New CBRNE sensors increase detector range from centimeters to meters

The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) announced on Monday that it has built an enhanced threat detection device called CASTLE that increases the range of detection for CBRNE threats.

CASTLE, which stands for CBRNE assessment science and technology lab at ECBC, greatly increases the range of detection of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats from current technological standards. Most laboratories that deal with chemical and biological testing can test detectors from maximum distances of just a few inches away. With CASTLE, researchers can support the testing and development of equipment that can detect chemical and biological agents at distances of up to 24 meters in a secure facility.

“In surface contamination detection, we are looking for a detector that a Soldier can use when going into an area that may be compromised and find agent that could be on the ground or elsewhere,” Darren Emge, ECBC chemist and co-laboratory manager of CASTLE, said. “We’re trying to support the testing for that as well as development.”

CASTLE is a product of ECBC’s Grand Challenge Program — an internal initiative where ECBC employees can submit proposals to solve challenges facing soldiers during potential CBRNE threats.

The CASTLE program is currently involved with ongoing projects with foreign governments, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense.