Webinar 4: Nuclear Security Applications of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) for Radiation Detection and Surveillance

Introduction The growing sophistication, availability and adaptability of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs) have made them an emerging capability both for nuclear safety and nuclear security applications, such as monitoring a radioactive contamination area and locating a radioactive source out of regulatory control. From military application to recreational use, modern UASs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, cost, and capabilities. A greater understanding is needed regarding their use to support countries’ radiological and nuclear security programmes.This webinar is part of a series of events that address the need for improved research, development, training, testing and guidance on UASs applications for nuclear security. Following a recent Technical Meeting on the Use of UAS for Radiation Detection and Surveillance, this event will address specific applications in greater detail.Guest speakers will present four cases of UASs use: emergency response, environmental survey and monitoring, radioactive source search, and a special maritime application. The cases in which this technology is used will provide a context for determining when UAS technology is applicable for a specific activity and identify potential UASs requirements. Each use case presentation will discuss key mission requirements, why a UAS was used, environmental constraints, salient UASs capabilities, lessons learned, and conclude with considerations for other similar cases.ObjectivesThe main objective of the webinar is to provide and discuss details for a diverse set of scenarios or cases in which UASs could be used to support specific radiological or nuclear security programme activities. A secondary objective is the identification of specific areas for which Member States require further information and investigation.