SEA MINEFIELD NEUTRALIZATION BY MEANS OF A SURFACE DETONATED NUCLEAR EXPLOSION
Abstract
In order to determine the effectiveness of a surface fired nuclear weapon in the neutralization of a sea minefield, 121 naval mines of moored and ground types were laid at distances of 2000 to 15,000 ft from ground zero of Shot 4 of Operation CASTLE. The data show that there is a 95% chance that 70 to 93% of all naval mines of the following types, Mk 25-0, Mk 18-0, Mk 36-2, Mk 36-3, and USSR R-1A will be neutralized within a radius of 4500 ft from the point of detonation of a 7.0 MT surface detonated nuclear weapon when the mines are planted in water of approximately 180 ft depth. The data indicate that there is a 95% chance that 72 to 96% of all U. S. naval Mines Mk 10-9 and Mk 6-0 will be neutralized within a radius of 7000 ft or an area of 5.5 square miles from the point of detonation of a 7.0 MT nuclear weapon on the water surface when the mines are located in water of approximately 180 ft depth. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1955
- Accession Number
- AD0361834
Entities
People
- Glenn M. Davidson
- Marcus G. Geiger