Smiths Detection bags US Army order for chemical detectors

Smiths Detection has received an order from the US Army for the supply of its chemical detectors.

Awarded under the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) programme, the $20m follow-on production order involves delivery of Smiths Detection’s M4A1 Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD) threat detection devices.

Designed as a hand-held or easily strapped to belt device, the company’s LCD plays a vital role in defending military personnel, police and hazmat responders by notifying operators about the detection of toxic substances and dangerous chemicals.

Smiths Detection Business Development director Tom Brown said: "This order underscores the success of the LCD, which is used by weapon inspectors, civil responders and military forces worldwide. Equally so, the JCAD program has established itself as one of the most effective chemical warfare protection solutions for U.S. troops in history."

Manufacture of the devices will be carried out at the company’s Edgewood facility in Maryland, which also serves as the security firm’s chief US manufacturing site for X-ray and a variety of chemical warfare detection systems.

The company has further expanded its facility to help cater to continued demand for the JCAD programme.

In June 2013, Smiths Detection won about $7m chemical detector order from the US Army under the DOD’s JCAD programme.