Operation SNAPPER, Project 6.4. Operational Tests of Radar and Photographic Techniques for IBDA

摘要

Encouraging IBDA results from previous atomic tests prompted the extension of an invitation to the Strategic Air Command to assist WADC in making some operational IBDA tests during TUMBLER-SNAPPER. The SAC provided three B-50D aircraft with flight and maintenance crews. These aircraft were equipped with AN/APQ-24 radars modified to present slant range marks; K-17C aerial cameras modified to cycle once per second; and two Edgerton, Germeshausen and Grier bhangmeters. The 4925th Test Group (Atomic), AFSWC installed two E G & G time of fall indicators in the drop aircraft at the request of Project 6.4. In addition, a photometer was installed at the site, and operated by project personnel. The general plan was to secure all-weather ground zero and height of burst from radar; height of burst from the time of fall indicators; and yield from the bhangmeters and the photometer. Simultaneously, K-17C visual cameras were to be tested for their ability to provide ground zero and height of burst under conditions of good visibility. Analysis of data obtained with the foregoing devices indicates that, under oeprational conditions, ground zero can be determined by radar to an absolute value of 750 feet and height of burst to + or - 400 feet.