Function: Long-range chemical agent detection.





Description: The Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Automatic Alarm is a two-man-portable, automatic scanning, passive infrared sensor which detects nerve and blister agent vapor clouds based on changes in the infrared energy emitted from remote objects, or from a cloud formed by the agent. The RSCAAL is a stand-alone, tripod-mounted, chemical agent overwatch system to be used in a defensive role. It consists of a detector, tripod, M42 remote alarm unit, transit case, power cable assembly, and standard military power source. It will be used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It will search areas between friendly and enemy forces for chemical agent vapors, and provide advanced detection and warning of chemical hazards. Where possible, the RSCAAL will be employed in pairs (two reconnaissance teams) so that one RSCAAL can be used in the overwatch position when the other reconnaissance team is moving. The remote warning can be transmitted by two methods: by hardwire to the M42 alarm or by a digital signal transmitted from the M21 via an RS232 cable. The RS232 link will provide a capability to link with the Marine Corps Hazard Warning System/Network.





General Characteristics, M21 Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Automatic Alarm





Operational Configuration:

Length: 20 inches (50.8 centimeters)



Width: 48 inches (121.92 centimeters)



Height: 51.5 inches (130.81 centimeters)



Weight: 66 pounds (29.96 kilograms)





Storage/Shipping Configuration:

Length: 31 inches (78.74 centimeters)



Width: 30 inches (76.2 centimeters)



Height: 22 inches (55.88 centimeters)





Weight:

117 pounds (53.12 kilograms)





Power Requirements:

120 watts at 21 to 30 volts







Chemical Agent Detection Range:

1.86 to 3.1 miles (3 to 5 kilometers)





Instantaneous Field of View:

Vertical: 1.5?

Horizontal: 60?





Chemical Agent Spectral Range:

800 to 1200 centimeter(-1)





Mean Time Between Operational Mission Failures:

277 hours





Inventory:

125 are currently being fielded; the acquisition objective is 197





Unit Replacement Cost:

$110,000