Smiths Detection launches hand-held vapour detector for chemicals commonly used in improvised explosive devices

10-Second Analysis Enables Fast Detection of IEDs; Military and Airline Industry are Primary Markets for Advanced Portable Detector

SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announces the launch of a hand-held vapour detector for volatile chemicals commonly used in home-made bombs. The SABRE EXV, using Smiths Detection's proven Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, is a lightweight portable device that can detect and identify explosive substances, including peroxide-based chemicals, in as little as 10 seconds.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: "The SABRE EXV will fill a gap in detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for the military and airline industries in particular. Its development demonstrates Smiths Detection's commitment both to partnering with our customers and to R&D on products that fill an immediate, critical need."

Peroxide-based chemicals found in common household products have been used as the basic ingredients of many IEDs which are relatively easy to make and difficult to detect. They have been used in a number of high-profile terror plots in recent years and the SABRE EXV has been developed specifically to combat those threats.