Smiths Detection to develop new chemical detection capability for MoD

The contract award is part of an MoD programme designed to replace and strengthen the nation’s chemical detection capabilities, in turn helping to ensure that areas are safe from toxic chemicals that could harm defence personnel or civilians.

As part of the MoD’s programme, Smiths Detection will now develop three next generation chemical sensor products, including a wearable personal chemical agent sensor with combined vapour and aerosol capabilities, a survey chemical agent sensor (a portable device designed to check potentially hazardous areas or surfaces) and a remote monitoring chemical sensor for use in fixed locations with enhanced identification and classification performance.

Smiths Detection will be responsible for all stages of the development and supply of the these systems including laboratory research, field testing, manufacture and supply, in addition to ongoing service and support.

The new technology, which will be developed in close collaboration with the MoD, will feature Smiths Detection’s proprietary Ion Mobility Spectrometry detection and identification technology and be based on its Lightweight Chemical Detector line of advanced threat detection devices.

With over 75,000 units already sold around the world, the Lightweight Chemical Detector line boasts a legacy of protecting military personnel, police officers and hazmat responders by alerting operators to detected toxic substances and dangerous chemicals.

Known and emerging threats

Roland Carter, president of Smiths Detection, observed: “We’re honoured to have been selected by the Ministry of Defence to supply this next generation technology. Since our business’ inception nearly 70 years ago, we’ve been designing, developing, manufacturing and servicing chemical sensing technology. This technology protects defence forces and communities from known and emerging threats.”

Carter added: “This contract award is testament to our leading technology and the knowledge, commitment and ingenuity of the people in our organisation who help to make the world a safer place each and every day.”

James Cartlidge, the Minister for Defence Procurement, stated: “It’s vital that we protect our Armed Forces personnel. Cutting-edge technology is hugely important in terms of reducing the threat posed by toxic chemicals across a range of environments on the global stage.”

Cartlidge concluded: “Not only is it going to be an impressive piece of equipment that will be designed and manufactured here in the UK, but the ability for it to be continually developed and improved upon is exactly how we want defence procurement to be: deliverable, effective and ambitious.”

Protecting society

Itself a division of Smiths Group, Smiths Detection serves the air transport, ports and borders, Armed Forces and urban security markets. The business offers the necessary solutions to protect society from the threats posed by explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemical agents, biological threats and narcotics.

*Additional information is available online at www.smithsdetection.com