Unmanned Aerial Systems For Nuclear Security Applications

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) have achieved geometric growth in the commercial market and show promise for many industrial applications. UASs may also present an opportunity to aid in nuclear security applications, including conducting security sweeps of fence lines, deployment of remote cameras and telemetry for alarm assessment, tethered UAS applications for long-term station keeping / static aerial missions, and other autonomous UAS used for site and material transport security.The current generation of UASs face constraints on range, payload, and maneuverability which limit the potential applications. Two- and three-dimensional imaging, artificial intelligence/machine learning are some of the technical applications which UASs are likely capable of contributing to the security of nuclear sites. The implementation of UASs in security applications presents several safety, security, and regulatory/political issues which must be considered and mitigated. However, none of these barriers appear insurmountable. The implementation of best practices in technology and training will ensure that operators and host nations incur a minimal risk to safety, security and regulatory/political issues.This paper outlines how UASs may be applied to nuclear fixed-site security, material transport, and other security applications. Current limitations are discussed, followed by a brief technical assessment of UAS capabilities relevant to these areas. Future technology trends in UAS will be discussed in terms of how they may impact the nuclear security mission. Finally, the paper presents a brief overview of related safety, security, and regulatory/political issues which must be considered.