LOCATING RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES BY AIRBORNE INFRARED DETECTION.
Abstract
This report describes an experimental effort to determine the feasibility of using an airborne infrared detection system to locate radioisotope heat sources after a mission abort or reentry. An aircraft equipped with an infrared detector optimized for 2 C sensitivity at ambient conditions was used for the tests. Two electrically heated sources were devised to simulate radioisotope sources -- a small capsule source and a large plate source. The sources were placed in three types of location -- in the open, under heavy foliage, and buried in sand. No difficulty was experienced in locating the sources under all three conditions from an altitude of 10,000 feet under clear skies. Tests proved that the use of infrared detection equipment is feasible in locating radioisotope sources, although the equipment was not optimized for this purpose. Recommendations are included for improving the detectors and the sources to enhance detectability. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0820269
Entities
People
- D. R. Perkins
- L. M. Hedgepeth
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory