SEAREP
The various alternative programs presented in the event
of "success" or "failure" have been considered by the Labora-
tory from the point of view of endeavoring to maximize the position of the country both in bomb fundamental physics, and in
present (or near future) stockpile position.
We have placed
. more emphasis upon understanding the behavior of nuclear explosions, and less emphasis upon certain practical details such
as the minimum usable initiator strength.
The latter point is
covered, however, in the event that no "failures"occur by the
proposal to include in the final shot two factors of interest:
_Ll. A U-235 weapon with a smaller amount of active ©
material which will-give us very useful design information, and
:
.
2. An initiator of the present minimum acceptable
strength.
We are led to this position by the fact that no atomic weapon
has yet been detonated with other than the strongest available
initiator, and by the belief that our present lower limit, in
which we have full confidence, should, nevertheless, have a
practical test.
We shall plan upon this program for the Sandstone Operation unless specific instructions are received to the contrary.
Such instructions, in view of the time scale involved, can
probably only involve changes in firing order of weapons now
designed, or nearing final design, and. for proper planning, must
be received before. January 15, 1948,
It is quite impossible
to incorporate any major design change in this test even if
such instructions were received immediately.
-
Yours truly,
/s/ N. E. Bradbury
Director