4
j
4
Ne em
he
conc
.
LASL Report Library
af
“Preliminary Plan for Operation Fishbowl , Nov 1961" from Air Force
Special Weapon Center, Doc. # SWC-TR-61-96
~~~
.
a
From the abstvact to the reports "Operation Fishbowl is!proposed series
of high altitude nuclear effects tests to be performed during 1 Mar 62
to 1 June 62.
Consideration has been given to burst altitudes of 25, 50,
115, 400 and 1000 kilometers.
It is concluded that the three intermediate
altitude shots have higher priority.
It is concluded that one and possibly
two of these intermediate experiments can be accomplished in the present
time schedule.
If the maximum time allowable for the test series were
extended two weeks, the third might also be done. The Thor launched from
Johnston Island is suitable as a warhead carrier.
Burst phenomenology
has been examined and the primary experimental objective determined.
These
objectives can be satisfied in the execution of the proposed plan."
Note that the date of publication of this report is Nov 19,1961.
Reference is made to a previous report /61-95) which planned for executing
the series beginning in July 1962. There i$ some indication that a very
brief test period is expected since they speak of a compressed time scale
and the curtailment of sume cf the experiments and only planning for a
March through June 62 test period.
it is stated that the primary objective of the overall series is to obtain data regarding the interference
to radar and COiMsystems preduced by a high eltitude nuclear burst.
Further the present phase is intended to cover a range of burst conditions
where specific applications are optimized.
Shot altitudes are listed in
priority order with the fifty kilometer and four hundred kilometer shet
having priority I, the 115 Kilomeier shor having priority iil ana the other
two shots having priority III.
It states that because of the shert tine available for development, the
Thor vehicle is recommended as a warhead carrier with essentially ‘no
vehicle modifications.
The plans for specific
experimental shots include by name in ovder:
Bluegill, Kingfish and Starfish.
Considerations of nuclear safety, eyeburn
and operational suitability dictate” selection of J. I. as: the most promising
operational base for all tests of Cperation Fishbowl. Other operational
possibilities considered included Enewitok, Kwajalein, Christmas Island and
the possible use of Atlas fired from Vandenberg AFB. The specifics of
altitudes and yields of these various shots and even the nicknames for then
follow very closely what actually tock place even though this planning document came out in Nov of 1961 and the series didn't take place until July 62
and following. Another section discusses possible warheads to be used.
There *
re.
a number of interesting points made in the section entitled
"Vehicle Selection"!
Because of tne short time. scale of the operation,
while a large number of boosters are available’ * ‘Sufficient performance,
only a few of these systems would not require extensive engineering for
satisfying all warhead fit and positioning requirements. it's noted that
Sandia has previously accomplished detailed study of certain devices in the
Thor re-entry vehicle.
And it is stated that "since these warheads fit the
yield requirements they were logical choices for consideration and the Thor