Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBSS)
Abstract
The VBSS mission of the Navy includes the requirement to be able to board ships and be able to detect and identify potential radiological or nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Such a sensitive mission requires leading edge technology and capabilities to ensure success. The recently fielded AN/PDX-1 RADIAC Set contains several instruments that serve different purposes, perhaps the most significant item being the detector. Current technology dictates that the sensitivity of the detector is directly proportional to the size of the detector element; i.e., the larger the detector, the more sensitive and capable it is. However, in VBSS there must be a tradeoff between size/weight and capability, since it is difficult and hazardous for boarding parties to carry a backpack-sized detector, along with their weapons and other gear, up a rope ladder to board a vessel on the high seas. This will be a continuing and growing effort to find smaller, lighter instruments with enhanced sensitivity, reach-back capability, and other enhancements to provide the Navy the best and most cost effective equipment possible for this critical mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 4cffecae7a9302289dcd216fb2f2607c
Related Documents
- Root: Radiological Control