Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, has announced that its Adaptable Radiation Area Monitor, or ARAM, has been honored with a Government Security News Homeland Security Award in the Best Nuclear/Radiation Detection category.

Designed, developed, tested and serviced at the company's Goleta, California, location, ARAM is a spectroscopic monitoring system that detects and identifies nuclear and radioactive material. In fact, its gamma and neutron sensors can identify multiple radioactive isotopes simultaneously. Existing and future variants using ARAM's core technology have received the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act designation based on government testing against criteria for safety, availability, utility, effectiveness, performance and conformance to specifications.

Deployed variants of ARAM include the RadPort fixed portal that persistently monitors key interstate and international transportation crossings; Portable Radiation Detection and Identification System, or PRDIS, a lightweight, battery-powered backpack; and the RadTruck mobile variant for continuous monitoring on the move. A pedestrian and baggage screening portal is in development. ARAM incorporates an easy-to-use, Microsoft Windows®-based architecture with simple user interfaces that require minimal user training.

Textron Defense Systems keeps ARAM in the field and fully operational with dynamic calibration, a feature that maintains constant system calibration without user intervention. Spares provisioning, service contracts and support also maximize system availability.

"We have designed ARAM to meet the challenges faced by our law enforcement and homeland security authorities," says Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone of Textron Defense Systems. "Flexible, scalable architecture enables the same system to be deployed quickly at land border crossings and ports, aboard small marine vessels, as well as on international flights--anywhere the need for real-time, persistent detection exists."

About Textron Defense Systems

Textron Defense Systems employs advanced technology and industry expertise to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art smart weapons; airborne and ground-based sensors and surveillance systems; and protection systems for the defense, aerospace and homeland security communities. Its innovative systems for the military provide precision effects, actionable intelligence and force protection. More information is available at www.textrondefense.com.