THE FEASIBILITY OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF FALLOUT.
Abstract
A preliminary study was conducted to determine the feasibility of detecting fallout deposits after a nuclear attack, using aerial photographs. The investigation included: (1) Study of selected characteristics of fallout; (2) Analysis of existing aerial photographs taken at nuclear tests; (3) Investigation of the general capabilities of modern aerial reconnaissance techniques; (4) Demonstration of the detectability of two types of synthetic fallout using aerial photographs; (5) Analysis of the potential of aerial reconnaissance for fallout detection. The principal conclusion on the basis of the photographic evidence was that a limited detection capability exists at present even under uncontrolled conditions. It was also concluded that the detection and identification capability can be improved by the development of photographic techniques that exploit the reflectance differences between fallout and various contrasting surfaces, and that the capability to quantify the fallout deposit mass by comparative means can be developed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 29, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0601215
Entities
People
- Myron B. Hawkins
Organizations
- URS Corporation