XITI
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needed, which would improve the samples collected and make introduction of
newequipment easier,
Under the dosage and sample size criteria then in
effect, the Genter reported that ". . . pilots can participate in four or
five shots per operation at a rate approximately two a year for an indefinite
period." . Such a sampling unit required about nine F-8h-type aircraft
especially modified, the Center believed, with additional aircraft in
"flying storage™tomeet overseas sampling requirements,
Colonel Hooks requested that a sampling test squadron. be authorized,
having a strength of ohofficers and 121 airmen.
Most of the personnel
spaces could be supplied from authorizations for Operation IVY's Task Group
132.4. The F-8)G aircraft were atready assigned to the Center.’
Although the proposal for apermanent sampling squadron was an Air
Force product, Colonel Karl H, Houghton; Colonel Fackler, and Dr, Plank put
their heads together to get support from the Atomic Energy Commission.”
On 9 February 1953, Chairman Gordon Dean of the Atomic Energy Commission wrote
Robert LeBaron, head of the Military Liaison Committee, concerning the
proposal,
Because of the increased complexityof Sampling and the impor-
tance of samples in testing, he ". . . strongly recommended that a permanent
cloud sampling unit be established."
Such a unit would make available at
all times experienced cloud sampling personnel to be used on tests conduc-
ted on short notice.
It would reduce the hazard inherent in using
inexperienced pilots, save the cost of modifying new aircraft for each
operation, and relieve the impact of unscheduled demands for sampler pilots
and aircraft during over-all Air Force planning,
265
AFWUH:
It appeared that testing
SWEH~-2-003h
16"