The U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products approximately $15.7 million for the first year's production on a six-year contract for Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector (JSLSCAD) systems and spare parts.

The first phase of this contract is expected to be completed in June 2010. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics.

The JSLSCAD is a detection system designed to provide ground vehicles with state-of-the-art remote chemical agent detection. General Dynamics' technology uses a passive infrared detection system that automatically searches for chemical agent vapor clouds.

This is the first chemical detection system with 360-degree coverage for ground vehicles with a detection range of up to 2 kilometers. When a harmful chemical is detected the system signals a warning allowing personnel to either avoid contaminated areas or don protective gear.

"General Dynamics' JSLSCAD provides U.S. armed forces with an effective tool to detect potentially harmful and even fatal chemicals at a safe distance," said Bill Gural, vice president and general manager of Detection Systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.

"Our team in Charlotte is proud to provide technology that protects the men and women who protect us."