Defense Department Kickstarts Next Gen Chemical Detectors
DoD Launches Anticipated AVCAD Project
Overt Operator
September 27, 2023
US Department of Defense (DoD) has recently begun the production of Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD) systems for the joint forces as part of an effort signed way back in 2018.
AVCAD systems are designed to identify and report traditional and complex aerosol and vapor threats in a certain area, protecting warfighters from toxic effects while sustaining operability in hazardous warfare.
The AVCAD systems ordered include a mountable wireless remote alarm, control and remote display units, as well as other integrations depending on user requirements.
Additionally, 908 Devices’ High-Pressure Mass Spectrometry has been included, a technology combining high-frequency electronics and micro-scale geometries for efficient chemical detection.
Under the project, US defense will work with security screening firm Smiths Detection and 908 Devices to build 122 portable AVCAD systems for the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Smiths Detection will include five fixed systems for surface vessels and eight kits for land vehicles.
“Smiths Detection has partnered with the Department of Defense to provide more than 91,000 Joint Chemical Agent Detector units over 16 years,” Smiths Detection President Inder Reddy said.
“We’re honored to have been able to contribute to the development of next generation AVCAD devices that will help to keep our military and communities safe. The development of this new technology is a testament to the incredible people at Smiths Detection and their dedication to making the world a safer place,” he added.
908 Devices Chief Executive Officer Kevin Knopp has also commented on the project:
“908 Devices is pleased to continue working with the US Department of Defense and our partner, on this enterprise, multi-year program," Knopp said, as he was quoted by Businesswire.
"Being selected for this limited production phase validates our technology as a new standard for chemical detection and we are truly honored to have a role inprotecting our US military,"Knopp added.
The project’s next phase will cover production verification and multiple service operation testings, the companies wrote.
The US Department of Defense has launched the production of Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD) systems for joint forces, with the systems aiming to identify and report traditional and complex aerosol and vapor threats in a certain area.
Under the project, 122 portable AVCAD systems will be built for the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, with Smiths Detection providing five fixed systems for surface vessels and eight kits for land vehicles. The AVCAD systems ordered include a mountable wireless remote alarm, control and remote display units, as well as 908 Devices’ High-Pressure Mass Spectrometry technology for efficient chemical detection.
Smiths Detection President Inder Reddy said of the project:
“We’re honored to have been able to contribute to the development of next generation AVCAD devices that will help to keep our military and communities safe,” said Reddy, as quoted by the press release.
908 Devices Chief Executive Officer Kevin Knopp also commented on the project:
“Being selected for this limited production phase validates our technology as a new standard for chemical detection and we are truly honored to have a role in protecting our US military,” said Knopp, as quoted by the press release.
The project’s next phase will cover production verification and multiple service operation testings. The US DoD and its partners are confident that the AVCAD systems will help protect warfighters from toxic effects and sustain operability in hazardous warfare.