CBRNe World Capability Profile: General Dynamics Canada

The 4WARN Vital Point Biological Sentry System was recently chosen by the Canadian Forces to provide protection to its forces through real-time, biological agent detection, sampling and alarming. The system, provided by General Dynamics Canada, is a mil-spec, modularized, biological agent detection, alarm, and sample collection system offering detection within seconds of exposure - allowing soldiers time to don protective equipment. The 4WARN system can further be enhanced to provide critical identification information to help mitigate the effects of exposure.

The unit consists of four main modules – a Fluorescent Particle Detection (FPD) -based biological agent detection module; a liquid sample collection module; a battery module to enable system operation in the event of external power loss; and a processor control module. This flexible design allows the System to be deployed in various configurations and module combinations as dictated by specific mission scenarios or vehicular/naval platform installations. Moreover, the modular design greatly facilitates ease of transportation, set up, and system maintainability.

The detection, alarm, and sample collection capabilities of the 4WARN Vital Point Biological Sentry System may be augmented with provisional and confirmatory agent identification using a stand-alone Immunoassay-based or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based identification device. Coupling the exceptional real time response of fluorescence particle detection capabilities of the 4WARN Vital Point Biological Sentry System with the accuracy and sensitivity of a provisional identification device provides an unprecedented level of detection and false alarm rejection within a small, flexible, and affordable package.

The 4WARN Vital Point Biological Sentry System has undergone rigorous performance testing in conjunction with Idaho Technology’s RAZOR hand-held pathogen identification system at the Battelle Ambient Breeze Tunnel facility. The test results clearly demonstrate the ability of such a product combination to detect, warn, sample and identify aerosolized biological warfare agents.

General Dynamics Canada is a world leader in the development of biological agent detection technology. The 4WARN Vital Point Biological Sentry System is the result of a decade worth of dedication and experience in the development, production, and field support of systems deployed by military and paramilitary organizations around the world. The System employs mature technology that has been thoroughly tested and field proven. However, the modular design approach will readily facilitate future technology insertion when next generation biological agent detection technologies mature to a state in which they have garnered industry confidence.

Specific 4WARN Vital Point Biological Sentry System features include:

• •Timely detection and alarm of biological warfare agent dissemination to enable the rapid adoption of protective measures to avoid agent exposure;
• Autonomous, event-driven liquid sample collection to enable Biological Warfare agent identification and post event forensic verification;
• Minimal operating costs as continuous, real time air monitoring is performed without the use of consumables;
• Fully automated operation requiring no user intervention or specialist training;
• Single sensor station operation or rapid deployment within a network of sensors depending on the operational requirements;
• Remote system management and monitoring via integrated communications enabling comprehensive alarm information transmission to local commanders in advance of exposure;
• Readily interfaces with other sensors as well as Command & Control Systems and Information Systems using industry standard communications channels;
• Easily transportable from its deployment base to its operating location; and
• Robust design compliant with various military standards ensuring reliable operation in various climate conditions such as desert, jungle, maritime, mountainous and cold weather operations.
  

For more information please see: www.gdcanada.com