Stolen Automobile Recovery System (STARS)
Applications
The STAR system is designed to locate vehicles within a cargo container, such as the intermodal containers transporting cargo through marine ports. The system is positioned at a checkpoint, such as the weigh scales where vehicles stop before entering a port. The vehicle is stopped with the vehicle cab just ahead of the STAR system, and as the vehicle leaves the checkpoint, the trailer passes through the STAR system. A video image recorded of the vehicle is then saved with the image, so the vehicle can be easily located and traced.
Features
The STAR system was designed to operate in very small areas, such as the 15-foot wide lanes entering many port areas. This system uses a small Cesium-137 source and a detector tower that are located on pedestals at the checkpoint. The STAR system can be installed in each lane, allowing for complete coverage with virtually no impact on throughput.
Benefits
STARS is designed to locate vehicles and other illicit high-value items within a cargo container destined for export. The system is small and collocated at an existing vehicle control point such as the weigh scales where trucks must already stop before entering a port. STARS represents the least expensive and lowest resolution member of the VACIS family, providing a specific solution to the stolen goods application. By providing the STARS with a low resolution capability, the cost is about 25% of a normal VACIS system.
Science Applications International Corp, 11251 Roger Bacon Dr, Po Box 4875, Reston, VA 22090. Tel: 703-3184636; Fax: 703-709-1042.