FAS | Military | DOD 101 | Systems | Land Warfare |||| Index | Search | Join FAS

---

Improved Chemical Agent Monitor (ICAM)

The Improved Chemical Agent Monitor is an improvement over the currently fielded CAM. The modular design is less expensive to repair, requires less maintenance, and eliminates depot level repair now required for the CAM. The ICAM also starts up faster after prolonged storage and is more reliable.

The ICAM is a hand held, soldier operated post attack device for monitoring chemical agent contamination on personnel and equipment. The ICAM detects vapors of chemical agents by sensing molecular ions of specific mobilities (time of flight) and uses timing and microprocessor techniques to reject interferences. The monitor detects and discriminates between vapors of nerve and mustard agents. The ICAM consists of a drift tube, signal processor, molecular sieve, membrane, and expendables such as batteries, confidence tester, dust filters, Buzzer, and Battery Pack. The monitor measures 4-in. by 7-in. by 15-in. and weighs approximately 5 lb.

The buzzer is a device that produces an audible signal when the Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) displays two or more bars. The buzzer also signals during self-test of the CAM. It connects directly to the rear connector of the CAM. The buzzer is powered by one standard 9-volt battery, NSN 6135-00-900-2139.

The Battery Pack, Training, (BAT), is used with the Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) during mantainence and training. It works with 4 D-Cell batteries or standard 120 Volt, 60 Hz electricity through an AC adapter provided.

The ICAM is for use by personnel who are in full NBC protective posture. The ICAM is employed in both monitoring and survey missions and is primarily used to sort contaminated versus clean vehicles, equipment, and personnel. The ICAM reduces the burden and enhances the efficiency of the decontamination process. The ICAM does not require a specific Military occupational Specialty to operate and is used by a wide variety of units. The ICAM is a Non Developmental Item (NDI).

The CAM, and ICAM, were developed by Graseby Dynamics Ltd., Watford Herts, U.K., in the early to mid-80s. The CAM was accepted into service by the U.S. Army in 1985, and the ICAM in 1993. CAMs were produced for the DoD by Graseby and Environmental Technologies Group, Inc., a domestic licensee of Graseby Dynamics. Intellitec Div., Technical Products Group, Inc., DeLand, Florida, has been awarded a contract to produce the ICAM for the U.S. Army.

NOTE: "CAM" is a registered trademark of Graseby Dynamics Ltd.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Detect Low levels of nerve (G, Vx) and mustard (HD, HN3)
• Not be affected by common battlefield interferences
• Differentiate between nerve and mustard agents
• Be lightweight and handheld monitor

Joint Services Operational Requirement: July 84

Basis of Issue:

Chemical Units -

Two per Recon Team

Three per Decon Squad

Medical Units -

Two per Bn Aid Station

Three per Medical Company

Four per Medical Co (clearing), Corps

One per Preventive Medicine Unit

Other Units -

Two per Platoon size element on detached mission from parent unit

Five per area NBC School (or as determined by School)

Ten per Army Service School (or as determined by School)

Four per Chemical Accident/Incident Control Team, EOD Team and Technical Escort Team (or as directed by parent organization)

New Materiel Release: Oct 98

First Unit Equipped: Jan 99

Sources and Resources

---

FAS | Military | DOD 101 | Systems | Land Warfare |||| Index | Search | Join FAS

---