The project aims to develop a gamma-ray spectrometry system for detection and identification of radioactive sources from an unmanned helicopter(UAS or RPAS). This system fills a gap between man portable measurement systems and full-sized airborne systems, and complements the car driven measurement systems. The system fills a unique role in many measurement scenarios and can ensure that the measurements can be made by the human operator at safe distance.
With an unmanned helicopter, one can achieve both a high spatial resolution and good range, and be able to approach a source closely, providing good sensitivity with a relatively small instrument. Combined with a camera, it is also possible to visualize and identify the objects. The operating range allows for measurements to cover a larger area in less time than e.g. man-portable measurement systems.
Test flight with the concept platform S.A.F.E. 2012