Self-contained mobile inspection system and method

A method for inspecting objects using a portable inspection system that generates an image representation of a target object using a radiation source, comprising the steps of:

• transporting a detector array and at least one source of radiation to an operation site using a vehicle, wherein said detector array is physically attached to a movable boom comprising a first vertical portion which is physically attached to a platform, a first horizontal portion, and a second vertical portion, and wherein said radiation source is fixedly attached to the platform fixedly attached to a base of the first vertical portion of said boom;
• creating a detection region;
• activating said radiation source;
• directing radiation from said radiation source through a collimator integrated into said first vertical portion of the movable boom wherein the first vertical portion stands between the radiation source and the detector array and wherein the first vertical portion maintains radiographic alignment of radiation emitted from said radiation source and said detector array;
• moving the target object through said detection region;
• exposing the target object to radiation emitted from the radiation source wherein the exposing step results in secondary radiation;
• and
• detecting secondary radiation by the detector array.