Date: Oct 31, 2014 Author: Salem Solomon Source: bizjournals (
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The U.S. Army awarded an $8.7 million operational development contract to Alakai Defense Systems of Largo for technology that will help troops avoid improvised explosive devices.
The technology helps soldiers detect chemicals used in bombs from a distance, the Tampa Tribune said. Alakai demonstrated the system known as the Standoff Covert Eyesafe Explosive Detection System, at its Largo offices last week.
The device is about the size of a foot locker and uses lasers to trace the chemical signature of bomb ingredients including ammonium nitrate, the Tribune said. The contract has already allowed ADS President Ed Dottery to double the size of his staff from 20 to 40, the Tribune said.
