Operation Upshot/Knothole Fission and Fusion
Atomic Weapon Testing
Operation Upshot-Knothole - 1953 - 35 minutes - Color
This operation conducted at the Nevada Test Site consisted of 11
atmospheric tests. There were three airdrops, seven tower tests,
and one airburst. Conducted between March 17 and June 4, 1953, this
operation involved the testing of new theories, using both fission
and fusion devices. A new and revolutionary method of producing
deliverable thermonuclear weapons was successfully tested. Approximately
21,000 Department of Defense military and civilian personnel participated
in Operation Upshot-Knothole as part of the Desert Rock V exercise.
Unfortunately, Operation Upshot-Knothole, particularly the HARRY
test, drew a great deal of criticism as resultant fallout levels
produced increased offsite radiation exposures.
The tests comprising the 1953 Operation Upshot-Knothole were as
follows:
ANNIE, March 17, tower, weapons related, 16 kilotons (kt)
NANCY, March 24, tower, weapons related, 24 kt
RUTH, March 31, tower, weapons related, 200 tons
DIXIE, April 6, airdrop, weapons related, 11 kt
RAY, April 11, tower, weapons related, 200 tons
BADGER, April 18, tower, weapons related, 23 kt
SIMON, April 25, tower, weapons related, 43 kt
ENCORE, May 8, airdrop, weapons effects, 27 kt
HARRY, May 19, tower, weapons related, 32 kt
GRABLE, May 25, fired from 280 mm gun, airburst, weapons related,
15 kt
CLIMAX, June 4, airdrop, weapons related, 61 kt
Here are some sample clips from the DVD
 
 
 
|
