Acro wins U.S. Army contract

NEW YORK, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has ordered 300 ACRO-P.E.T. peroxide explosive testers from Israel-based Acro Inc.

Acro is a developer of explosive-detection solutions. The company's patented peroxide explosive tester is a pen-like tester that can identify explosives such as triacetone triperoxide, which is peroxide-based.

In recent years, various terrorist organizations have used improvised explosive devices based on materials containing peroxide. Peroxide-based explosives are difficult to identify because they are colorless and do not contain nitro groups.

Peroxide-based explosives can be easily made at home using inexpensive, easily available materials that can be purchased in most hardware and paint stores. Many of the base materials can be purchased in bulk quantities.

"We are excited to receive this order, which is a major milestone for Acro," Acro Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gadi Aner said in a statement. "ACRO-P.E.T. is a critical tool in the never-ending battle against terror. When every second counts, fast-acting ACRO-P.E.T. can provide life-saving protection against malicious terrorist attempts."

ACRO-P.E.T. uses three chemical solutions through direct contact with the suspicious substance to enable rapid, on-site detection of peroxide-based explosives.

Company officials say the main advantages are that the ACRO-P.E.T. is highly sensitivity and selective, fast responding with simple operation, is small in size and is cost effective.