Threat Detection (Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive)

Threat Detection (Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive)

NNSS personnel are the nation’s experts in detecting and locating “dirty bombs,” “loose nukes” and radiological sources. They produce high-tech, specialized detection equipment in support of counterterrorism efforts.

The Radiological/Nuclear Countermeasures Test and Evaluation Complex (RNCTEC) was designed for nuclear detection test and evaluation with a unique capability to use special nuclear materials during testing. This complex provides the nation with the necessary facilities and capabilities to validate the performance of systems used to protect the United States from the threat of a terrorist radiological or nuclear attack.

The Nonproliferation Test and Evaluation Complex (NPTEC), located on Frenchman Flat in Area 5 of the Site, is a natural geological basin. It is the largest facility for open-air testing of hazardous materials and biological simulants in the world. The test area has a wind tunnel, elevated stacks and spill pans, and storage tanks for the test chemicals. The NPTEC is ideally suited for test sponsors to conduct field verification/validation of their technology in a realistic environment.