Implementation of a radiation detector and a sampling unit to an unmanned aerial vehicleAim of the studyThe aim is to implement a radiation detection system and a sampling unit to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). ImplementationFirst phase of the project was carried out in 2006–2007 by STUK, Patria Systems Inc. and Senya Inc. STUK’s tasks were to choose appropriate detectors to the UAV, to define the functionality in the ground control station (with respect to the radiation surveillance) of the UAV, to test the radiation detector implemented in the UAV, and to design and test the sampling unit. The second phase of the project will be carried out as a project financed by MATINE (Scientific Advisory Board for Defence) in 2008. A gamma-ray spectrometer will be implemented to the UAV and tested in the field. A method to calculate ambient external dose rate from the spectrum will be developed. Dissemination and exploitation of the resultsThe results of the project’s first phase have been delivered to Patria Inc. that is responsible for the communications. The results of the spectrometric studies will be exploited in SONNI, a measurement vehicle for environmental radiation measurements. In addition, the results will be utilised in spectrometric measurements when dose rate information is also needed. Reports and scientific publications have been made. PublicationPöllänen R, Toivonen H, Peräjärvi K, Karhunen T, Ilander T, Lehtinen J, Rintala K, Katajainen T, Niemelä J, Juusela M. Radiation surveillance using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 2009; 67: 340–344. Other publications are yet to published in 2009. CollaboratorsPatria Inc., Finland and Senya Inc., Finland Timetable2006–2008 Responsible scientistRoy Pöllänen Page updated 17/05/2009
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