Radiation-detecting military aircraft seen flying low over Bay Area

"According to a Jan. 29 news release from the NNSA, a Leonardo AW-139 helicopter is scheduled to fly over the Bay Area at low altitudes this week as part of normal protocol ahead of the Super Bowl, which is set to take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday. The "Aerial Measuring System" aircraft is equipped with unique radiation sensing and communication technology that provides a real-time image of radiation levels in the environment."

"However, "these aerial radiation surveys are a normal and routine part of security and emergency preparedness activities," the agency's release said. "NNSA is making the public aware of the upcoming flights so citizens who see the low-flying aircraft are not alarmed." The department also has a branch specifically for counterterrorism, which uses scientific tools to help detect and defeat nuclear threats."

National Nuclear Security Administration will operate a Leonardo AW-139 "Aerial Measuring System" helicopter over the Bay Area at low altitudes this week as part of security preparations for the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The aircraft carries radiation sensing and communication technology that provides real-time images of environmental radiation levels. Social media users who photographed the aircraft expressed fascination or alarm. The NNSA said aerial radiation surveys are routine and is notifying the public to avoid alarm. The department maintains a counterterrorism branch and has used AMS aircraft since 1958, including deployments after the Three Mile Island partial reactor meltdown in 1979.

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