US DoD selects Smiths Detection for chemical detector AVCAD

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has chosen Smiths Detection (SDI) as one of the suppliers to develop the next-generation Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD).

The contract has been awarded by the DoD’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND)’s Joint Project Manager, Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPM-NBC CA).

SDI along with subcontractor 908 Devices is one of only two suppliers selected to move into the AVCAD’s engineering and manufacturing phase.

Being developed as the next step in miniaturised chemical detection, AVCAD will be able to detect, identify, and use wireless remote alarm capability to report the presence of traditional and advanced threat vapours and aerosols.

It is being designed to support missions for the US Army, US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps.

SDI president Shan Hood said: “Smiths Detection has partnered with the Department of Defense to provide more than 91,000 joint chemical agent detector (JCAD) units over the past 14 years, making the programme one of the most effective chemical warfare protection solutions in history.”

908 Devices will provide the High-Pressure Mass Spectrometry (HPMS) technology platform for the AVCAD programme.

The HPMS was selected by the DoD following its selectivity, sensitivity and capability tests conducted during the development phase.

908 Devices president and CEO Dr Kevin J Knopp said: “Being selected for the next phase of this programme is a tremendous validation of our foundational technology platform and represents a major milestone in our pursuit to deliver on a new standard of chemical detection.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Smiths Detection on the AVCAD in this next phase and are truly honoured to have a role in protecting our US military.”