The latest order for the enhanced M4A1 JCADs, which started delivery in April 2011, takes the total awarded to Smiths Detection to more than $350 million under the long-running JCAD programme.

The M4A1 JCAD is based on Smiths Detection's LCD 3.3, an advanced, detect-to-warn device that protects troops or emergency responders by sampling the air for chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. Weighing less than two pounds (0.65kg), it can be worn or carried by troops without obstructing their primary duties. This order represents the DoD’s first significant order based on the new LCD 3.3. Previous awards were based on its predecessor, the LCD 3.2e.

Tim Picciotti, Vice President, Global Programs and USA Country Head for Smiths Detection, said: “This award for enhanced JCAD systems underscores Smiths Detection’s continued global leadership in the development of chemical detection technologies. It’s also a well-deserved win for our outstanding American manufacturing team and the work they are doing to continually enhance our technologies to better support and protect U.S. troops.”

Smiths Detection recently expanded its Edgewood, MD facility partly to help meet demand from the U.S. military for the JCAD programme. Smiths Detection’s customers in the U.S. include the Department of Defense, homeland security authorities, customs and emergency responders. The Edgewood facility, which employs almost 250 people, is its main manufacturing plant for a range of threat detection systems for explosives, chemicals and biological warfare agents.