Smiths Detection wins $8 million department of defense contract for next generation meteorological system for Marine Corps

Smiths Detection will design and test prototype mobile weather forecasting system

Edgewood, MD, 23 May 2006 - Smiths Detection, a world leading provider of chemical, biological and explosives detectors, and X-ray security screening equipment, today announced its Military unit has been awarded an $8 million contract for Meteorological Mobile Facility Replacement Next Generation (METMF(R) NEXGEN). The initial award from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command is for the design, development and delivery of a prototype system. With an option for a second system, the maximum contract value is estimated to be $11.3 million.

METMF(R) NEXGEN is a mobile system that will provide tactical meteorological support to the Marine Air Ground Task Force with continuous meteorological observations, satellite imagery and forecasts. This system will replace the legacy METMF(R) with current and emerging state-of-the-art technologies offering a smaller overall size and increased mobility. These advancements will significantly enhance the meteorological capabilities of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Forces.

"Smiths Detection has four decades of experience providing state of the art meteorological equipment for the military both in the US and overseas," said Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection "Our experience of integrating systems and working with associated technologies will enable us to provide the Marines with a considerably improved, technically advanced system"

In addition to METMF(R)NEXGEN, Smiths Detection is currently supplying the U.S. Army with a next-generation upper atmospheric measuring system, the Meteorological Measuring Set-Profiler, which is used to increase the accuracy of field artillery. Smiths Detection has provided more than 100 earlier-generation artillery meteorological systems to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. National Guard.


About Smiths Detection:
Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group. Based in Edgewood, Maryland, Smiths Detection-Military continues its 50 year history of providing the military with a range of products that protect armed forces. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical & biological agents, weapons and contraband. In addition, Smiths Detection provides meteorological systems for the DoD.


Media Contacts:

Olivia Deffenderfer
Smiths Detection Military
Phone: 401-510-9281
olivia.deffenderfer@smithsdetection.com

David Olsen
Coltrin & Associates (For Smiths Detection)
Phone: 212-221-1616, X-118
david_olsen@coltrin.com