APPENDIX "GQ" PROGRAM 8.0 -— EFFECTS ON ATRCRAFT 1. GENERAL REMARKS This program was designed primarily to give information necessary for the safe operation of atomic bomb carrying aircraft and to develop design criteria for future aircraft. In addition, several other projects concerned with airborne devices and techniques were studied under this program, 2, EFFECTS ON AIRBORNE AIRCRAFT a. The test for detormining the offects of an atomic explosion on aircraft in flight was the most extensive project of this program, Special instrumentation for the measurement of blast, gust, and temperature effects was installed in Air Force airplanes, These were flown at predctermined altitudes and distances from the zero point of the explosion, shots, Distances were based on the predicted yields of the Complete analysis of the data received is now under way at the Air Material Command; therefore, only preliminary results or indications are available at this time, b. On "DOG" shot one (1) T+33 jet drone, one (1) B-17 drone, two (2) man— ned B-50Ds and one (1) manned XB-4,7 participated in the test. Distances at shot time from zcro point varied from 9,260 feet (T-33 drone) to 52,100 fect (B-50D). Dis- tances at shock arrival time varicd from 11,000 feet (T-33 drone} to 40,900 feet (B-50D), Altitudes varics from 7,800 feet (T~33 drone) to 29,000 feet (B+50D). structural damage resulted on any of the airplanes. No Damage due to heat was caused on the T~33 drone and on a B-L7 drone at 15,000 feet altitude end 16,150 feet slant range, places, The T+33 (which is all metal construction) had scorched paint in several On the B17, the fabric surfaccs on the under side of the ailerons and ele- vators were burned away. Black paint was scorched in several other places, The crew of the XB-L7 at 25,700 fect slant range reported fecling considerable heat. Recordings on the specislized instrumentation were received and arc being analyzed. ce On "EASY" shot, one (1) each of the T-33 drones and B-17 drones were positioned to receive blast loads in excess of 90% of the ultimate designed load factor of the aircraft. Two (2) T-33 drones, two (2) B-l7 drones, one (1) manned XB-i,7 and two (2) manned B~5OD airplanes participated in the test. shot time varied from 6,540 fect (1-33) to 38,000 fect (XB-47). Distances at shock .arrival time varied from 6,920 fect (T-33) to 33,000 feet (23-47). from 6,500 fect to 33,000 feet, Distances at Altitudes varied The low T~33 went out of control shortly after a SEDIOTER aye Torri oH PESESSy vey rage