National Security Technologies (NSTec), the contractor that manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), purchased two Sandstorm unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for a program at the facility that develops sensor technology for these systems, the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Nevada Field Office announced Wednesday.
The two small- to medium-sized systems capable of carrying up to 20 pounds were acquired from Henderson, Nev.-based Unmanned Systems Inc., which will also provide training and maintenance. Seven NNSS team members, including pilots, engineers, and mechanics, are in training, the statement said.
A drone “can be used in situations where manned aircraft may not be used safely. These small aerial platforms can be used at the NNSS for sensor development, as well as site security, environmental monitoring, radiological remote sensing and national security applications,” NSTec President Jim Holt said in the announcement.
An NNSS spokesman said by email the total cost of the two drones, including training, maintenance, and operational support, was $240,000.
