LAS VEGAS, Nevada – With enhanced capabilities, the new AW139 helicopter at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) is mission-ready and set to take flight in support of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST)’s efforts to respond to all manner of radiological and nuclear events.
NEST is the umbrella designation for all U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/NNSA radiological and nuclear emergency response assets and programs. Within NEST, the Aerial Measuring System (AMS) is operated by the Nevada National Security Sites’ (NNSS) Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL), based out of Nellis AFB in Nevada and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The new AW139 replaces the Bell 412 helicopter at Nellis AFB that had been in service for nearly 30 years. It joins the AMS fleet, which consists of multiple aircraft equipped with advanced instruments to detect and measure radiation.
“This AW139 will strengthen NEST’s capabilities and enhance our ability to protect our nation,” said Dr. Wendin Smith, the Deputy Under Secretary for the Office of Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation at DOE.
“This is a monumental event in the timeline of RSL’s more than 60 years of service to our nation,” said NNSS Global Security Senior Director Dr. Alexis Reed. “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 new helicopter modernizes NEST’s aerial capabilities through significant advancements including enhanced radiation detection capability, which improves data collection. Furthermore, the faster speed and longer range of the new helicopter enable a swifter and more effective response.
“For several weeks, our flight crews have been familiarizing themselves with the AW139 and its advanced features,” said NNSS Aviation Department Manager Mike Toland. “Additionally, our technicians have performed validation checks of the new scientific equipment and calibrated the detectors on the aircraft to ensure a seamless inaugural flight.”
The AMS fleet can be deployed rapidly to respond to nuclear incidents and accidents in the United States and overseas, and is on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Operational since 1958, AMS aids in public safety and security missions across the country, securing some of the nation’s largest events including the Super Bowl and other major sporting events, the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, and celebrations including New Year’s Eve on the Las Vegas Strip.