What We Do

Integrated Biological Detection System

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Biosecurity on the Battlefield
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) attacks are a serious threat on today's battlefields.  The ability to test for CBRN agents safely and immediately is a necessity.  The Integrated Biological Detection System (IBDS) can detect and identify traces of bacterial, viral and toxic warfare agents whilst keeping the testing crew safe from outside threats.  Based inside a 14ft container on a four wheel-drive Leyland DAF, IBDS is an extremely rugged and resilient system.  Designed for world-wide operations, it has been in-service with the Joint Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Regiment at RAF Honington since 2003.

Toxic Free Area 1
On deployment, the main interior area of IBDS, known as Toxic Free Area 1 (TFA1), becomes the operations centre.
TFA1 holds:

  • Main Computer System
  • Biological Monitoring System
  • Communications Equipment
  • GPS System
  • Chemical Agent Monitoring System
  • 24 Hour Surveillance System
  • Meteorological Monitoring System

The main computer controls the bio detection system and monitors and displays the status of support systems such as the generator, GPS system and the meteorological system.  An identical secondary computer provides a fully functioning back-up should the primary one fail.  The biological monitoring system operates continuously and includes dedicated collection systems, detection systems and a containment suite with decontamination and waste disposal systems designed to be compliant with stringent Health and Safety regulations.  There is also a system which can preserve samples for later testing.

Toxic Free Area 2
A second Toxic Free Area (TFA 2) comprises an inflatable structure with a rigid floor that is hinged to the port external wall.  This provides a rest area for off duty personnel where food preparation and consumption may take place.  The domestic water supplies are carried as loose stowed items.  There is also a standard service issue means to heat food and water.

Access
Access to the IBDS is through the Contamination Control Area (CCA).  This is a fabric structure with a rigid floor where the crew can decontaminate themselves.  The CCA comprises a Liquid Hazard Area and Vapour Hazard Area to enable the crew to undertake personal decontamination prior to entering.  An airlock is built into the structure and allows final access to either TFA1 or TFA2.  The airlock also doubles as a toilet facility.  IBDS also has one direct access path - an equipment door situated midway in the starboard side of the container which also serves as the emergency exit.

Operation
IBDS was designed to be operated by a crew of four and power is provided by an on-board generator or via an auxiliary supply, with an uninterruptible power supply available as a back-up.  A large fuel tank can hold enough fuel for an entire mission and an integral Environmental Control System (ECS) and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical pack is installed to provide a safe, filtered air supply for the crew.  Both the TFA2 and CCA flexible structures are protected against chemical warfare agents by replaceable fly-sheets constructed from chemical agent resistant material, ensuring both crew and vehicle protection from toxic agents.  A safe is provided for the stowage of sensitive information and a field telephone system is provided to allow communications between personnel operating within TFA1 and any operating externally.
If necessary, IBDS can also operate independent of the vehicle, which provides greater flexibility for the crew.

Transport
IBDS was cleared for air transportation on Mk3 C-130 and C-17 aircraft and by helicopter as separate vehicle and container units. These transport options allow for a greater range of deployment for the vehicle.

Training
As part of the operation with the Joint CBRN Regiment, LMUK- Ampthill installed a Part Task Trainer and Classroom Training Facility for training the IBDS crews.  The Part Task Trainer allowed the crews to practice operation of the biological equipment and the Classroom Training Facility ran training simulation to rehearse for battlefield scenarios.

IBDS Dimensions
Height 4.710m
Width 2.438m
Length 2.438m
Weight 11,320kg