~ Pre-Shot Schedule and Considerations Throughout the week immediately preceding any shot there is a progressive increase in activity. A series of tests is conducted to help technicians determine the readiness of their experiments. On some air burst tests a dry run drop of conventional high explo- sive may be held. If troops are to have a‘ field maneuver, there will be a dry run maneuver about shot day minus two. Obviously, at some pre-test time the experimental device is assembled and positioned for firing. An initial pre-shot, go no-go meeting is held about minus 48 hours, It determines the readiness of essential experiments, and results in preparation of a go no-go list to govern any last minute determination of whether to fire based on readiness or functioning of experiments. If there is probability that all key experiments will be ready, and if the preliminary, long range weather forecast is generally favorable, the specific shot operation gets under way. Starting the operational sequence includes such items as advising distant air bases they may prepare to launch bombers participating in air crew training, or preparing in Washington to take off the next day with a flight of Congressional observers. Complications are many if the shot is subsequently postponed. In the new series, a weather meeting will be held at 8:30 A.M. the day before the scheduled shot to determine if wind direction and stability as forecast seem to merit going ahead with shot preparations, and if so and if two shots are ready, which may be fired. Complications are obvious here also. One ready shot may involve heavy air activity, including long range aircraft which will be en route by this time. If that ready shot is set aside in favor of the second ready shot, which probably will not include the training projects, the aircraft then under way return to their home bases. Final preparations go forward on all fronts if the morning weather meeting results in a favorable decision. These include clearing the technical area and Control Point of all non-authorized personnel and thereafter maintaining individual record checks to assure that all personnel are out by shot time. They include the issuance of advisory notices to the public and to health officers of adjacent states, and through CAA to commercial and private aircraft. at A formal evaluation meeting is held about 5 P. M. It includes a final readiness report on experiments, aircraft, and maneuver programs. It is essentially, however, a weather evaluation meeting. If weather promises to be right for technical experiments and onsite safety, the shot remains scheduled and the meeting progresses to consideration of weather and public health and safety. These evaluations and considerations remain the background for further evaluations at 11 P. M. and at 3 A. M., again related primarily to weather. -~ 16 - aay oe S