On 17 September, General Maddux contacted General Estes concerning the capability of C-54's and C~124's to operate in and out of Bikini. His letter stated that eee CH54 aircraft can operate into and out of Bikini from either Kwajalein or Eniwetok, and carry the structural strength allowable cabin load, which is approximately 14,000 pounds (zero fuel weight of C-54G, 67,700 pounds less the basic operating weight, 46,000). The C-124 aircraft load limitations on this short segment operation are based on the maximum permissible land- ing weight (160,000 pounds) which limits the allowable load into and out of Bikini to approximately 30,000 and 25,000 pounds, respectively. This holds true whether operating from Kwajalein or Eniwetok. The above allowable loads are based on refueling either at Kwajalein or Eniwetok. The flight plan and gas load computations based on MATS requirements which provide two hours of holding over Eniwetok or Kwajalein on their return from Bikini, plus 10 percent of en route fuel requirements.” F, ; RUNWAY EXTENSION FOR F-84 EMERGENCY LANDINGS After surveying emergency landing possibilities in all areas of F-84 operation, General Estes wrote Colonel Murray Bywater, Deputy Air Force Commander for JIF SEVEN, that any fighter landing on the 4,500 foot Bikini strip would have to perform a wheels-up landing, damaging the aircraft and possibly injuring the pilot. Unlike the B-47 which landed at Roi Island in Kwajalein Atoll during IVY, the F-84's had no drogue .chutes to slow them down. General Estes' suggestion to grade and smooth a thousand feet at the east end of the runway was approved by higher headquarters and ac~ tion gotten under way in October. Once completed, this grading lengthened the serviceable portion of the runway from 4,500 to 5,500 feet. was increased to 125 feet. an excellent investment. The width The extension of the Bikini airstrip proved Two sampler aircraft, forced to make emergency landings on the Bikini strip, were saved from possible destruction. (One had a rough engine and the other had trouble with a fuel feed.) 33