Operation Teapot consisted of 14 nuclear tests
detonated from
February 18 to May 15, 1955 and involved 11,000 personnel.
Operation Teapot, Military Effects Studies - 1954 - 30 minutes
- Color
The goal of the series was to test nuclear devices for possible
inclusion in the nuclear weapons stockpile; improve military tactics,
equipment and training; and study civil defense requirements. With
Operation Teapot, the Atomic Energy Commission intensified its technical
effort for "clean" or reduced fallout weapons and missile
warheads. This effort led to significant advances in both reduced
fallout and in miniaturization necessary for warhead delivery on
missiles.
Approximately 11,000 scientific and military personnel participated
in the entire test series. Approximately 7,700 Army personnel and
1,300 Marines participated in the Desert Rock VI exercises that
included the WASP, MOTH, TESLA, TURK, BEE, ESS, APPLE-1, MET, and
APPLE-2 tests. The troops observed nuclear blasts to familiarize
themselves with weapons effects and battlefield tactics. After observing
a blast, they would tour a display area of military equipment exposed
to the blast. Both officers and enlisted personnel practiced nuclear
age battlefield tactics and combat techniques.
In addition to studying the psychological effects of nuclear weapons
on ground soldiers, scientists and military leaders wanted to learn
the effects of the detonations on different types of military equipment
and structures. One test, APPLE-2, involved a specially constructed
"Doom Town," complete with houses, automobiles, paved
streets, and mannequins. This village allowed scientists to assess
the effects of nuclear detonations on civilian populations, products,
and food supplies, and to evaluate Civil Defense emergency preparedness
plans.
At that time, U.S. leaders and the public were acutely aware of
the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, and
there was a general fear of an all-out nuclear attack by the Soviets.
Hence, a great emphasis was placed on Civil Defense.
The tests comprising the 1955 Operation Teapot were as follows:
WASP, February 18, airdrop, weapons effects, 1 kiloton (kt)
MOTH, February 22, tower, weapons related, 2 kt
TESLA, March 1, tower, weapons related, 7 kt
TURK, March 7, tower, weapons related, 43 kt
HORNET, March 12, tower, weapons related, 4 kt
(scientists sought to determine if smog attenuated the heat of a
nuclear fireball)
BEE, March 22, tower, weapons related, 8 kt
ESS, March 23, crater, weapons effects, 1 kt
APPLE-1, March 29, tower, weapons related, 14 kt
WASP PRIME, March 29, airdrop, weapons related, 3 kt
HA (high altitude), April 6, airdrop, weapons effects, 3 kt
POST, April 9, tower, weapons related, 2 kt
MET, April 15, tower, weapons effects, 22 kt
(scientists gathered data from 38 experiments placed around ground
zero)
APPLE-2, May 5, tower, weapons related, 29 kt
ZUCCHINI, May 15, tower, weapons related, 28 kt
Here are some sample clips from the DVD
 
 
 
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