General Dynamics Canada has demonstrated for the first time the sampling module from its VP Bio-Sentry System, recently chosen by the Canadian Forces for use in the Vital Point Bio-Sentry Programme.
The VP Bio-Sentry System is a real-time, biological agent detection and sampling system for static, mobile and naval defence applications. It is designed to detect aerosolised biological agents and issue warnings within seconds, giving personnel time to don protective equipment, as well as providing critical identification information to help mitigate the effects of exposure. Earlier versions of this detection technology have been deployed for more than six years on Canadian Forces ships, used in urban operations and sold to a number of international military customers.
The sampling technology being demonstrated performs autonomous, event-driven liquid sample collection to facilitate biological warfare agent identification and post-event forensic verification. The design features self-contained liquid sample cartridges, eliminating problematic fluidics and enhancing system reliability, reducing total cost and making it easier to use.
General Dynamics will deliver initial systems to the Canadian Forces in 2008, with final deliveries anticipated for 2010. An additional version of the system is expected to be available for purchase by other customers in the second quarter of 2008.
The VP Bio Sentry Project will provide the Canadian Forces with six full and 23 partial VP Bio-Sentry systems. A full system includes multiple detectors and an alarm, sampling and identification capability. A partial system provides sampling, alarm and identification capability, using one detector, for ships and for training purposes.
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