CBRNe World Capability Profile: Smiths Detection

LCD - Lightweight Chemical Agent Detector

LCD (Lightweight Chemical Detector) represents a new generation of sophisticated yet small and lightweight chemical warfare agent detectors, which will revolutionise the soldier's personal protection in the 21st century. The LCD provides the user with an unobtrusive but effective means of detecting a wide range of chemical warfare threats.

The detector samples the air for chemical warfare agents, TICs and simulants. It is principally used as a low-profile personal detector worn on a soldier’s Load Bearing Equipment but is also a capable survey instrument for checking cargo, equipment, personnel or facilities. It can also be deployed on fixed and mobile platforms, including vehicles, ships, aircraft and fixed site installations.

The LCD simultaneously detects and classifies CW agents or TICs at below attack concentrations. An audible and/or visual alarm warns the soldier when they need to use Individual Protection Equipment. LCD operates continuously and recovers rapidly after an attack.

The LCD series has undergone successful testing with the UK Ministry of Defence, the US Department of Defense (DoD) and numerous other governments. These trials have shown that it has the highest level of performance of tested detectors of its kind.

The LCD has been selected by the US DoD for the Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) program, by the UK MOD for its Lightweight Chemical Agent Detector (LCAD) programme and it is also in service with the Norwegian government. Over 12,000 units have been produced for global customers at Smiths Detection’s purpose-built facility.

The LCD contains no radioactive source, has a volume of less than 30in³ and weighs less than 1 lb (0.45kg). It incorporates an LED display mounted on the top face to show operating status and give visual alarms (when worn), and a bar display on the front of the unit to indicate concentration levels. The detector displays visual alarms for either nerve, blister, TICs or blood and choking agent classes to enable the user to take appropriate action.

The LCD is user-friendly, highly reliable and field maintainable to minimize whole life cost. The only consumable items are standard commercially available AA batteries and the molecular sieve pack. These are both replaceable in the field in less than two minutes, whilst wearing protective equipment. Once deployed the detector requires no calibration, lubrication or other scheduled maintenance.

For further information please see our website www.smithsdetection.com or contact:

Smiths Detection
Edgewood, MD –USA
+1-410-510-9100
militaryus@smithsdetection.com

Smiths Detection
Watford- United Kingdom
+44 (0)1923 658000
military.row@smithsdetection.com