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BAE SYSTEMS Delivers JCAD ChemSentry To U.S. Air Force

23 Jan 2003

BAE Systems has completed production and delivery of 100 JCAD ChemSentry™ chemical detector systems to the U.S. Air Force. In late December 2002, the U.S. Central Command Air Force (CENTAF) issued the order to the company's Integrated Defense Solutions (IDS) business to support Air Force urgent requirements. Successful delivery and training was completed by January 10.

The JCAD ChemSentry™ is a point chemical detector that can be hand-held or networked for chemical detection virtually anywhere the requirement exists. Carried by individuals, mounted in vehicles, or installed in and around facility installations, JCAD ChemSentry™ detects harmful chemical warfare vapors at concentrations that enable users to rapidly take protective action and avoid harmful agent effects. JCAD ChemSentry™ performs its mission in the most adverse environments users can encounter.

"Chemical detection is an essential element of force protection," said BAE Systems IDS president Bob Swanson. "And, we are honored to provide this capability to the military. The order was a statement of confidence in JCAD, JCAD ChemSentry™ and the work of the U.S. joint service-BAE Systems team responsible for the system's development - and the team delivered!"

JCAD ChemSentry™ is designed, manufactured and managed at the BAE Systems IDS facility in Austin, Texas.

The JCAD ChemSentry™ is the commercial version of the U.S. military's Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD). The JCAD program is a collaborative engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) effort by the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of Defense has identified a requirement for 270,000 JCAD systems. The Air Force is the lead service for the JCAD program, with the program office located at Brooks City-Base, San Antonio, Texas. JCAD ChemSentry™ and JCAD are currently identical except for the part number and commercial nomenclature.

BAE Systems JCAD and JCAD ChemSentry™ chemical detection systems are already the most rigorously tested devices of their kind. The JCAD system has recently passed rigorous contractor validation surety (chemical warfare agent) testing with superior performance -- exceeding that of other fielded chemical detection systems, and is currently undergoing Production Qualification Testing (PQT) by the government.