Astrotech Corporation subsidiary 1st Detect Corporation and strategic partner Battelle Memorial Institute have completed the Brassboard Phase and were awarded the Final Prototype Phase of the U.S. military’s Next Generation Chemical Detector (NGCD) Multi-Sample Identifier (MSI) Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction Program.
During this upcoming phase, 1st Detect will deliver multiple OEM-1000NG Core Analyzer units for integration into Battelle’s NGCD prototype solution. Battelle is the prime contractor for the Department of Defense’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (PEO-CBD) next generation chemical detection solution program.
“We are pleased to have passed Phase II,” stated Brent Shroy, Manager of Battelle’s CBRNE Product & Lifecycle Management Business. “1st Detect’s chemical analyzer is the engine that enables the detection of complex compounds with high levels of sensitivity and accuracy. Through our collaboration, we have created a rugged, lightweight instrument that delivers lab quality performance and can be easily employed in the field. We look forward to continuing with 1st Detect to further refine our solution during Phase III.”
According to the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, the NGCD system will improve selectivity and sensitivity in multiple environments over current detection systems. Servicemembers will be able to characterize threats in air and water as well as on land, personnel, equipment and facilities.
When fielded, NGCD will support manned and unmanned platform integration for CBRN passive defense, WMD interdiction, WMD elimination, and consequence management missions.
