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Proof test of strategic bombs and warheads. =~==oMY
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Significant steps toward bombs of 100 MT or wore would require
large yield above ground tests if it were decided such weapons are
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conducted in an underground environment.
Systems which experience severe
environments and which should be tested are the ICBM and AICSM missile
oy
Systems.
An example of such a test which would result in weapons develop-
ment, weapons effects ‘and weapons systems data would be to explode an
antimissile warhead against our own ICBM warhead.
Of course, this type
test must be conducted in the high atmosphere.
For development tests at these yielde either atmospheric or space shots
are required.
The time required to get ready for space experiments could vary
from a relatively few months for simple proof tests, to at least two years for
more complicated experiments.
2.
Weapons Effects
In the consideration of weapons effects testing, great limitations
appear with underground explosions.
Examples of the most critical areas of
| desired measurements are:
8.
‘&
Blackout and Communication Effects
A very important known area requiring above ground nuclear &
test is in connection with blackout and communication effects caused by
very high altitude nuclear bursts.
this subject from previous tests.
Little information is available on
Calculation of the effects ts uncertain,
and methods for -sinsuiation of the phenomena are unknown.
Understanding of
these effects is important toe our own penetration capabilities as well as
ee