National Nuclear Security Administration - Air Secure - Overview

Overview: In concert with the Department of Energy, MELE Associates recently designed, installed and tested a unique, state-of-the art nuclear and radiological threat reduction system at Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania. The project purpose was to strengthen airport security and nuclear material detection capabilities at the Vilnius Airport, which lies in a Baltic Country bordering Russia and Belarus.

The project goal was to reduce the risk of nuclear material slipping through the airport into major transportation hubs that lead to the United States. The project consisted of installing radiation (RAD) detectors, surveillance equipment, data management and analysis software, and networking and communications equipment. The Vilnius Airport is an international airport from which there are no transit flights and nearly all flights are international.

A key element for success beyond thorough analysis, state-of-the-art technology and quality installation was the coordination with DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration, the U.S. State Department and the government of Lithuania. In addition, MELE’s project lead also coordinated agreements and planning with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vilnius International Airport Authority, the U.S. Embassy, INTA and Novatech (Lithuanian tech firms) and Lithuanian University Institutions.

The installation consisted of 9 vehicular and 7 pedestrian RAD detection monitoring portals, 16 surveillance cameras, 10 subsystem base units, a network system, one main response and review station on site, and two satellite review stations. Each detection network subsystem went through a complete commissioning and testing that included physical characteristics checks, RAD portal parameter setup value checks, and detection trials with gamma and neutron sources. The RAD detection system covers the pedestrian jet ways and bus walkways, the main gate vehicle and pedestrian routes, checked luggage areas, and two cargo terminal areas.

All of the subsystems are integrated into one system with a main response and review station located in the airport. The main response and review station has Quick View software that displays the data instantly during a RAD detection device alarm. The software provides an alarm sound as well as pre-alarm pictures, alarm pictures, and a number of post alarm pictures. All system users get the radioactivity intensity data as generated by the portals. A display of the type of radiation alert and the radiation count is shown on the monitor. Two review stations are tied into the data system; one in Lithuania by a frame relay and the other station in the United States by a DSL connection and a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Both of these review stations contain analysis software that can review system status data to ensure the system is functioning as designed.

This radiological threat reduction system has been fully operational since October 2003 and has been extremely robust and reliable. Both DOE and the Lithuanian government have praised the system as an excellent technology solution that significantly improves security and reduces the risk of illicit nuclear and radiological material transiting Vilnius Airport to the United States. This totally integrated, nuclear and radiological threat reduction and data transmission system can be quickly installed at any air or seaport in the world.

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