Three separate contracts to develop next-generation chemical detectors have been given to Chemring Detection Systems by the U.S. Army.

The awards from the U.S. Army Contracting Command are cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts worth a total of $3.9 million and with options worth $21.3 million.

"These awards are a reflection of the innovative and cost-effective solutions being developed and proposed by our NGCD (next-generation chemical detector) Program Team," said Tom Thebes, president of Chemring Sensors & Electronic Systems.

"More importantly, these sensors will provide enhanced capabilities in protecting both our soldiers and civilians from the growing threat of chemical and other toxic agents that our enemies use around the world."

The NGCD program is for development of three detector variants -- a Multi-Sample Identifier, a Surface Contaminant Locator, and a Platform/Site Air Monitor.

The variants for detection of diverse types of chemicals and support a number of detection mission events, such as chemical release, assessment of sites and decontamination efforts.