Smiths Wins Series of Chemical Warfare Contracts.

Business Editors

FARNBOROUGH, U.K.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2002

Smiths Detection today announces a series of contract wins in chemical detection systems.

UAE - GID-3(TM)

Smiths Detection received a contract from Abu Dhabi Ship Builders (ADSB) to install GID-3(TM) chemical detectors on the Ghannaffa class fast assault craft for the UAE Armed Forces. With a value in excess of 220K Pounds Sterling, the contract calls for Smiths to supply GID-3, installation and training to ADSB and its partner Swedeyard. The systems are developed and manufactured at the company's facility in Watford, UK.

Delivery will be made to both yards to an agreed schedule and operator and maintenance training will take place at both locations. Included in the contract are the new through bulkhead sampling system (TBSS). The use of TBSS enables the detector to be mounted inside the ship or other structure and take a sample from the outside atmosphere without breaching the collective protection of the ship or structure. Smiths commissioned the design of the TBSS to replace the existing in service Through Bulkhead Unit (TBU) to allow cost, weight, radar signature and space reductions.

GID-3 (known in the US as GID-3 ACADA) uses Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology as its detection system. IMS has been shown over time to be effective against agents whilst at the same time rejecting false alarms caused by substances likely to occur on the battlefield or in the maritime environment. The selection of the proven GID-3 (the US DOD has in excess of 20,000 delivered or on order) brings the number to 13 countries with GID-3 in service or on order for their defence forces. This order is the fourth from a Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) defence force for maritime Chemical Warfare (CW) detectors from Smiths.

Royal Australian Navy - GID-2A(TM)

Chemical Warfare Detector & Through Bulkhead Sampling System (TBSS(TM))

Smiths Detection received an order for GID-2A(TM) naval chemical warfare detectors for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The detectors are to equip a number of classes of ships including FFG, ANZAC frigates and auxiliary vessels. The total order value is in the region of Pounds Sterling 500,000 and covers: selection of installation location, commissioning, setting to work and includes user and first line maintenance training. The order has included provision of the TBSS(TM).

GID-2A(TM) was a joint development by Smiths and the Porton Down Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment. The design incorporates a number of features that ensures the Ion Mobility Spectrometry operating technology is optimised to the maritime environment.

Japan - Lightweight Chemical Agent Detector(TM)

A number of orders have been received for the new Lightweight Chemical Agent Detector(TM) (LCD). LCD is a small (less than 325cc) and light (less than 500gm), chemical warfare agent (CWA) detector designed to be carried by an individual to provide immediate personal warning visual and audio, to immediate colleagues, of the presence of attack levels of CWA in their vicinity. The most recent of these orders is for more than 60 LCD for the Japanese Police.

LCD makes use of the same basic technology as Smiths CAM Chemical Agent Monitors and GID chemical detectors with the notable difference that LCD utilises a non-radio active ionizing source. A benefit of this development is that there is no need to account for the LCD to local radiation regulatory authorities. LCD uses the same basic technology and design that has been selected by the UK MOD for its LCAD (Lightweight Chemical Agent Detector) programme that was placed with Smiths following recent evaluation by the UK Defence Procurement Agency NBC Integrated Project Team.

Norway - Chemical Agent Monitors (CAM(TM))

In a series of orders placed by Government Ministries in Norway, Smiths Detection have been requested to supply in excess of 60 CAM(TM) for Military and Civil Defence use. The CAMs for the Civil Defence are for use in emergency deployable hospitals and decontamination units. The orders, which have been partly supplied through Normeca AS, have included training for Civil Defence maintenance personnel. The maintenance course, carried out at Smiths Watford facility, was joined by personnel from the Royal Norwegian Navy who also have CAM in service, and by maintenance technicians from Normeca.

The CAM's delivered detect chemical warfare agent and a number of Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICS). The Royal Norwegian Air Force also deploys CAM as part of its base survive to operate policy.

Bahrain - CAM(TM) and GID-3(TM)

Smiths Detection has received an order from the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) for a mixture of CAM(TM) and GID-3(TM) CW detection equipment. The order calls for Smiths to provide training in the use and deployment of CAM(TM) and GID-3(TM) and in operations, user and first line maintenance.

The BDF initially received a limited number of CAMs during the Gulf War and have subsequently carried out a detailed programme of exercises and staff studies involving all aspects of NBC defence to work out the optimum mix of detectors and monitors to provide protection of Bahrain. A study to assess the most effective devices was then undertaken. Effectiveness, ease of operation and maintenance, and compatibility with allies are understood to have been factors in the selection of the GID-3(TM) and CAM(TM). The detectors are currently be delivered and training has commenced.

Smiths Detection is part of Smiths Aerospace, the leading transatlantic aerospace equipment company, with half its 12,000 staff and $2 billion revenues in North America. Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in electronic systems, actuation systems, precision components and detection systems.