OPERATION REDWING - Project 5.4. In-Flight Participation of a B-57B
Abstract
This project was established to determine the response of the structure of the B-57 aircraft in flight to thermal, gust, and overpressure effects of large-yield nuclear explosions primarily for the purpose of defining the delivery capabilities of the aircraft and secondarily to obtain basic information relative to the thermoelastic response of the aircraft structure. In order to obtain the necessary data, the aircraft was instrumented to measure the overpressure, gust, and thermal inputs, and the response of various components of the structure to these inputs. The instrumented aircraft was positioned at predetermined points such that design limits would be approached. A maximum skin temperature of 400 F was the criterion for determination of the amount of thermal radiation which the B-57B could absorb without sustaining permanent buckling of the skin, and 600 F was the criterion for the maximum safe limit. With respect to gust, the aircraft was limited by 100 percent of the design limit shear at Wing Station 123. The aircraft experienced loads of from 14 to approximately 61% of the design limit load. During Shot Apache, the aircraft was positioned for both overpressure and a high horizontal gust component. The results substantiated the theoretical alleviating effect of the horizontal gust component. Blast overpressures of 53% of the overpressure limit were received. Sufficient data were obtained for the determination of the delivery capability of the B-57B aircraft: It was found to be better than the capability described in the B-57B Phase I-A Special Weapons Studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA995416
Entities
People
- D. M. Roha
- D. V. Sallis
- H. M. Jr Wells
- J. V. Ward
Organizations
- Glenn L. Martin Company