Accession Number:

AD0701493

Title:

USAF NUCLEAR SAFETY JAN/FEB/MAR 1970, NO. 1. VOLUME 65 (PART 2) SPECIAL EDITION: PROJECT CRESTED ICE

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

DIRECTORATE OF NUCLEAR SAFETY KIRTLAND AFB NM

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1970-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

100.0

Abstract:

On January 21, 1968, a B-52 bomber carrying four nuclear weapons crashed on the sea ice off the shore of Thule, Greenland. Both the aircraft and the weapons disintegrated on impact. There was, of course, no nuclear explosion since the design of the weapons precluded any nuclear reaction. Nevertheless, limited contamination resulting from the dispersed radioactive material from the weapons had to be controlled and removed, as did the aircraft debris. A major disaster was turned into a classic example of international cooperation at governmental, scientific, and local levels. During the ensuing months, the Danes and Americans at Thule provided a striking example of international teamwork.

Descriptors:

• *NUCLEAR BOMBS
• *RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION
• AIR FORCE OPERATIONS
• AVIATION ACCIDENTS
• DEBRIS
• GREENLAND
• HEALTH PHYSICS
• JET BOMBERS
• REMOVAL

Subject Categories:

• Radioactivity, Radioactive Wastes and Fission Products

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE