QinetiQ System to be Piloted at Staten Island by TSA and NYC DOT

MCLEAN, Va., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A QinetiQ security system is to be used to detect explosive devices on passengers boarding the Staten Island Ferry at the St. George Terminal in Staten Island in New York.

SPO-20 is a security screening system designed to detect explosive devices concealed under people's clothing without asking passengers to slow their pace. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), is this week to begin testing the QinetiQ system as part of the agency's Security Enhancement and Capabilities Augmentation Program (SEACAP). For more information on this trial, please visit the TSA website (http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2007/press_release_04032007.shtm).

"SEACAP is one in a series of pilot programs TSA has designed to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of emerging explosive detection technologies in the maritime environment," said John Sammon, TSA assistant administrator, Transportation Sector Network Management (TSNM). "This is yet another tool the agency can use to respond to specific threats that arise from new intelligence or major events."

"QinetiQ is proud of the role that our technology may be able to play in helping to protect against these kinds of attacks," stated Duane Andrews, QinetiQ North America's CEO.

About QinetiQ North America

QinetiQ North America provides world class technology and responsive solutions to our U.S. Government customers. Our 3000+ engineers and technologists work in partnership with our customers to develop innovative technology solutions for the challenges of national defense, homeland security, and information access. Strengthened by the legacy of Apogen Technologies, Foster-Miller, Planning Systems, Inc., and Westar Aerospace and Defense Group, QinetiQ North America proudly serves our customers in the areas of: System Engineering and Technical Support, Information Technology Services, and Technology Development

QinetiQ North America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of QinetiQ, one of the world's leading defense and security technology companies. QinetiQ was founded from the world's first top flight national defense laboratory (UK Ministry of Defense, Defense Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA)). Our affiliation with QinetiQ gives customers access to the output of 50 years of national investment at the forefront of technology.

  Notes for Editors:

  -- QinetiQ (pronounced ki net ik as in 'kinetic energy') is a leading
     international defense and security technology company that was formed
     in July 2001 from the UK Government's Defence Evaluation & Research
     Agency (DERA). QinetiQ has over 11,400 employees, who deliver
     technology-based services and exploit QinetiQ's strengths in technology
     research by selling systems solutions, products, managed services and
     licenses to government and commercial customers in a spectrum of
     defence, security and other commercial markets, and by creating
     technology based ventures.

  -- In February 2006, QinetiQ Group plc was listed on the London Stock
     Exchange (main market). In the year to 31 March 2006, QinetiQ delivered
     a 37.6 per cent rise in underlying operating profit to 90.7m pounds
     Sterling on turnover which rose by 22.9 per cent to 1,051.7m pounds.

  -- QinetiQ is organized into three operating sectors: Defence & Technology
     represents QinetiQ's core UK-based defence business that provides
     research-based technology solutions and managed services into the UK's
     armed forces.  Security & Dual Use draws from QinetiQ's broad inventory
     of defence-related intellectual property to develop commercially viable
     products and services.  QinetiQ North America delivers technology
     services, systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) and IT
     services.

  -- QinetiQ has made several European acquisitions including the businesses
     of HVR Consulting Services Ltd and Verhaert Design and Development NV
     (renamed Verhaert Space NV). It has also acquired a number of US based
     businesses that complement its core capabilities which include: Westar
     Aerospace & Defense Group Inc, Foster-Miller Inc and Apogen
     Technologies Inc.  These businesses have subsequently made further
     acquisitions to date that include Planning Systems Inc, SimAuthor Inc
     and Ocean Systems Engineering Corp.