On Friday 8/12/2016 Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Committee on Homeland Security was given a technical briefing of the ASPECT Program.
Michael Thomas McCaul, Sr. is the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 10th congressional district, serving since 2005. Since the beginning of the 113th Congress, he has been the Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Here’s how Cesna describes the current ASPECT Super Cargomaster:
The ultimate aerial utility tool
Carry thousands of pounds of cargo at a distance of up to 905 nautical miles at up to 185 knots with the Super Cargomaster EX. The name says it all — this master of cargo hauling shares the same durable airframe and wing construction as its fellow Caravans and the same famed dispatch reliability. Engineered to take a beating, this workhorse will take off from short, rough strips in various weather conditions in all parts of the world.
The ASPECT Super Cargomaster aircraft is powered by a PT-6A-114A. The PT6A turboprop engine is a powerhouse that offers unmatched performance, reliability and value in its class for a wide range of applications. From transporting people in business and airline aviation, to dropping cargo in the Antarctic darkness at 75 degrees below zero and supporting environmental efforts in reforestation programs, the dependability and versatility of the PT6A family continues to earn the highest respect from pilots worldwide.
Model PT6A-114A
Power 675 SHP
Diameter 19 ”
Length 62 ”
RPM 1900
The Super Cargomaster is part of the Cesna Caravan Family of aircraft. The dispatch reliability of the Caravan models is unparalleled: a remarkable 99%+ rate. For more than 25 years, operators have relied on these aircraft to meet the most demanding mission parameters; they haven’t flinched yet. Considering the powerful PT6A turbine powerplant underneath the cowling, it’s easy to understand why. This ultra-dependable engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada endows each Caravan model with exceptional payload capabilities. Factor in the inherent versatility, configurability and sheer ruggedness of the Caravan line, and the applications become virtually limitless.
The Super Cargomaster’s airframe is constructed of durable aluminum and has multiple load redundancies and reliable remote operations.
Finally, here is Cesna’s assessment of the Caravan Super Cargomaster as a special mission aircraft:
In the context of special mission operations, there’s a sense of rightness to a Cessna Caravan: a confidence that comes with knowing you have availed yourself of the best possible resource for the job. The rugged construction of all Caravan models is reassuring in itself, and with the versatility and configurability to meet the ever-shifting parameters of a diverse array of special missions, the Caravan line is your rock-solid star performer—not afraid to get dirty, always ready for the field.
This design and capability makes the Caravan Super Cargomaster a good selection for the ASPECT aircraft, and a reliable platform for the ASPECT mission.
Based near Dallas, Texas, and able to be deployed within one hour of notification, ASPECT is the only airborne stand-off real-time chemical and radiological detection, infrared and photographic imagery platform available to assist local, national, and international agencies supporting hazardous substance response and radiological incidents in the US. ASPECT consists of a suite of sensors and software mounted in a twin-engine aircraft that, within a single pass of the aircraft, can generate data in a variety of formats to produce scientifically valid products within five minutes of data collection. Primary sensors and features include:
Infrared Line Scanner
High Speed Infrared Spectrometer
Gamma-Ray Spectrometers
Digital Aerial Cameras
Satellite Data System
Data Delivery Using Google Earth Display Tool
To request ASPECT assistance, please call EPA’s Emergency Operations Center at: 202-564-3850; or the National Call Center at: 800-424-8802.
For more information about ASPECT, visit http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/conten…
For more about EPA: http://www.epa.gov/
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The EPA ASPECT aircraft recently helped ensure the safety of the crowds which gathered for the successful inauguration.
The Washington Times article “Mapping a picture of Earth’s minute particles from the sky” includes this info (click link for the complete article)
For hours each night, a pilot flew a 1968 Aero Commander dual propeller airplane, crisscrossing the skies around the Capital Beltway. But because of what it carried, the plane actually is the only one of its kind in the country.
Inside, there’s a collection, among other technology, of infrared and gamma-ray spectrometers, a neutron detector, scanners, cameras and broadband satellite equipment that remotely transmit chemical and radiological data back to the scientists on the ground.
EPA ASPECT – On the SceneOn the scene, in the air, when needed, where needed. The EPA ASPECT aircraft continues to provide on-scene commanders with the information they need to make critical decisions.
Algorithms, aircraft, and scientific analysis that allows state of the art detection at a higher sensitivity make the ASPECT program unique. Wheels up on call make the program available when needed. A solid, well developed and practiced concept of operations (CONOPS) makes ASPECT repeatable and reliable.
Airborne ASPECT in the news:
The EPA’s Airborne ASPECT operations as described by KVUE news in Travis County, Texas:
Pilots will be flying an ASPECT aircraft. It’s a dual-propeller plane with “US EPA” written on both wings. The plane uses a scanner to collect air samples and test for chemicals, dirty bombs or improvised nuclear devices. The aircraft sends the data to emergency officials and first responders.
“Today is a baseline measurement of the air quality. They’ll be looking for any chemical or radiological qualities in the air,” said Block Wednesday.
The aircraft is commonly used when big events come to town. This is the first time it’s flown in Travis County, according to Block. The ASPECT has been used at the Superbowl, the World Series, the Olympics, the Columbia shuttle recovery and for hurricane damage.
Read More: KVUE News article
EPA ASPECT 3hr, 6hr & 9hr Response Coverage with 1 aircraft
The EPA ASPECT program as established meets these core goals.
A fundamental need in an emergency is to have equipment and teams available who can react quickly. They must arrive on the scene of the emergency rapidly, and provide an assessment to the on-scene commander. This enables decision making. Every emergency situation is different, and often quickly evolving. The EPA ASPECT program gives the on-scene commander an information edge.
Building a National EPA ASPECT ProgramThe EPA ASPECT aircraft and program team are on call and operational today. They are prepared to be wheels up within one hour of first call. Expansion of this successful program to establish a national network of similar on-call, properly equipped aircraft will allow complete national coverage. With this national coverage, the EPA ASPECT program will scale gracefully to be ready to respond. With the correct number of aircraft and appropriate sensor systems the program can provide emergency response to any incident in under three hours.
In the article, the author relates specific examples in which data from the EPA ASPECT program has improved emergency response.
He concludes:
The ASPECT Program model compiled by Dr Thomas for controlling cost and maintaining a 24 hour a day 7 days a week operational capability is directly applicable and scalable to a national program.
Proven technology, in service and operational today, makes a persuasive case for expanding our national resources. The EPA ASPECT program is a successful model for expanding to a national scale.
Geospatial TodayGeospatial Today is a focused magazine that maps the diverse applicability of and innovations in the geospatial sector.
The EPA ASPECT program is highlighted in the June, 2012 edition of Geospatial Today. In the article “Aiding National Response”, Paul Lewis describes the successful EPA ASPECT program.
According to the article, core requirements of the EPA ASPECT program included:
EPA ASPECT 3hr, 6hr & 9hr Response Coverage with 1 aircraft
The EPA ASPECT program as established meets these core goals.
A fundamental need in an emergency is to have equipment and teams available who can react quickly. They must arrive on the scene of the emergency rapidly, and provide an assessment to the on-scene commander. This enables decision making. Every emergency situation is different, and often quickly evolving. The EPA ASPECT program gives the on-scene commander an information edge.
The EPA ASPECT aircraft and program team are on call and operational today. They are prepared to be wheels up within one hour of first call. Expansion of this successful program to establish a national network of similar on-call, properly equipped aircraft will allow complete national coverage. With this national coverage, the EPA ASPECT program will scale gracefully to be ready to respond. With the correct number of aircraft and appropriate sensor systems the program can provide emergency response to any incident in under three hours.
In the article, the author relates specific examples in which data from the EPA ASPECT program has improved emergency response.
He concludes:
The ASPECT Program model compiled by Dr Thomas for controlling cost and maintaining a 24 hour a day 7 days a week operational capability is directly applicable and scalable to a national program.
Proven technology, in service and operational today, makes a persuasive case for expanding our national resources. The EPA ASPECT program is a successful model for expanding to a national scale.
Geospatial Today is a focused magazine that maps the diverse applicability of and innovations in the geospatial sector.
Airborne ASPECT, Inc provides aircraft services to the EPA under the ASPECT program.