Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sniffer detects airborne chemical risks

Sniffer detects airborne chemical risks: "A new sniffer sensor that can spot suspect chemical content or residue is winning support from the military, which plans to use it on unmanned aircraft, a U.S. company said.
Ionfinity, a security technology subsidiary of the alternate energy company Viaspace, said it will receive an additional funding of $786,000 from the U.S. Navy for a contract awarded earlier to develop the sensor.
Chemical sensors can have both defense and civilian use but Ionfinity's sniffer has caught the attention of the military that sees defense potential of the device. Ionfinity said it was informed by officials the Navy exercised an option for the provision of the funding for an extra duration of development for 18 months. Ionfinity so far has received nearly $1.3 million under the Navy contract."