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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Ed Southgate

Coronavirus: Cold War nuclear cabins that promise protection sell for £15,000

Related video: British Mr Bean impersonator used by Chinese government to ease coronavirus fears and boost morale ( SWNS )

People living in fear of catching the deadly coronavirus are being offered the ‘ultimate protection’ – three ex-MoD nuclear, biological and chemical-proof cabins.

The green-coloured, aluminium Cold War cabins boast ‘full protection’ against viruses including Covid-19 and are being advertised on eBay for £15,000 a piece.

The advert says the NBC Marconi cabins are fully operational and also protect against EMP (explosion of electromagnetic energy) and can accommodate two people.

They were originally built as secure military command-post cabins and cost the government £250,000 each before being sold off.

They have previously also been used for storage and limited research use for RN projects, according to the advert.

The seller’s dad bought them from the MoD’s surplus company “Ramco”, unused, around 12 years ago at £200 each to use within her dad’s old company as “weather-balloon” test chambers.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve even used one as a mobile recording studio!

“They boast a “positive” air pressure system which allows totally charcoal and dust filtered air in, no dust, no viruses, no radiation, using the same system as Porton Down’s research labs.

The cabins promise space and protection for two adults (SWNS)

“They are even protected from incoming radio emissions to ‘Tempest Codeword’ standard!

“Comfortable, air-conditioned, big enough for two adults – and totally secure – just what the person who has everything needs in the virus-laden world of the future.

“One potential buyer even wanted to ship them to his island home in Scotland!”

They were totally unused and new when bought (SWNS)

The cabins are ex Phoenix UAV programme 1998 – 2008 (Royal Artillery) and are based on a cold war NBC design which was then updated to the Army’s spec for UAV use.

The seller said buyers must view the items – currently stored near Cardigan, West Wales, before bidding and visitors are warned they will be subject to strict pre-ID clearance conditions.

There is a strict no return policy (SWNS)

Fitted with positive pressure carbon filter systems and Magnehelix pressure controllers, they are described as used, in a good condition but needs cleaning externally and made to last.

A strict no return policy operates for buyers and the cabins come with no internal or external equipment.

It comes as shoppers have been panic buying houseware essentials such as toilet roll and anti-bacterial hand wash as well as face masks in the fight against Covid-19.

SWNS

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