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28 October 2002

BAE SYSTEMS SOLUTION TO DETECT CHEMICAL WARFARE

BAE Systems latest technological development to aid in combating terrorism and safeguarding the community was showcased at the Land Warfare conference in Brisbane this month.

BAE Systems Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) ChemSentry™ is already in use with the United States Military. The development of this product coincides with the heightened awareness and worldwide push to increase counter-terrorist capabilities.

In Australia, this push has been evidenced by the launch of the Incident Response Regiment (IRR) in September and the new programme JP 2087 Phase 1 that seeks to provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a permanent capability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive incidents. Another project, JP 141 Phase 1A will expand and enhance the ADF's chemical, biological and radiological response capability.

JCAD ChemSentry™ is a contender for both JP 141 and JP 2087 Phase 1. It is the ideal chemical warfare agent or toxic industrial chemical detector for a broad spectrum of applications including:

  • Aircraft interior and exterior
  • Ground vehicle interior and exterior
  • Shipboard
  • Fixed site, advanced warning or security network
  • Personnel (hand-held or worn)
  • Equipment survey

"The US requirement is for more than 257,000 JCAD units to replace all current United States military point chemical detectors, and production is just starting. The timing is therefore perfect for the JP141 and JP2087 programmes. Australia will be able to benefit from United States investment in a state-of-the-art product and a high rate production programme," said Don Wappler, Programme Manager, International Programmes - BAE Systems, IDS Integrated Defense Solutions.

JCAD ChemSentry™ has been extensively tested against chemical agents, toxic industrial chemicals and interferents during more than two years of chemical surety testing. It can also be used in a wide variety of extreme environmental conditions and is light-weight at less than one kilogram.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around £13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

In Australia, the company employs 2,500 people, supports customers at more than 50 locations across the country and has its centre of operations in Adelaide. BAE Systems is a leader in engineering and systems integration and is a major supplier of support services, electronics and software.

For further information, please contact:
Kathryn Andrews, BAE Systems Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 2 6229 1600  Mob: +61 (0) 418 838 632

Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605  Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com

Ref: 222/2002