REDWING.
Of equal importance along with the development of
atomic weapons, is the acquisition of data concerning the
effects these weapons may produce.
A very comprehensive weapons
effects test program has been developed within the Department
of Defense.
Now, this chart gives 8 major types
which we shall make during the operation.
of measurements
This represents an
estimated expenditure of 15-1/2 million dollars worth of
research and development funds.
MInvery general terms,
these
programs will serve to provide the Department of Defense with
this kind of data:
PROGRAM I
Blast and Shock Measurements!
Fundamental research to determine the actual release of
blast and shock energy and the drag forces induced when an
atomic weapon is detonated.
This program has been further
subdivided into 10 projects.
Measurements are made principally
by using gauges near the surface of the earth at varying
distances from ground zero, by firing rockets around the burst,
by shock photography, wave propogation, and dropping parachuted
cannisters over eround zero.
PROGRAM If
Nuclear Radiation and Effects:
This is a most important program since it will take
measurements related to fall-out and radioactive contamination
including counter-measures.
projects.
It has been subdivided into 14
Data is acquired generally »y use of film badges and
counting devices located over a vast area around the target;
placement of two instrumented liberty ships down wind, firing
instrumented rockets into the stem and cloud, and cloud sampling
by penetration with manned aircraft.