page 1 vision service partnership u.s. department of energy’s aerial measuring system (ams)...

Vision • Service • Partnership

U.S. Department of Energy’sAerial Measuring System (AMS)

Response Mission

Provide a rapid and comprehensive worldwide aerial measurement, analysis, and interpretation capability in response to a nuclear/radiological emergency

After reviewing the presentation below, determined that, as written on this date, it is UNCLASSIFIED.

Valerie Ward3/16/2009

NSTec Authorized Derivative Classifier


U.S. Department of EnergyNational Nuclear Security Administration

Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL)

RSL – Andrews

Andrews Air Force Base

Washington, D.C

RSL – Nellis

Nellis Air Force Base

Las Vegas, NV


Capabilities - CONUSMission Equipment - Aircraft

Beechcraft King Air B-200 Twin-engine turbo prop IFR (all weather) rated 260 knots (300 mph) (transition speed) Range 1,130 nm (1,300 sm) Max endurance 5 hrs (without refueling)

Four-person crew• Pilot and co-pilot• Scientist/Health physicist• Technician/Technologist

Bell-412 Twin-Pac turboshaft engine IFR (all weather) rated 120 knots (140 mph) (transition speed) Range 360 nm (410 sm) Max Endurance 3 hrs (without refueling)

Ground Support• Scientist/Health physicist• Data Analyst• Aircraft mechanic

Three-person crew• Pilot and co-pilot• Technician/Technologist

AMS Big Picture


NNSA's Aerial Measuring System (AMS) provides specialized airborne radiation detection systems to provide real-time measurements of low levels of air and ground contamination. The AMS team consists of scientists, technicians, pilots, and ground support personnel. These trained experts are in charge of maintaining a state of readiness to respond to a radiological emergency at any time. The team is based out of Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.


Mission Parameters

On-Call Response Phase Large Area (>25 mi2)

• Altitude: 500-1,000 feet• Spacing: 1-5 miles• Speed: 140 knots• Fixed-wing Aircraft

Radiological Mapping PhaseRapid Overview – Emergency Response

• Altitude: 500 feet• Spacing: 0.5 mile• Speed: 80 knots• Helicopter

Small Area (<25 mi2) – Detailed Survey

• Altitude: 50-300 feet• Line Spacing: 100-500 feet• Speed: 70 knots


On-Call Response Measurements

Initial Damage Assessment

Evacuation Planning

Mitigation Planning

Baseline Information


Radiological Mapping Measurements

Exposure Rate

Man-made Radiation

Isotope Specific

Energy (keV)

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

Co

un

ts

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

500 1000 1500 2000 2500 30000

500

1000

40K, 1460

228Ac, 911 & 969

214Bi, 1120

208Tl, 2614

214Bi, 1764

214Bi, 609

Regionalization

• Issue: Two Locations Do Not Provide for Timely Response

• Solution: Place AMS Assets at Regional RAP Locations

– Savannah River / Aiken, South Carolina (Pilot)

• Status:

– Currently have MOU with CBP to Provide Aviation in support of RAP/AMS Mission

– Providing Equipment and Training to RAP-3

– Expected to be Mission Ready 9/30/2009

AMS Reachback Charter


Since September 11, 2001, increasing numbers of local, state, and federal entities are entering into the AMS arena. NNSA and DHS has recognized a need by these entities for an AMS Reachback Center that would provide training and assistance on all aspects of AMS. The Center will assist local, state, and federal agencies in establishing the skills, resources, and training needed for a successful AMS regional operation.

AMS Reachback Customer’s Expectations


To provide:

Assistance with training on the selected equipment. Assistance in periodic equipment maintenance. Training in flight techniques. Assistance in mission planning. Assistance in developing radiation safety plan for a mission. Data analysis and interpretation.

AMS Reachback Webpage


Uploading collected data for processing

Downloading map products

Mobile Aerial Radiological Surveillance (MARS) Course


ScopeThe scope of the course is to prepare law enforcement officers to: Set up and operate the commercial radiation data acquisition system they own. Plan and execute aerial surveillance mission using their aerial assets.

Course Length24 hours (three 8-hour days) (3rd day for source over-flying)

AMS and RAP personnel deliver the training

MARS Training Summary


City Chicago New York Washington Los Angeles

Students 11 11 7 15


QuestionsQuestions

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