Accession Number:

ADA995327

Title:

Operation UPSHOT-KNOTHOLE, Nevada Proving Grounds, March-June 1953. Project 5.2. Atomic Weapon Effects on B-50 Type Aircraft in Flight,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE FLIGHT DYNAMICS LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

Personal Author(s):

• Lenz,Ralph C. , Jr.
• Miller,Glenn C.

Report Date:

1953-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

131.0

Abstract:

Project 5.2 was established to determine minimum operational parameters for delivery of atomic weapons from medium bombardment aircraft. Three B-50D airplanes were selected and instrumented for the measurement of peak overpressure, thermal radiation and wing tip deflection. One of the airplanes was further instrumented for the measurement of wing, fuselage, and stabilizer bending moments, angular and linear accelerations and elevator positions. A flight pattern was established so that the positions of the three B-50s simulated the position which would be occupied by a bomb-dropping airplane relative to the point of detonation of the weapon. Gust loading of the horizontal stabilizer was determined to be the limiting structural parameter of the B-50 airplane for delivery of atomic weapons. Sufficiently precise and extensive data concerning the effects of atomic weapons on the B-50 were obtained to enable accurate definitions of general operational parameters for delivery of atomic weapons with this airplane.

Descriptors:

• *NUCLEAR EXPLOSION TESTING
• *BOMBER AIRCRAFT
• NUCLEAR EXPLOSION DAMAGE
• GUST LOADS
• HORIZONTAL STABILIZERS
• WINGS
• BENDING MOMENTS
• OVERPRESSURE
• THERMAL RADIATION
• WING TIPS
• DEFLECTION
• INFLIGHT
• WEAPON DELIVERY
• NUCLEAR WEAPONS
• NEVADA

Subject Categories:

• Bombers
• Nuclear Weapons

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE