3.

Maximm altitude capability (60,000) to obtain quality
samples.

4,

|

Minimum endurance of five hours to allow sufficient
time in the cloud area to collect a full sample.

WA,

Speed of .84 Mach to prevent overexposure of crew to
radioactivity.

6.

Be structurally clean to facilitate decontamination.

7.

Capable of obtaining a full sample per aircraft to
assure accuracy of sample.

‘The Air Force position with regard to this matter was that
aircraft which would more adequately meet sampling requirements
were under development,

At the time, several fighter type aircraft

were available which would meet the altitude and speed requirements

only.

Also the B-47A aircraft could be used as well as the reliable

B-36, which was considered to be the most desirable for obtaining
the samples at 50,000 feet.

Unmanned aircraft in drone configura-

tion were not considered suitable in view of the LASL criteria.

Guid-

ed missiles were available and, although not utilized for CASTLE for
various operational: reasons, were given consideration.

One B-57

(British-built Canberra) was at the Glenn L, Martin plant at that
time but spare parts were not available.

Because of the increasing complexity of cloud sampling, AEC
had recommended to DOD after IVY that a permanemt cloud sampling
unit be established.

Advantages of such a unit were numerous.

Ex-

perienced personnel would be available at all times; more reliable
samples could thus be assured; the same aircraft could be used for

56

Select target paragraph3