xTI
Yunder-the-hood* training additionally hazardous in the earlier models,
The extremely high rate of major accidents suffered with the early B-57
were largely incurred while pilots made transition into the p-c7,1?
Initial effort at obtaining B-57C aircraft was made for two of the
models to replace two B-57B aircraft and T-33 aircraft, the latter having
been used as trainers for sampling pilots.
Argument was advanced that
the B-57C aircraft could perform satisfactorily in dual status:
For
training or as sampler aircraft,
During the discussion, study, and maneuvering for later models,
nuclear scientists apparently began to worry that they might-be left with
no aircraft,
But Colonel C. B, Stewart, Vice Commander, Air Force Special
Weapons Center, wrote Dr, Graves, assuring him that their efforts would not
1
endanger getting those originallyasked for. ?
Procuring B-S7D
Prior to delivery of B-57A aircraft, cloud sampling officials received
notice of improvements to be made in the B-S7D,°°
According to their
information, the B-57D would approach in performance the requirements
specified by Eos Alamos .“+
Dr. Graves listed specifications in a letter to
the Air Force Special Weapons Center on 9 December 1953 and reviewed them
in a letter to Major General L. S. Stranathan, Field Command, Armed Forces
Special Weapons Project, on 2 August 195,
"Briefly," he wrote, "these
characteristics describe a two-place, high-speed aircraft with maximum
altitude capability (at least 60,000 feet) and with the ability to carry
filter units with a filter capacity high enough to enable the collection
26
AFWL/HO
SWEH~2-003),
ak?o .
or