Accession Number:

ADA995347

Title:

Operation Hardtack. Project 6.5. Radar Determination of Fireball Phenomena

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

ARMY SIGNAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LAB FORT MONMOUTH NJ

Personal Author(s):

• Baker, E.
• Viars, T.
• McAfee, W. S.
• Balton, I. A.

Report Date:

1985-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

69.0

Abstract:

The objectives of this project were to investigate the nature of radar echoes from the fireball produced by atomic detonations, and to determine the feasibility of finding ground zero, height-of-burst, and yield by means of radar echoes. It was concluded that no radar echoes were received from the fireballs of any Hardtack detonations. For surface shots, radar techniques can be used to determine ground zero to an accuracy of or - 140 feet. The proportionality between maximum target size and yield of the device indicated that maximum size might be used as a rough measure of yield.

Descriptors:

• *NUCLEAR FIREBALL
• *RADAR REFLECTIONS
• BIKINI ATOLL
• ECHOES
• HEIGHT OF BURST
• JOHNSTON ISLAND
• NUCLEAR EXPLOSION TESTING
• POSITION FINDING
• RADAR SIGNALS
• RADAR TARGETS
• SURFACE BURST
• YIELD(NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS)

Subject Categories:

• Active and Passive Radar Detection and Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE