EX-GOVT SURVEILLANCE VAN FEATURES

Unless otherwise stated these features are in the enclosed back portion of the van. The front driver's compartment (cab) looks normal but has a few "extra" features.

  • 3/4" thick steel rods to secure all the doors of the van so they can't be pried open
  • all wires under the van are encased in steel for protection
  • disguised periscope on top of the van with a mount for a still or video camera. This mount swings away so binoculars can be used.
  • a complete Halon system to protect the rear cabin (surveillance portion) from fire. These are generally only found in high end computer rooms.
  • Van is soundproofed so people in area don't know you're inside
  • the windows have the normal glass, then they have a dark plastic sheet (cut to fit inside the window), then there's a thick, cushioned, light- proofing pad. This pad has velcro all around the edge to assure no light escapes the van.
  • the dark plastic sheet inside the windows makes it possible to see outside but not into the van
  • there's a roof hatch (for aircraft uplinks???)
  • there are 3 separate roof antenna mounts that go to connectors at the desk
  • there are hidden connectors outside underneath the van to connect to external 110VAC for operations or charging the batteries. (the batteries also get charged with the van alternator when it's running through an isolator so the starter battery doesn't get discharged.
  • 4 additional 12V batteries used to run the electronics. These are heavy duty and deep cycle.
  • the van antenna, although it looks normal, is used for a CB set in the cab, a VHF two-way radio in the rear, and oh yeah the AM/FM radio
  • perimeter sensors to warn of approaching people
  • video cameras viewing outside the van
  • defoggers for the rear windows
  • stabilizers can be turned on or off - used so you can walk around without the van rocking
  • overhead lights, white for daytime operations, red for nighttime (so your eyes are already used to the dark)
  • a bench seat also used for naps
  • a swivel seat on rails that can be locked down anywhere along the track for multiple operating stations
  • a swivel seat in a fixed position by the front desk
  • a hands free cell phone
  • a propane heater with a hidden tank under the van
  • an air cooling system that uses 150 lbs of either dry ice or regular ice. The top is bolted down to prevent the dry ice from asphixiating the crew. There is also a water holding tank for when standard ice is used. There is a pump that can be activated to get rid of this water. A standard A/C unit would drip and make noise and therefore bring attention to the van.
  • a chemical toilet
  • a solid state refrigerator (no compressor)
  • dual gas tanks
  • low battery alarm
  • poisonous gas alarm
  • video recorders
  • voice recorders
  • VHF two-way radio
  • 2 mission clocks for counting down or up
  • complete dash with instrumentation (temp, oil pressure, etc) along with an ignition switch and starter button. That's right you can start the van from the rear compartment. There's even a horn button on the panel!
  • there are exhaust fans
  • an intercom system between the front compartment and the rear (front is hidden). The front can also be just monitored and recorded in the rear.
  • there's a sine wave 110 VAC converter for sensitive instruments. standard converters use square waves that are not good for some instruments.
  • several storage compartments. There's even one for the manuals!
  • multiple 12 VDC taps for additional equipment

    Even with all this, there are a few things that I'm still trying to figure out. When I call the manufacturer or the Government Department in charge I get nowhere. This is what you'd expect and I'm OK with this as it's what I expected.

    Since December 28, 2006