On 22. January 2010 BBC 2 reported about an alleged fraud linked to the sale of 1,500 ADE651 reference-card based explosive detectors to the Iraqi government, as these devices don‘t work.
During the related investigation, the device was tested from Cambridge University's Computer Laboratory. Dr. Kuhn of CU stated unambiguously that it contained nothing but the type of anti-theft tag used to prevent stealing from shops. He added: “it was impossible to program it and that it could detect anything at all “and that the card had“ absolutely nothing to do with the detection of TNT or other explosives“.
Against this background, unival® group would like to pro-actively inform its clients and distributors that the HEDD1®, along with all previous generations of our handheld explosive detection devices, are completely different from reference-card based devices, as our systems work on the patented Magneto-Electrostatic-Detection (MED) principle. Modulating a specific magnetic field, our devices are active devices that detect only the modulation of the special bond balance (energy) between Nitrogen and Oxygen present in -NO2/-NO3 and H2O2 compounds, which are part of almost all conventional, military and also liquid explosives.
HEDD1® works by creating a magnetic field that is specifically modulated through its internal container which houses a non explosive/ non radioactive reference source generated for explosive detection. HEDD1®, in comparison to our previous generations, also contains a specific Lithium battery that further enhances the magnetic field, which makes the device even more sensitive and user-friendly and now allows for static detection, which is especially helpful for detection scenarios at access points. The operator does not need to move but can detect explosives in persons, cars and objects, even while operating behind barriers for covert detection. Unlike with other devices, even BBIEDs that are inserted in the body can be detected with HEDD1®.
The only similarity between HEDD1® and ADE651 (or similar devices such as GT200, MOLE, Alpha6 etc.) is the antenna. The antenna is currently needed in HEDD1® to point the direction towards explosives by applying the cross-bearing-method in order to detect the exact location of explosives. The antenna installed in HEDD1®, however, is unique and is specially produced for our devices. Even though the antenna is often criticized for making HEDD1 a rather analogue device, it allows the device to remain handheld and independent from continuous power-supply, making possible real-time and stand-alone detection of explosives.
For this reason HEDD1® is highly complementary to currently available detection methods based upon trace detection and other technologies being used at airports or other public areas. We are also working in cooperation with specialized research laboratories on sensor integration to digitalize the device and remove the antenna, but this will take more time and intensive R&D, as the currently available technology is not capable of being integrated in handheld devices. In addition, we are also working on a stationary version that will be available in 2010, which will contain communication interfaces allowing for the seamless integration into electronic access control scenarios.
We have strong reason to believe that the reference-card based devices have been created by a group of people, who initially tried to copy our technology but failed to reproduce the MED method. This is why they only copied the general shape and had to add another method, which they believed would be close to our approach. The result has been disastrous and they have created a massive scam, which is despicable.
Rumors about the malfunctioning of ADE651/ GT200 have circulated in several international markets for some time now. These rumors have finally escalated when bombings in Iraq could not be prevented at ADE651-equipped checkpoints. The perpetrators and vehicles used in these attacks were able to transport explosives and weapons unhindered, as ADE651 did not detect them, which, considering the information from CU, comes as no surprise.
As a consequence of the related skepticism about these types of devices that has been mounting for quite some time now, we have had to overcome very serious, yet understandable, doubts from our clients. As a result, all of our recent sales, concluded either directly or through our local distributors, were based upon highly intensive demonstrations and audits. All demonstrations that we have conducted since 2005 have been successful, leading to our clients purchasing the device and its technology based on the test results. The average detection rate has always been between 70-80% and with the further improvement of HEDD1®, which is based upon very intensive research and development, we have recently achieved demonstrations with 80-100% detection rates of hidden explosives, weapons and ammunition.
This improvement is the result of a continuous research and development work that started already 1993 with the first tests for long-range detection of materials. In addition to HEDD1® we have applied the MED method also to other CBRN substances and are currently testing new prototype devices for CBRN detection.
The last demonstration of our company to European Special Police and EOD forces took place on 18th January 2010. This demonstration achieved a 100% detection rate and the original wording from this client’s review of our product is as follows:
- C4 M112
- TNT-block 125 gr
- TNT-Block 250 gr
- Detonating cord PETN
- Detonating cord (black powder)
- Yugoslavian hand grenade M75 PETN
- Glock 17 pistol with magazine
- SIG 228 assault rifle without magazine (detection was thus only possible through residual gunpowder traces left from firing four months previously)
The above explosives have been positioned in misc. cases and hiding spots (up to 50 meters away) and have all been detected and located with the HEDD1®” (reference available from unival® group).
HEDD1® is therefore perfectly capable to improve security standards significantly if embedded into the right scenarios. For this reason, our clients will be specially trained for use in the required scenarios in order to provide the best possible device for them. All unival® distributors are widely trained on HEDD1® and our product portfolio in order to generate real values for our clients. This also includes a transparent, fair and adequate price strategy that is constantly reviewed by our sales department in order to prevent any potential malpractice.
Serial production of HEDD1® is ISO 9001 certified and the device is in full compliance with CE regulations. In addition HEDD1® has been tested and approved by TUV in 2010.
In early February 2010 we will begin testing, along with German authorities, and within this framework we will also certify the device in its function once it is determined, which certification body is best suitable for our international clients.
We pledge that unival® group will only supply reliable technologies that have been tested and approved by independent testing authorities. We are strongly committed to supporting our clients in the fight against global terror and will continue to strive for the best products and technologies.
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