Ahura Scientific has introduced a new version of its handheld chemical and explosives detector, TruDefender FT 1.2, which now features an onboard library of more than 7,500 pure substances that can be identified. Ahura, which is being acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific [TMO], says the TruDefender FT v1.2 software package is available to all of its customers with active support contracts. “As new chemical threats emerge, it’s important for law enforcement, military and first responders to have the tools needed to immediately analyze a situation and respond accordingly,” says Doug Kahn, chairman and CEO of Ahura. “With this announcement, we demonstrate our continued support to our customers by equipping them with the most up-to-date library of potentially harmful substances they may encounter while in the field.” Ahura says it has increased the size of the TruDefender FT library by more than four times in the past year. Separately, the company has introduced a next-generation Raman spectroscopy platform for rapid identification of solids and liquids, the FirstDefender RM and FirstDefender RMX, which are based on the Ahura’s flagship FirstDefender product. The new rugged handheld devices are up to five times faster and are smaller and lighter than FirstDefender. FirstDefender RM, which weighs 1.8 pounds, houses a library of more than 10,000 chemicals and features improved detectors and electronics, an enhanced user interface, and advanced power options. The RMX device weighs 2 pounds and can be operated in handheld mode or integrated with a tactical robot. The device also features improved electronics, detectors, power options and enhanced user interface.