Ploughshare Innovations Ltd.
Unit 2, Nine Mile Water Business Park, Nether Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 8DR United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 1794 301602
© Ploughshare Innovations Ltd 2010
Supporting technology for the defence and homeland security markets
Security
Dstl’s primary role is to ensure the MoD’s capabilities in science and technology support its current and future objectives. Ploughshare has been able to widen the benefit further to other defence and homeland security markets.
Sensor and detection equipment continues to be one area in particular where Ploughshare offers a wealth of supporting technology.
Anionic Exchange Membrane
There is an ongoing requirement to provide advanced power sources for military applications. This includes the development of alkaline fuel cells incorporating novel anionic exchange membranes whose high performance has application beyond fuel cells.
Battlefied Data (HODA)
The MoD/Dstl have a wealth of operational and historical battlefield analysis and data gathered from every encounter over many decades. This data, now available under licence, has the potential to enhance the credibility and therefore the experience for war gamers and present a significant market advantage.
Carbon Impregnated Pyrotechnic Material
Flare countermeasures capable of creating a non-visible (to the naked eye) infrared (IR) area source with the intention of confusing a missile launcher equipped with an IR targeting system.For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Chemiluminescence Explosives Detection
There is an ongoing requirement to provide enhanced levels of explosives detection capability against a range of common explosives for both military and homeland security applications. This requires the development of new trace detection techniques with increased levels of sensitivity and specificity that are capable of being adapted into simple and robust handheld/desktop instruments.
Corona Discharge Ionisation
A corona discharge ionisation source is disclosed in which neutral species are removed by directing a flow of oxygen containing gas in a direction substantially different to that of the ion flow. The ion profiles produced are similar in many respects to those produced by a 63Ni source, an alternative, non-radioactive, ion source is offered. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Cyclone Bio-threat Detection
Airborne biological threats pose a real and serious concern for both Departments of Defence and the Homeland Security markets. Threats range from anthrax spores to biological toxins. Current methods to detect their presence are all liquid based (e.g. PCR, immunoassays). Potential threat agents need to be efficiently extracted from the airborne state for onward liquid-based analysis, a potential threat detected by a “trigger” can then be assessed.
Dilution Apparatus (GSR)
Self-calibrating apparatus and methods for dilution of an analyte-containing fluid, in particular for dilution of analyte concentrations beyond the normal measurement range of a detector. Applications present as a respirator test system for determining mask fit. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Fire Detection Method
When materials, such as electrical components, are at the risk of the onset of fire gases and vapours are emitted. By sampling with an ion mobility spectrometer specifically tuned for the materials fire risks can be determined and alarms triggered as a result. High sensitivity and selectivity allows rapid detection and prevents false alarms. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Flexible Bracket
A flexible bracket originally developed for attaching armour to a vehicle. The felexibility allows more resilient support for the armour during vehicle manoeuvre when compared with a rigid alternative, it’s potential applications are much wider. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Microemulsion for Decontamination
Dstl has developed a concentrated formulation that is highly effective in solubilizing chem/bio (C/B) agents – even thickened compositions. When used with either a peracid for HD and biological agents or an alkaline peroxide for nerve agents, the formulation (76% water, 19% liquid concentrate, 5% active chemical powder) has demonstrated the capability to decontaminate C/B agents on surfaces to NATO’s “Thorough” standard.
Novel Uses of Polymer
A polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene for protection against harmful and/or noxious agents. The invention further provides a laminate suitable for providing protection against harmful and/or noxious agents, The laminate uses a layer of a polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene is also disclosed. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Super Bainite Armour Steel
Super Bainite steel is a high performance armour steel, following live fire trials it has been demonstrated to have a hardness matching that of alternative high hardness armour steels, and some ceramic armours, at a much reduced cost.
WIBS defence/CBRN bio-aerosol monitors
An instrument that can deliver reagent-free, real-time, continuous monitoring of bio-aerosols. This could be used for monitoring or as a “trigger” in defence and homeland security markets.