German Ministry of Defence selects Smiths Detection Lightweight Chemical Detector to protect Armed Forces

Watford, UK, 11 September 2007 - SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, has been awarded a contract to supply up to 50 Lightweight Chemical Detectors (LCD) to the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement, BWB, for use by the German Army.

The LCD, which can detect a wide range of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, has been designed as a compact, wearable detector that provides personal protection for troops.  Germany has become the first European country to specify a new variant of the LCD that allows users to see an identification of the deadly agent displayed on a screen, when the unit alarms.

The addition of the liquid crystal display screen and programming buttons also gives troops a new level of equipment control, enabling the unit to be configured to meet individual requirements. Improved links have also been provided for applications requiring the LCD to be networked within a battlefield area communications system.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection said: “LCD is setting the technological standard for current and future generation NBC products, having been selected within recent months by Germany, three Scandinavian countries and by the U.S. DoD for its M4 JCAD programme. The German Ministry of Defence created a demanding requirement and it has been a considerable achievement to meet its specifications with the development of an established product. “

The German defence contract includes options to purchase additional quantities of the LCD to meet future requirements of both its Army and Navy.

Damian Tracey, President of Smiths Detection – Military, commented: “The BWB demanded some of the most advanced technological features and it is a credit to the engineering skills in Smiths Detection that this version of LCD achieved its goals. The product was thoroughly tested by the specialist German CBRN Defence Research Establishment, WIS, in Munster and is now ready to enter service.”

LCD
The LCD is a non-radioactive chemical warfare agent detector that automatically alerts service personnel to the presence of both chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, also classifying, quantifying and displaying the substances involved. It is principally used as a low-profile personal detector worn on a soldier’s load bearing equipment and is also a capable survey instrument for checking cargo, equipment, personnel or facilities or can be mounted in various forms of military transportation such as wheeled or tracked vehicles, aircraft and ships. With the appropriate accessories, it is capable of inclusion in networked communications systems.

About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks.  Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has three divisions focused on the high growth detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets. It employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com

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