IRIS continuously monitors changes in rail temperature, stress and rail neutral temperature.

Reston, VA- QinetiQ North America (QNA) today announced that the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has selected its Intelligent Rail Integrity System™ (IRIS) for testing and evaluation. IRIS provides a real-time network of remote rail sensors to monitor rail integrity and provide alerts about buckling or breaks.

IRIS continuously monitors changes in rail temperature, stress and rail neutral temperature. If rail buckling or breaks are detected, IRIS alerts designated personnel to the location of the event via phone or e-mail through its emergency notification system. IRIS can also be used to help prioritize maintenance and establish performance trends of track structure.

"We welcome this opportunity to demonstrate the IRIS system's capabilities with MTA," said QNA Technology Solutions Group President J.D. Crouch. "Rail sensors and advanced warning systems provide transit operators with a more efficient way to monitor rail conditions before they approach critical limits."

This evaluation project is being conducted by QinetiQ North America under a subcontract to Protran Technology for MTA.

Operating as the U.S. component of QinetiQ Group plc's Global Products division, QNA's Technology Solutions Group is a world leader in technology solutions that save lives in defense, security and commercial environments. For more information, visit www.QinetiQ-NA.com, read our blog at techblog.qinetiq-na.com and follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/qinetiqnapcs.

About QinetiQ North America

QinetiQ North America (QNA) is a subsidiary of QinetiQ Group plc, the FTSE250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:QQ.L). Operating in North America, QNA delivers world-class technology, responsive services, and innovative solutions for global markets, focusing on U.S. government and commercial customers. Its engineers, scientists and other professionals deliver high quality products and services that leverage detailed mission knowledge and proven, reliable tools and methodologies to meet the rapidly changing demands of national defense, homeland security and information assurance customers. QNA is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. For more information visit www.qinetiq-na.com and join our conversation at www.facebook.com/qinetiqna