British chemical detection firm Smiths Detection signed a contract with the Abu Dhabi Ship Builders (ADSB) to install GID-3 chemical detectors on the Ghannaffa class fast assault craft for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces.
With a value in excess of 220,000 Pounds Sterling ($344,000), 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. This order is the fourth from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) defense force for maritime Chemical Warfare (CW) detectors from Smiths.
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).
Smiths Detection also received an order from the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) for a mixture of CAM and GID-3 CW detection equipment. The order calls for Smiths to provide training in the use and deployment of the systems 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 program of exercises and staff studies of NBC defense to work out the optimum mix of detectors and monitors to provide protection of Bahrain.
GID-3, known in the US as GID-3 ACADA, uses Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology as its detection system, 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 Department of Defense (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 defense forces.
Smiths Detection is part of Smiths Aerospace, a transatlantic aerospace equipment company, with half its 12,000 staff and two billion dollar revenues in North America. Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, holds key positions in the supply chains of major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and manufactures electronic systems, actuation systems, precision components and detection systems. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
