TAB A ~~ SEC PARTIT INFO UNITED STATES AIR FORCE PARTICIPATION 4ND COMPETENCE IN THE ATOMIC WEAFONS PROGRAM ’ 1. Air Force participation and competence in the atomic weapons field are discussed in considerable detail and by major weapon subdivisions in the - following text, Past and eurrent participation by the Air Force has been and still is modest compared to existing competence. This competence stems from years of experience in developing and procuring aircraft, guided missiles and @.,csoctates equipment, items which bear a marked similarity to atomic weapons in many respects. 2. While Air Force participation to date has not included responsibility for development of a complete weapon exclusive of the nuclear portion, it is considered highly desirable that Air Force assistance to the AEC be extended ‘y a . and handling, and test equipment. a " (carried to successful completion many projects of equal or greater magnitude and complexity. --) . ° C ( underteken by the laboratories of Wright air Development Center which have cee waneenaeemeates o E .C Such a development project could well be |) ~ . - - 3. QuterCase &. Implosion Bombs The Aircraft and Armament Laboratories of Wright Air Development Center have made design studies and conducted flight tests of aerodynami shapes in connection with the development of exfernally carried bombs su as the TX-7 and TX-12 weapons. The Aircraft Laboratory performed static testing of the Mark 4 and 6 bomb cases. Development competence has been clearly demonstrated and while the Air Materiel Command to date has not 3) a to include development of a complete atomic weapon system including packaging made any procurement of outer cases, a definite campetence to accomplish this is evident from procurements made of similar items such as externally ro carried aircraft fuel tanks. b. Gun-type Bembs While the Air Force has not participated in the development or procurement of outer cases for gue-type weapons, a definite competence -L40« ‘eae | SHO R TECTITENE \ \ a G® COPIED/DOE SNDIA Do