SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR'S REPORT OF ATOMIC WEAPON TESTS AT ENIWETOK, 1951. ANNEX 6.3. COMBAT VEHICLE EXPOSURE
Abstract
Two M-46 and eight M-26 medium tanks were exposed to E-shot in Operation Greenhouse. These vehicles were located at ranges of 500, 750, 1000, 1233, and 1400 yd from ground zero, with various orientations relative to the burst point. The effects on crew members are considerably more serious than those on the vehicle itself. Within those vehicles rendered unfit for combat by violent displacement, complete crew casualty is immediate. At greater ranges from ground zero, lethal radiation dosages are incurred by the crew when the medium tank suffers no impairment of combat effectiveness. The effects of blast pressures within the crew compartment are of little consequence. Briefly the results may be given as follows: (1) Combat effectiveness of vehicle alone: 0%, 0 to 500 yd; 0 to 100%, 500 to 1000 yd; 100% at distances greater than 1000 yd; (2) Immediate combat effectiveness of crew: 0%, 0 to 900 yd; 0 to 100%, 900 to 1100 yd; 100% at distances greater than 1100 yd; and (3) Delayed combat effectiveness of crew (periods greater than 24 hr): 0%, 0 to 1200 yd; 0 to 100%, 1200 to 1600 yd; 100% at distances greater than 1600 yd.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0374634
Entities
People
- Norman W. Arnold
- Warren W. Berning
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory