U.S: Government Helicopter Sniffs Out Dangerous Radioactives

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The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) operates a low flying helicopter to detect nuclear materials.

The NNSA says the helicopter that was spotted flying over parts of Baltimore a few days ago was measuring naturally occurring background radiation. The twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter was deployed from Joint Base Andrews and is equipped with radiation sensing technology.

According to Fox 45 News the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office is funding the overall project. Among other things, that office is tasked with detecting and protecting the US from unauthorized nuclear explosives. The NNSA previously announced that the helicopter would be seen in the skies over Baltimore on January 15 and 16.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The Homeland Security helicopter is equipped to measure aerial radiation from naturally-occurring radiological materials. But according to the Nuclear Administration’s office it can also detect radiation from “illicit sources.” The Nuclear Security Administration told FOX45 that Baltimore was chosen for the study due to its “variety of terrains,” an urban area with land and water boundaries.

Though the National Nuclear Security Administration denied an on-camera interview with FOX45 they did respond to emailed questions. They said the purpose of the study is to improve aerial radiation measurement capabilities used by local and federal authorities.