Smiths Detection receives $4.5 million contracts to provide U.S. Air Force with advanced hazmat identification equipment

HazMatID and APD 2000 add a new layer of hazardous materials detection and identification to Air Force facilities throughout

Pine Brook, NJ, 21 March 2007 -  Smiths Detection, a world leading provider of chemical and explosives trace detection and X-ray imaging systems, today announced it has received three contracts from the United States Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency (AFCESA), totalling $4.5 million. Under the contracts, the company will provide HazMatIDs, portable chemical identifiers, and APD 2000s, chemical detection systems. The orders, which will be delivered in early 2007, represent one quarter of the Air Force’s ongoing deployment to 260 bases world wide.
“Our Emergency Response product suite comprises cutting-edge solutions for emergency responders who are tasked with quickly identifying and responding to evolving threats.” said Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection. “The combination of our two advanced technology products provides the U.S. Air Force’s emergency responders with a wide range of detection capabilities for potentially hazardous chemicals.”
In response to the recent funding made available through the USAF Emergency Response Program, the Air Force has deployed these systems to their Civil Engineering Readiness and Fire teams, who will use the equipment to identify Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs) and other unknown liquid, solid or vapor threats, in seconds.
“AFCESA’s addition of the HazMatID and APD2000 brings a whole new level of chemical detection capabilities to Air Force Emergency Responders,” said Mark Laustra, Vice President and General Manager, Smiths Detection’s Homeland Security. “We have worked closely with the Air Force on the initial implementations and look forward to a long-term relationship of adding premiere detection products coupled with our world class service and unmatched Reachback support.”

HazMatID
The HazMatID is a portable chemical identifier used to distinguish between thousands of unknown or suspicious materials, including “white powders,” chemical warfare agents, TICs, TIMs, household chemicals, explosives and other substances. The HazMatID library contains over 5,000 different materials. Requiring no sample preparation by the operator, the system identifies a substance or compound in seconds using infra-red technology. The HazMatID’s reliability, durability and intuitive interface have made it the tool of choice for thousands of federal, state and local response teams.
Additionally, Smiths Detection provides its unparalleled 24/7/356 “Reachback” support service, which includes, training, library updates, next-day loaner equipment and regular maintenance. Though this program, the company provides around-the-clock access to Smiths Detection specialists who can help with operational, technical or analytical issues.

APD 2000
The APD 2000 is a handheld chemical agent detector used by military and civil emergency responders to detect and identify chemical warfare agents and other hazardous compounds. In addition, the APD 2000 also includes gamma radiation detection and remote communication capabilities. With thousands of units in use around the world, the APD 2000 has become a standard piece in the emergency responder’s toolbox since its launch in the late 1990s.

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

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Media Contacts:   

David Olsen 
Coltrin & Associates for Smiths Detection
212-221-1616 ext. 118  
David_Olsen@Coltrin.com

Susan Cooper-Curcio
Smiths Detection
973-830-2131
susan.cooper@smithsdetection.com