assessment of threats can be done automatically by the system without the need for operator interpretation, Rapiscan said.

The company said the system is easily assembled and easily maintained.

In other threat detection system news, Maryland-headquartered Smiths Detection Inc. reports that it has been awarded a five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to supply X-ray scanners.

The contract is part of a Customs and Border Protection non-intrusive inspection program for security at land, sea and air points of entry into the United States.

Smiths Detection said the scanners to be supplied can be used for baggage and cargo screening for a variety of contraband items, including weapons, drugs, and nuclear and radiological devices.

"Our cutting-edge technology provides customers like the CBP with the highest levels of security at the best overall value," said Terry Gibson, president of Smiths Detection. "Our solutions will help them protect against threats entering through U.S. borders, and our commitment to outstanding service and support helps ensure the screening operations will run efficient and effectively."

The contract also covers system accessories, warranties and training of personnel in use of the x-ray system.

Additional details, including the potential value of the contract were not disclosed.

In addition to designing and manufacturing hazard-detection systems, Smiths Detection also manages programs for customers such as the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.