Visit, Board, Search & Seizure
Abstract
The Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (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 AN/PDX-1 RADIAC Set was fielded in response to a Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statement to meet this requirement. It contains three instruments that serve different purposes: (1) a Handheld Radiation Monitor (HRM)that searches for radiological materials; (2) a Radioisotope Identifier (RID) that identifies the type of radiological material located; and (3) a Personal Radiation Detector (PRD) that displays the radiological dose the VBSS team members may be receiving to ensure they are not being exposed to dangerous levels of radioactivity. Current technology dictates that the sensitivity of the detectors 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 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, 2018
- Source ID
- 4eefc51cba79e0581e66ae864c12d682
Related Documents
- Root: Radiological Control