quills
_
On UNION, no unfamiliar reactions were noted by the B-36 flight
crew.

The pressure altimeter was observed more closely on this shot

and, after the effects of the shock wave had subsided, the altitude
was more than 200 feet higher than before the shock arrival.

There

was no thermal damage worth noting, but blast damage was similar ’
but less in degree, to that of ROMEO.

The measured overpressure was

between 0.41 and 0.45 psi, and the shock time arrival was 69.49 se-

conds after Time Zero.

The total thermal intensity was betweenQERBETED

The assigned position of the B-47 at Time Zero was at an alti-

tude of 35,000 feet, on a 180° heading, and at a horizontal range
of 48,240 feet from Ground Zero.

The six GSAP cameras produced ex-

cellent motion pictures of the burst.

Ninety-three percent of the

ninety-one distinct instrumentation functions operated satisfactorily.
Total thermal energy received amounted a This thermal
energy induced skin temperature rises in the range of 10° F to 180° F
throughout the aircraft.
conds after the blast.

The shock wave reached the aircraft 117 seThe accompanying overpressure was 0.261 psi.

The B-47 crew reported no heat in the cockpit and only a moderate

shock wave jolt.

The aircraft suffered no apparent damage.

Immediately after UNION the decontamination and minimum turnaround principle was practiced.

It was found that within twenty-

four hours after one shot, the Task Group could have supported another

shot in the same manner as it did on UNION.

This included decontami-

nating seven F-&4's and one B~36 for sampling.

On this particular

mission all critical aircraft landed after the shot with only very
minor maintenance required for turn-around.

apn

99

Select target paragraph3