Smiths Detection Starts Supplying Mobile Medical Shelters to U.S. Army

Edgewood Facility to Deliver More than 100 Dual-Use Systems under $40m contract

EDGEWOOD, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smiths Detection has delivered the first Chemical Biological Protective Shelters (CBPS) to the U.S. Army as part of a $40 million award from the Department of Defense’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense.

“These CBPS units offer the U.S. Army a critical dual-use capability -- a highly mobile, protected environment for soldiers operating under threat of chemical and biological agents or the harsh conditions of a natural disaster response.”

The self-contained, mobile shelters with 400 square feet of working space will be used for preventative and emergency care to troops in the field. Three CBPS M8E1 units have now been delivered, the first of 111 systems due over the next two years.

Bob Bohn, Vice President Sales, Smiths Detection, said: “These CBPS units offer the U.S. Army a critical dual-use capability -- a highly mobile, protected environment for soldiers operating under threat of chemical and biological agents or the harsh conditions of a natural disaster response.”

The CBPS protects against potential chemical and biological threats, allowing surgeons to operate in a sterile environment without having to wear protective clothing. CBPS is a dual-use system designed to military specifications but with homeland mission capability to support events such as in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The systems are manufactured at Smiths Detection’s recently expanded U.S. headquarters in Edgewood, Maryland.

For technical specifications and more information about CBPS, please visit: http://www.smithsdetection.com/CBPS.php.

Smiths Detection designs and makes advanced solutions to detect and identify threats including explosives, chemical agents, biohazards, nuclear, radiation, narcotics, weapons and contraband. A market leader worldwide in providing layered security technologies, Smiths Detection has major plants in three U.S. states. It partners federal and state government agencies and first responders to strengthen homeland security and safeguard the military. Major customers include the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people, including more than 9,000 in the U.S. where it operates around 100 sites in 40 states.