Smiths Detection has been awarded a contract worth almost £6 million (9.2 million USD) from General Dynamics UK to supply chemical agent detectors for the AJAX Program.
Production of up to 589 armored fighting vehicles is planned under the UK MOD program, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2017. Smiths Detection will supply LCD 3.3 detectors, which provide the crew with early warning of any chemical warfare attack.
The LCD 3.3 features both audible and visual alarms plus a clear, easy-to-read liquid crystal display. The device is user-friendly and doesn’t require complicated maintenance routines. The unit can be fitted with a survey nozzle to aid in the detection of residual persistent contamination while in survey mode. Data logging records up to 72 hours of mission data for future analysis.
“This major military program provides Smiths Detection with a valuable reference system for vehicle integration. The importance of AJAX was recognized by releasing it into full production as a front-line vehicle for UK land forces,” said Tony Tielen, Vice President EMEA, Smiths Detection. “With continuing news of chemical weapons being used by terrorist groups, Smiths Detection’s LCD 3.3 will play a critical role in keeping troops safe. We look forward to working with General Dynamics UK on the delivery of this vital program.”
The contract follows a two-year development program, including modifying the detector’s special mounting system to meet the particular requirements of the vehicle.
