Smiths Detection to Take Part in DoD’s Advanced Standoff Chemical Detection Demonstration

Smiths Detection, in partnership with Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), today announces it will showcase a prototype of an advanced standoff chemical detector at the Utah Dugway Proving Ground, a premier U.S. military technology testing facility. The showcase is part of a Warfighter Operational Demonstration for the NGCSD program evaluations, with testing taking place July 6-24, 2009.

Known as the Adaptive InfraRed Imaging System (AIRIS), the prototype employs a hyperspectral system developed by PSI, a recognized technology development partner to the U.S. Department of Defense. The system provides the capability to detect, identify and track chemical material from distances greater than five kilometers.

Tim Picciotti, General Manager, US Military, Smiths Detection, said: “We are delighted to participate in this demonstration and to show how the AIRIS system will be used to assess chemical contamination from afar. Our partnership with PSI is enabling the further advancement of technologies to enhance warfighter safety by detecting and defeating chemical threats.”

B. David Green, CEO of Physical Sciences, Inc, said: “It is a pleasure to be working with the world-class engineers at Smiths Detection, whose proven record in chemical detection coupled with our expertise in optical detection methods and advanced algorithms is making this standoff chemical detection technology a reality. We look forward to seeing this technology implemented in a variety of applications, including vehicles.”

Smiths Detection is a world-leading provider of chemical agent detection solutions including the recently launched Light Chemical Detector (LCD) 3.3™. The company sells chemical detectors and warning systems to armed forces and emergency response teams across the globe.

Smiths Detection (www.smithsdetection.com) offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide, developing and manufacturing government-regulated technology products that identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons and contraband. It is part of Smiths Group (www.smiths.com), a global leader in applying advanced technologies to markets in threat as well as contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 22,000 people in more than 50 countries.

Physical Sciences Inc. (www.psicorp.com) develops advanced technologies for aerospace, chemical, defense, energy, environmental, manufacturing and medical applications. Its 180 employees provide contract research and development services across a wide diversity of technical areas to both government and commercial customers. Its activities span basic research to advanced technology development with an emphasis on applied research leading to demonstration and deployment. The company's core technologies have been developed with more than $500 million of federal and industrial funding over three and a half decades of operations, a period in which PSI has acquired an international reputation for technical excellence and innovation.