Smiths Detection Selected for Joint Chemical Agent Detector Increment 2 Evaluation

Business Wire, Sept 26, 2007

Department of Defense (DoD) will test two different detector configurations of Smiths Detection's advanced chemical detectors

EDGEWOOD, Md. -- Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announced its military unit has been selected to participate in the first major phase of Increment 2 of the Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) Program. Earlier this year, Smiths Detection was awarded an initial $3.9 million firm-fixed price contract to supply M4 JCADs to Increment 1 of the JCAD Program.

The M4 JCAD is an advanced, non-radioactive chemical point detector that is designed to help save the lives of troops by automatically detecting, identifying and quantifying both chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals.

The second increment of the JCAD program builds upon Increment 1 requirements emphasizing detector sensitivity, false alarm rejection, and networking capabilities. The DoD will evaluate multiple detectors over the next year.

Smiths Detection has developed two different detector configurations to meet the requirements for the second increment of the JCAD program. These further enhance the Smiths Detection product and technology that was chosen for Increment 1 of the program and is now in production.

Initially ten detectors - five of each configuration - will be procured by the DoD for evaluation. If successful through multiple evaluation phases, the long-term potential for the JCAD Increment 2 program is for production of up to 120,000 units for the detector selected.

"This is the next phase in helping the DoD to equip the U.S. Military and another important milestone for our military business," said Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection.

Phipson continued: "Smiths Detection has produced chemical detectors for military forces around the world for over 40 years and securing the Increment 1 contract of the JCAD program was a significant win. For both the Department of Defense and Smiths Detection, it marked the start of one of the most important chemical agent detection equipment programs ever undertaken. The selection of Smiths Detection detectors to the JCAD Increment 2 evaluation further highlights our commitment to continuous development of technology to protect U.S. military forces."

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com.

About Smiths Group

Smiths is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has three divisions focused on the high growth detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets. It employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com.