This site will work and look better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Idaho National Laboratory

National Security
Critical Infrastructure Test Range

Developed on more than 890 square miles of isolated, secure landscape, Idaho National Laboratory has established the nation’s most comprehensive infrastructure and defense systems testing site.

The INL’s Critical Infrastructure Test Range encompasses a collection specialized test beds and training complexes that create a centralized location where government agencies, utility companies, and military customers can work together to find solutions for many of the nation’s most pressing security issues.

The Test Range provides open landscape, technical employees and specialized facilities for performing work in three main areas: Physical Security, Contraband Detection and Infrastructure Testing.

Physical Security

Utilizing our secure and remote landscape, INL researchers are developing solutions to protect our homeland and infrastructures from acts of terrorism. Engineers have designed and deployed lightweight, low cost Unmanned Aerial and Ground Vehicles that can be used to perform surveillance over large land areas, such as along the U.S. border, or in cities that have multiple infrastructure and building to protect.

The Test Range is also used to support training for emergency first responders and National Guard civil support teams who may come in contact with hazardous chemicals and biological materials. Similarly, our Test Range is equipped with 7 Live Fire and Breaching exercise facilities that are used to train local, state and federal law enforcement officers in the latest firearm techniques and equipment.

Finally, the Test Range is the sole producer of armor for the Army’s M1 A1 Abrams tanks. INL engineers are also working with various customers to develop next generation armor for use in buildings and vehicles.

Contraband Detection

Using the open space of the Test Range, researchers at INL are working on cutting edge ways to detect illegal substances such as explosives and nuclear materials from crossing our borders or entering parking garages and sports stadiums around the country. Both the Nuclear Materials Detector and Idaho Explosives Detection System rely on neutron scanning technology to identify dangerous content in cargo trucks and alert users to respond.

Additionally, the laboratory developed PINS systems can detect explosive substances in smaller items such as unexploded artillery shells, backpacks, or suitcases. This system has been deployed both nationally and globally, and is currently being used in support of the War on Terrorism.

The Test Range is also being used to develop solutions to military challenges such as improvised explosive devices, car and suicide bombers.

Infrastructure Testing

With independent infrastructure - from our own powergrid, water system and telecommunications network - to emergency services and transportation systems, the laboratory’s Test Range has become the premiere location for utility companies and equipment manufacturers to analyze operation systems and components against full-scale versions of the nation’s critical infrastructures.

The INL specializes in developing solutions and tools that protect infrastructure from both physical and cyber attacks. We are currently developing transmission line sensors which help detect vibrations and tampering on power lines, and we are working to construct smart antennas systems which provide more reliable and secure wireless communications through cell phones and laptops.

The laboratory also specializes in creating tools and solutions to secure America’s infrastructure systems from cyberspace. We work with both the Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security to test, analyze, and provide solutions to help secure the computer systems that operate the electric powergrid, chemical plants, and oil and gas refineries.

Contact:
Critical Infrastructure,