DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah - The ability to adapt to challenges while neutralizing hazards can change the outcome of a mission when soldiers are faced with chemical or biological threats. Thats why the U.S. Army is working to give soldiers the best equipment possible.
The Aerosol Vapor Chemical Agent Detector, or AVCAD, is a next generation chemical detector that will alert warfighters of the presence of a chemical agent. AVCAD development is being led by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense in partnership with Smiths Detection.
The AVCAD is designed to detect, identify, alarm and report threat vapors and aerosols. AVCAD gives the joint force increased capability to defend against chemical agent exposure as its able to detect both traditional and non-traditional agents. It is a mass spectrometer-based system that works by pulling in air for vapor and aerosol sample preconcentration and heating until it is analyzed for detection and identification results, which are then displayed to the operator.
Longterm testing of the AVCAD device at Dugway Proving Ground will ensure the safety of warfighters and prepare them to overcome anything they face on the battlefield. AVCAD is on track to reach full rate production approval in fiscal year 2025 and initial operational capability by fiscal year 2027. The project team will continue to work with the user community to refine AVCAD and prepare for fielding to the services.
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