Smiths Detection Announces Hardened Hand-Held, Simultaneous, TriMode, Threat Detector

Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announces the launch of the Multi-Mode Threat Detector (MMTD), a portable device that can detect a range of explosives including the materials most commonly used in homemade bombs.

The MMTD, a rugged, hand-held detector for explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals and narcotics, also features an optimized detection capability for peroxides, commonly used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) The simultaneous dual-mode capability of the MMTD allows operators to detect a broad range of explosives and offers simultaneous one-sample analysis detection of explosives and narcotics.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: “The MMTD is designed to help meet one of the biggest challenges facing soldiers in urban warfare environments -- homemade bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Many of these are made using peroxide-based substances, something the MMTD is optimized to detect.”

It features a hardened case and is designed to an IP54 military rating, which measures the instrument’s ability to operate in extreme conditions. In addition to its wide threat detection capability, the MMTD can operate continuously for up to five hours using two hot-swappable batteries. It can also be used remotely with alarm and status information reported to Command & Control via Ethernet, WiFi or RF. Operators can select between either particle or vapor analysis methods for detecting the suspected threat and results are typically returned in 10 seconds or less.

Cherif Rizkalla, President of Smiths Detection, Americas, said: “The hardened case will enable the military to utilize our MMTD in any environment, taking hand-held threat detection to a new level while maintaining accuracy and functionality. It can also be used in other challenging security environments by government agencies or even in mass transit situations.”

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. A world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies, Smiths Group delivers products and services for the threat & contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets worldwide. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com.