Aiexpress – A “monumental” improvement takes to the skies over Las Vegas on Tuesday morning, as a new Leonardo AW139 aircraft tests radiation levels ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebration.
The National Nuclear Security Administration’s aerial radiation survey will begin at 8 a.m. on December 31 with flights over the Strip, downtown, and other parts of the Las Vegas valley. The aim is to observe normal environmental radiation levels so that the government can monitor for surges during the event, which is projected to draw nearly 350,000 people to Las Vegas this year.
The helicopter will do low-altitude sweeps around the valley. The flights are described as normal, but agencies notify them every year to avoid alarming the public with low-flying helicopters.
The AW139, pictured in this photo released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on Monday, replaces the Bell 412 helicopters utilized for nearly 30 years.
This is a new tool for the Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST). That is the umbrella classification for all U.S. Department of Energy radiological and nuclear emergency response assets and programs, according to a Nov. 19 news release identifying the chopper as “mission-ready.” That announcement came as monitoring for the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix began.
“This AW139 will strengthen NEST’s capabilities and enhance our ability to protect our nation,” said Dr. Wendin Smith, Deputy Under Secretary for DOE’s Office of Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation.
The flights have been taking place for years in preparation for New Year’s Eve on the Strip. NEST also participates in other major events, such as the Formula One race and the Super Bowl LVIII.
The Nevada National Security Sites’ (NNSS) Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL) operates the Aerial Measuring System (AMS), which is situated at Nellis Air Force Base and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The new AW139 joins the AMS fleet, which includes a number of aircraft equipped with modern radiation detection and measurement devices.
“This is a watershed moment in the history of RSL’s more than 60 years of service to our country,” NNSS Global Security Senior Director Dr. Alexis Reed stated. “I couldn’t be prouder of the team that supported this acquisition effort and of the men and women who provide their expertise to our aerial measuring mission every day.”
The AW139 modernizes NEST’s flying capabilities by improving radiation detection and data collection. According to the NNSA news release, the new helicopter’s increased speed and range enable for a faster and more effective reaction.
