OPERATION BUSTER, Nevada Proving Grounds, October-November 1951. Project 3.8. Effects of an Atomic Detonation on Aircraft Structures on the Ground
Abstract
The objective of Project 3.8 is to determine the effects of an atomic detonation on parked aircraft with respect to structural damage. For Dog Shot, the fighter (F-47) was positioned with tail toward the blast at a ground range of 4,250 feet from the target ground zero. The bomber (B-17) was located with the left side toward the blast at a ground range of 6,310 feet from the target ground zero. Damage to the fighter from Dog Shot was confined primarily to the control surfaces, whereas damage to the bomber included a severe fuselage buckle aft of the wing, burning of the rudder fabric, and extensive local skin damage. The aircraft were relocated for Easy Shot. The fighter was positioned with the tail toward the blast at a ground range of 2,675 feet. The bomber was placed with the nose toward ground zero at a range of 5,847 feet. The fighter was severely damaged, one wing failing completely. The bomber sustained additional damage to skin panels, and the bomb-bay doors were buckled inward.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1952
- Accession Number
- ADA995328
Entities
People
- John E. Gilroy
- Lloyd J. Breidenbach
- Ralph E. Peters
Organizations
- Flight Dynamics Laboratory