Atomic Weapons Tests, Operation Sandstone. 1948. Volume I. Report to Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Abstract
This report covers the operations of Joint Task Force Seven necessary to the accomplishment of its assigned mission: the construction of an atomic weapons proving ground and the conduct of tests of atomic weapons early in 1948 at the Eniwetok proving ground. The tests consisted of statically detonating by remote control three atomic bombs of new design, located on the top of 200-foot steel towers. The scientific and technical aspects of the tests, which involved measurement of the explosions and their effect by instrumentation, are not covered in detail in this report. In mounting this operation the following fundamental considerations were of primary influence in the formulation of plans and organization: (a) The tests would provide the Armed Forces with an invaluable opportunity to participate in atomic weapon development; would therefore prove an excellent training vehicle; and would, from the overall viewpoint, be of inestimable value in the gain to national preparedness and security. (b) Although the Commander, Joint Task Force Seven, was charged with responsibility for the conduct of the entire operation, Standstone was primarily a scientific test with the Armed Forces in a supporting role. (c) The security requirements imposed by the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 would be a controlling factor in the conduct of the operation. (d) The major expenditure of effort by the Armed Forces in support of this operation would be logistical in nature. (e) The international political situation would be an influencing consideration in conducting the operation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 1948
- Accession Number
- ADA078563