Northrop Grumman [NOC] and Syagen Technology have signed a multi-year product development and license agreement focused on chemical and biological detection using mass spectrometry in mobile military operations. The agreement, which is funded by Northrop Grumman, includes the future development of a broad range of applications and environments requiring the high accuracy and sensitivity of Syagen’s QitTof (Quadrapole Ion Trap Time of Flight) mass spectrometer. Northrop Grumman says it will use Syagen’s technology as a platform to engineer specialized solutions for the company’s divers federal government customer base. Mass spectrometry is the “gold standard” for laboratory-based detection and identification for the Chemical Weapons Convention Compliance testing, Northrop Grumman tells TR2. The technology has the sensitivity and specificity to identify potential threats even within complex background environments. However, the challenge has always been moving mass spectrometry from the lab into the field. “To move this capability to the field requires ruggedization of the hardware, an increase in reliability and maintainability and the automation of the detection and identification process which is where Northrop Grumman has focused its efforts and expertise,” the company says. Northrop Grumman says the primary focus of its development effort is on the Chemical Biological Mass Spectrometer program with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. Other military opportunities include the Joint Portal Shield and Guardian programs for fixed-site protection and mobile/recon labs such as the Common Analytical Laboratory. The company is also exploring Department of Homeland Security opportunities such as cargo screening and building protection. As for actual product development, Northrop Grumman says it is completing integration and test of the first units and expects them to be ready for customer evaluation in Jan. 2010.