Operation Nougat

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Operation Nougat
Nougat Gnome.gif
Nougat Gnome, 3.1 kilotons
Information
CountryUnited States
Test site
  • near Carlsbad, New Mexico
  • NTS Area 12, Rainier Mesa
  • NTS Area 15
  • NTS Area 16, Shoshone Mountain
  • NTS Area 18, Buckboard Mesa
  • NTS, Areas 1-4, 6-10, Yucca Flat
Period1961-1962
Number of tests44
Test typecratering, underground shaft, tunnel
Max. yield67 kilotonnes of TNT (280 TJ)
Test series chronology
Map all coordinatesin "Operation Nougat" using: OpenStreetMap

Operation Nougat [1] was a series of 44 nuclear tests conducted (with one exception) at the Nevada Test Site in 1961 and 1962, immediately after the Soviet Union abrogated a testing moratorium, with the US' Mink test shot taking place the day before the Soviets test-detonated the Tsar Bomba. Most tests were limited-yield underground test shots. [2] New designs would be further developed in atmospheric testing during Operation Dominic I and II .

Contents

Operation Dominic I and II would follow Operation Nougat, with some testing overlap. Operation Hardtack II preceded Nougat and the testing moratorium.

Tests

Antler

Antler was the first shot fired as part of the resumption of nuclear testing by the United States. Fired 15 September 1961, containment was immediately lost when the shot vented via the tunnel portal, destroying much of the test data. This was a recurring problem for tunnel tests of the era. The problem was thought to be caused by water above the blast zone draining into the explosion cavity where it was vaporised and escaped as steam. [3]

Shrew

Shrew was the first Los Alamos test after the resumption of testing. The device was buried to a depth of 325 ft (99 m) in a canister 32.5 ft (9.9 m) long. The shaft was 32 in (810 mm) wide, lined with 0.5 in (12+12 mm) steel, and backfilled with sand to above the canister and concrete to the surface. Post-test, some radioactivity was detected by sampling aircraft. [4]

British tests

Some accounts include the first British nuclear weapons test at the Nevada Test Site, shot Pampas, as part of Nougat. [5] See British nuclear testing in the United States for more details.

Full list of tests

United States' Nougat series tests and detonations
Name [note 1] Date time (UT) Local time zone [note 2] [6] Location [note 3] Elevation + height [note 4] Delivery [note 5]
Purpose [note 6]
Device [note 7] Yield [note 8] Fallout [note 9] References Notes
AntlerSeptember 15, 1961 17:00:00.12 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U12e.03a 37°11′16″N116°12′31″W / 37.1879°N 116.20863°W / 37.1879; -116.20863 (Antler) 2,254 m (7,395 ft) - 402.03 m (1,319.0 ft)tunnel,
weapons development
W-45 [7] 2.6 ktVenting detected off site, 210 kCi (7,800 TBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
ShrewSeptember 16, 1961 19:45:00.12 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ac 37°02′54″N116°02′01″W / 37.0484°N 116.03367°W / 37.0484; -116.03367 (Shrew) 1,200 m (3,900 ft) - 98.07 m (321.8 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Scarab device [13] 17 tVenting detected on site, less than 490 Ci (18,000 GBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
BoomerOctober 1, 1961 21:30:00.12 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3aa 37°02′54″N116°02′07″W / 37.04829°N 116.03526°W / 37.04829; -116.03526 (Boomer) 1,200 m (3,900 ft) - 100.64 m (330.2 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Scarab device [13] less than 0.1 ktVenting detected on site, less than 2.5 kCi (93 TBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
ChenaOctober 10, 1961 18:00:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U12b.09 37°11′39″N116°12′28″W / 37.19423°N 116.20791°W / 37.19423; -116.20791 (Chena) 2,250 m (7,380 ft) - 255.42 m (838.0 ft)tunnel,
weapons development
Tsetse [13] and Arrow [14] less than 20 ktVenting detected on site, 760 Ci (28,000 GBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] Similar to Fishbowl Swordfish, yield much lower than predicted.
MinkOctober 29, 1961 18:30:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ae 37°02′55″N116°01′55″W / 37.04851°N 116.03195°W / 37.04851; -116.03195 (Mink) 1,201 m (3,940 ft) - 192.1 m (630 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Tsetse [14] less than 20 ktVenting detected on site, 500 Ci (18,000 GBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] similar to HT-II Quay, HT-I Linden, fizzle.
FisherDecember 3, 1961 23:04:59.63 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ah 37°02′45″N116°01′43″W / 37.04581°N 116.02853°W / 37.04581; -116.02853 (Fisher) 1,198 m (3,930 ft) - 363.72 m (1,193.3 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Tsetse [14] 13.4 ktVenting detected on site, less than 500 Ci (18,000 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Repeat of Mink, yield below predicted due to Zipper failure.
Gnome December 10, 1961 19:00:00.0 MST (-7 hrs)
near Carlsbad, New Mexico 32°15′47″N103°51′57″W / 32.26298°N 103.86592°W / 32.26298; -103.86592 (Gnome) 1,013 m (3,323 ft) - 360 m (1,180 ft)underground shaft,
peaceful research
Kinglet [14] 3.1 ktVenting detected off site [1] [9] [12] [16] Project Gnome, fired in salt dome, cavity formed was 170 ft (52 m) in diameter, and 80 ft (24 m) high, some radioactivity accidentally released and detected off-site. Shaft drilled 341 m (1,119 ft) to SW.
MadDecember 13, 1961 18:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9a 37°07′36″N116°02′59″W / 37.12656°N 116.04962°W / 37.12656; -116.04962 (Mad) 1,254 m (4,114 ft) - 219.15 m (719.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet [14] 500 tI-131 venting detected on site, 0 [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] Similar to Hoosic and Stillwater, yield below predicted, attempt to standardize low yield energy source for future experiments.
RingtailDecember 17, 1961 16:35:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ak 37°02′35″N116°01′34″W / 37.04317°N 116.02616°W / 37.04317; -116.02616 (Ringtail) 1,196 m (3,924 ft) - 362.99 m (1,190.9 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Scarab [14] less than 20 ktVenting detected on site, less than 10 Ci (370 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Possible XW-54 test, similar to Shrew and Boomer, purpose to optimize small light system for high yield tactical weapon.
FeatherDecember 22, 1961 16:30:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U12b.08 37°11′42″N116°12′33″W / 37.1949°N 116.20916°W / 37.1949; -116.20916 (Feather) 2,242 m (7,356 ft) - 247.5 m (812 ft)tunnel,
weapons development
150 tVenting detected off site, 380 Ci (14,000 GBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] "...results quite striking.".
StoatJanuary 9, 1962 16:30:00.14 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ap 37°02′41″N116°02′09″W / 37.04459°N 116.03592°W / 37.04459; -116.03592 (Stoat) 1,198 m (3,930 ft) - 302.33 m (991.9 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Croton ("Test of new multipoint system") [17] 5.1 ktVenting detected on site, 8 Ci (300 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Performed as expected, 1st in series to develop new multi-point detonation system, similar to Agouti, Armadillo, Ermine, Chinchilla I/II.
AgoutiJanuary 18, 1962 18:00:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ao 37°02′50″N116°02′07″W / 37.0472°N 116.03523°W / 37.0472; -116.03523 (Agouti) 1,200 m (3,900 ft) - 260.95 m (856.1 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Croton [17] 6.4 kt [1] [10] [11] [12] [15] Develop test for new 10 in (250 mm) implosion system, similar to Stoat.
DormouseJanuary 30, 1962 18:00:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3aq 37°02′48″N116°02′25″W / 37.04679°N 116.04034°W / 37.04679; -116.04034 (Dormouse) 1,200 m (3,900 ft) - 363.14 m (1,191.4 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Tsetse in final W50 configuration [17] 10 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Configuration optimization test, similar to Mink, Fisher, Raccoon, Dormouse Prime, Packrat.
StillwaterFebruary 8, 1962 18:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9c 37°07′38″N116°03′13″W / 37.1272°N 116.05354°W / 37.1272; -116.05354 (Stillwater) 1,259 m (4,131 ft) - 181.36 m (595.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet [17] 3.1 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Similar to Mad and Hoosic.
ArmadilloFebruary 9, 1962 16:30:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ar 37°02′37″N116°02′23″W / 37.04354°N 116.03981°W / 37.04354; -116.03981 (Armadillo) 1,198 m (3,930 ft) - 239.69 m (786.4 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Croton [17] 7.1 ktVenting detected on site, less than 120 Ci (4,400 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Develop test for new 10 in (250 mm) implosion system, similar Stoat.
HardhatFebruary 15, 1962 18:00:00.1 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U15a 37°13′35″N116°03′37″W / 37.22626°N 116.06018°W / 37.22626; -116.06018 (Hardhat) 1,532 m (5,026 ft) - 287.43 m (943.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapon effect
Mark 7 [17] 5.7 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] [18] Test of underground structure hardening.
Chinchilla IFebruary 19, 1962 16:30:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ag 37°02′57″N116°01′49″W / 37.04905°N 116.03023°W / 37.04905; -116.03023 (Chinchilla I) 1,201 m (3,940 ft) - 150.08 m (492.4 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Croton [19] 1.9 ktVenting detected on site, 2 Ci (74 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Test of new 10 in (250 mm) implosion system, performed as expected, showed device not 1-point safe.
CodsawFebruary 19, 1962 17:50:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9g 37°07′39″N116°02′17″W / 37.12743°N 116.03806°W / 37.12743; -116.03806 (Codsaw) 1,258 m (4,127 ft) - 212.14 m (696.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet [19] 2 ktVenting detected on site, less than 1 kCi (37 TBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Similar to Hoosic, Hudson, Arikaree.
CimarronFebruary 23, 1962 18:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9h 37°07′44″N116°02′57″W / 37.12881°N 116.04918°W / 37.12881; -116.04918 (Cimarron) 1,256 m (4,121 ft) - 304.8 m (1,000 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Starling in XW-56 configuration [19] 11.9 ktVenting detected, 750 Ci (28,000 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Confirmed advanced warhead design, device performed better than expected.
PlatypusFebruary 24, 1962 16:30:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ad 37°02′54″N116°01′58″W / 37.0483°N 116.03264°W / 37.0483; -116.03264 (Platypus) 1,200 m (3,900 ft) - 57.84 m (189.8 ft)cratering,
weapons development
Scarab [19] less than 20 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] similar to Shrew, Boomer, Ringtail.
Danny BoyMarch 5, 1962 18:15:00.12 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U18a 37°06′39″N116°21′57″W / 37.11091°N 116.3658°W / 37.11091; -116.3658 (Danny Boy) 1,641 m (5,384 ft) - 30 m (98 ft)cratering,
weapon effect
430 tVenting detected off site, 850 kCi (31,000 TBq) [1] [8] [9] [11] [12] [15] [16] Test of atomic demolition munition (ADM) cratering effects in basalt, crater 265 ft × 84 ft (81 m × 26 m), design yield 470 tonnes.
ErmineMarch 6, 1962 16:30:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ab 37°02′54″N116°02′04″W / 37.04837°N 116.0344°W / 37.04837; -116.0344 (Ermine) 1,201 m (3,940 ft) - 73.15 m (240.0 ft)underground shaft,
safety experiment
Croton [19] less than 20 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] Test of new 10 in (250 mm) implosion system, 1-point safety test.
BrazosMarch 8, 1962 18:00:00.21 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9d 37°07′20″N116°02′59″W / 37.12212°N 116.04976°W / 37.12212; -116.04976 (Brazos) 1,254 m (4,114 ft) - 256.34 m (841.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
XW-55 primary [20] 8.4 ktVenting detected on site, 1.1 kCi (41 TBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Successful system proof test, developmental test of advanced implosion system, design yield 5-10 kt.
HognoseMarch 15, 1962 16:30:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ai 37°02′38″N116°01′55″W / 37.04393°N 116.03186°W / 37.04393; -116.03186 (Hognose) 1,198 m (3,930 ft) - 240.33 m (788.5 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Test of Zippo device fired in Operation Dominic [20] 8 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] similar to HT-II Mercury and Oberon.
HoosicMarch 28, 1962 18:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9j 37°07′28″N116°02′05″W / 37.12437°N 116.03483°W / 37.12437; -116.03483 (Hoosic) 1,264 m (4,147 ft) - 186.84 m (613.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet [20] 3.4 ktVenting detected, 10 kCi (370 TBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Test to determine minimum boosted yield for device previously tested in Mad and Stillwater, predicted yield 2–3.5 kt, similar to Hudson and Arikaree.
Chinchilla IIMarch 31, 1962 18:00:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3as 37°02′49″N116°02′16″W / 37.04687°N 116.03776°W / 37.04687; -116.03776 (Chinchilla II) 1,200 m (3,900 ft) - 136.67 m (448.4 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Croton [20] 2 ktVenting detected on site, less than 10 Ci (370 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Retest of Chinchilla I which was not 1-point safe, similar to Stoat.
Dormouse PrimeApril 5, 1962 18:00:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3az 37°02′40″N116°01′27″W / 37.04446°N 116.02425°W / 37.04446; -116.02425 (Dormouse Prime) 1,197 m (3,927 ft) - 261.03 m (856.4 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Tsetse in W50 configuration [20] 10.6 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Yield verification test, design yield 10.5 kt, boron lined shot hole, similar to Dormouse, Mink, Fisher, Raccoon, Packrat, HT-I Linden, HT-II Quay.
PassaicApril 6, 1962 18:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9l (i?) 37°07′03″N116°02′42″W / 37.11762°N 116.04487°W / 37.11762; -116.04487 (Passaic) 1,248 m (4,094 ft) - 233.48 m (766.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Robin in W47 configuration [20] 9 ktVenting detected, 600 Ci (22,000 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Verification test.
HudsonApril 12, 1962 18:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9n (h?) 37°07′38″N116°02′45″W / 37.12719°N 116.04577°W / 37.12719; -116.04577 (Hudson) 1,253 m (4,111 ft) - 150.88 m (495.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet [20] 1 ktVenting detected, 500 Ci (18,000 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] similar to Arikaree, Hoosic, Codsaw'.
PlatteApril 14, 1962 18:00:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U12k.01 37°13′19″N116°09′30″W / 37.22198°N 116.15832°W / 37.22198; -116.15832 (Platte) 1,695 m (5,561 ft) - 170.69 m (560.0 ft)tunnel,
weapons development
Kinglet [21] 1.9 ktVenting detected off site, 1.9 MCi (70 PBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] Yield reproducibility test, failed, retested in Des Moines.
DeadApril 21, 1962 18:40:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9k 37°07′08″N116°01′57″W / 37.11895°N 116.03237°W / 37.11895; -116.03237 (Dead) 1,272 m (4,173 ft) - 193.24 m (634.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
May have been "Rail" device [21] 3 ktVenting detected, 40 kCi (1,500 TBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15]
BlackApril 27, 1962 18:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9p 37°07′06″N116°02′19″W / 37.11843°N 116.03857°W / 37.11843; -116.03857 (Black) 1,259 m (4,131 ft) - 217.63 m (714.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet in XW-55 mockup [21] 5 ktVenting detected, 150 Ci (5,600 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Thermonuke mockup.
PacaMay 7, 1962 19:33:00.14 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ax 37°02′48″N116°01′32″W / 37.04654°N 116.02567°W / 37.04654; -116.02567 (Paca) 1,199 m (3,934 ft) - 258.32 m (847.5 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Croton primary with Zuppy secondary [21] 8 ktVenting detected on site, less than 10 Ci (370 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Test of "100 lb/100 kt" class device.
ArikareeMay 10, 1962 15:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9r 37°07′39″N116°02′57″W / 37.12754°N 116.04917°W / 37.12754; -116.04917 (Arikaree) 1,254 m (4,114 ft) - 166.73 m (547.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet [21] less than 20 ktVenting detected, 2 kCi (74 TBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] similar to Hudson, Hoosic, Codsaw.
AardvarkMay 12, 1962 19:00:00.1 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3am(s) 37°03′54″N116°01′51″W / 37.06512°N 116.03092°W / 37.06512; -116.03092 (Aardvark) 1,214 m (3,983 ft) - 434.04 m (1,424.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
TX-33Y2 AFAP [21] 40 ktVenting detected on site, less than 10 Ci (370 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] One of only four gun-type weapons ever tested, along with Little Boy, Grable and Laplace. The TX-33 was a gun shell.
EelMay 19, 1962 15:00:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9m 37°07′21″N116°02′53″W / 37.12256°N 116.04809°W / 37.12256; -116.04809 (Eel) 1,253 m (4,111 ft) - 217.63 m (714.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet [21] 4.5 ktVenting detected on site, 1.9 MCi (70 PBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Successful.
WhiteMay 25, 1962 15:00:00.15 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9b 37°07′29″N116°03′10″W / 37.12479°N 116.05287°W / 37.12479; -116.05287 (White) 1,253 m (4,111 ft) - 192.63 m (632.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Kinglet in XW-58 configuration [22] 8 ktVenting detected, 1.6 kCi (59 TBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Similar to Sacramento.
RaccoonJune 1, 1962 17:00:00.14 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ajs 37°02′44″N116°02′07″W / 37.04556°N 116.03534°W / 37.04556; -116.03534 (Raccoon) 1,199 m (3,934 ft) - 164.25 m (538.9 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Tsetse in TX-57 configuration [22] 3 kt [1] [10] [11] [12] [15] Successful, similar to Dormouse, Dormouse Prime, Mink, Fisher, Packrat, HT-I Linden, HT-II Quay.
PackratJune 6, 1962 17:00:00.12 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3aw 37°02′44″N116°02′25″W / 37.04567°N 116.04015°W / 37.04567; -116.04015 (Packrat) 1,199 m (3,934 ft) - 261.98 m (859.5 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Tsetse [22] 13 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Successful (see above for similarities), investigated internal initiator to improve safety, increase yield, reduce weight 10 lb (4.5 kg).
Des MoinesJune 13, 1962 21:00:00.12 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U12j.01 37°13′20″N116°09′47″W / 37.22217°N 116.16301°W / 37.22217; -116.16301 (Des Moines) 1,696 m (5,564 ft) - 185.93 m (610.0 ft)tunnel,
weapons development
Kinglet [22] 2.9 ktVenting detected off site, 11 MCi (410 PBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] similar to Platte.
Daman IJune 21, 1962 17:00:00.13 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3be 37°02′35″N116°01′52″W / 37.04303°N 116.03103°W / 37.04303; -116.03103 (Daman I) 1,197 m (3,927 ft) - 260.4 m (854 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
11 ktI-131 venting detected, 0 [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Successful.
HaymakerJune 27, 1962 18:00:00.12 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U3au(s) 37°02′30″N116°02′10″W / 37.04154°N 116.03612°W / 37.04154; -116.03612 (Haymaker) 1,196 m (3,924 ft) - 408.56 m (1,340.4 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
Moccasin (TX-53 primary) [22] 67 ktVenting detected on site, less than 150 Ci (5,600 GBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] Possible Mocassin device (tested in Project 58 #2, HT-II Hidalgo).
MarshmallowJune 28, 1962 17:00:00.11 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U16a 37°00′33″N116°12′07″W / 37.00906°N 116.20193°W / 37.00906; -116.20193 (Marshmallow) 2,241 m (7,352 ft) - 310.9 m (1,020 ft)tunnel,
weapon effect
Kinglet [22] less than 20 ktVenting detected on site, 35 kCi (1,300 TBq) [1] [8] [9] [10] [12] Simulated high altitude effects shot in low pressure chamber, successful, x-ray effects of re-entry vehicles investigated.
SacramentoJune 30, 1962 21:30:00.16 PST (-8 hrs)
NTS Area U9v 37°07′03″N116°02′54″W / 37.11737°N 116.04829°W / 37.11737; -116.04829 (Sacramento) 1,246 m (4,088 ft) - 149.05 m (489.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
XW-58 [22] 4 ktI-131 venting detected, less than 1 kCi (37 TBq) [1] [8] [10] [11] [12] [15] similar to White device.
  1. The US, France and Great Britain have code-named their test events, while the USSR and China did not, and therefore have only test numbers (with some exceptions Soviet peaceful explosions were named). Word translations into English in parentheses unless the name is a proper noun. A dash followed by a number indicates a member of a salvo event. The US also sometimes named the individual explosions in such a salvo test, which results in "name1 1(with name2)". If test is canceled or aborted, then the row data like date and location discloses the intended plans, where known.
  2. To convert the UT time into standard local, add the number of hours in parentheses to the UT time; for local daylight saving time, add one additional hour. If the result is earlier than 00:00, add 24 hours and subtract 1 from the day; if it is 24:00 or later, subtract 24 hours and add 1 to the day. Historical time zone data obtained from the IANA time zone database.
  3. Rough place name and a latitude/longitude reference; for rocket-carried tests, the launch location is specified before the detonation location, if known. Some locations are extremely accurate; others (like airdrops and space blasts) may be quite inaccurate. "~" indicates a likely pro-forma rough location, shared with other tests in that same area.
  4. Elevation is the ground level at the point directly below the explosion relative to sea level; height is the additional distance added or subtracted by tower, balloon, shaft, tunnel, air drop or other contrivance. For rocket bursts the ground level is "N/A". In some cases it is not clear if the height is absolute or relative to ground, for example, Plumbbob/John. No number or units indicates the value is unknown, while "0" means zero. Sorting on this column is by elevation and height added together.
  5. Atmospheric, airdrop, balloon, gun, cruise missile, rocket, surface, tower, and barge are all disallowed by the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Sealed shaft and tunnel are underground, and remained useful under the PTBT. Intentional cratering tests are borderline; they occurred under the treaty, were sometimes protested, and generally overlooked if the test was declared to be a peaceful use.
  6. Include weapons development, weapon effects, safety test, transport safety test, war, science, joint verification and industrial/peaceful, which may be further broken down.
  7. Designations for test items where known, "?" indicates some uncertainty about the preceding value, nicknames for particular devices in quotes. This category of information is often not officially disclosed.
  8. Estimated energy yield in tons, kilotons, and megatons. A ton of TNT equivalent is defined as 4.184 gigajoules (1 gigacalorie).
  9. Radioactive emission to the atmosphere aside from prompt neutrons, where known. The measured species is only iodine-131 if mentioned, otherwise it is all species. No entry means unknown, probably none if underground and "all" if not; otherwise notation for whether measured on the site only or off the site, where known, and the measured amount of radioactivity released.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Ivy</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Ivy was the eighth series of American nuclear tests, coming after Tumbler-Snapper and before Upshot–Knothole. The two explosions were staged in late 1952 at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Proving Ground in the Marshall Islands.

Operation Guardian was a series of 14 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1980–1981 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Tinderbox series and preceded the Operation Praetorian series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Storax</span> Series of 1960s US nuclear tests

Operation Storax was a series of 47 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1962–1963 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Fishbowl series and preceded the Operation Roller Coaster series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Whetstone</span> Series of 1960s US nuclear tests

The United States's Whetstone nuclear test series was a group of 46 nuclear tests conducted in 1964–1965. These tests followed the Operation Niblick series and preceded the Operation Flintlock series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Ranger</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Ranger was the fourth American nuclear test series. It was conducted in 1951 and was the first series to be carried out at the Nevada Test Site. All the bombs were dropped by B-50D bombers and exploded in the open air over Frenchman Flat (Area 5).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Upshot–Knothole</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Upshot–Knothole was a series of eleven nuclear test shots conducted in 1953 at the Nevada Test Site. It followed Operation Ivy and preceded Operation Castle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Teapot</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Teapot was a series of 14 nuclear test explosions conducted at the Nevada Test Site in the first half of 1955. It was preceded by Operation Castle, and followed by Operation Wigwam. Wigwam was, administratively, a part of Teapot, but it is usually treated as a class of its own. The aims of the operation were to establish military tactics for ground forces on a nuclear battlefield and to improve the nuclear weapons used for strategic delivery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Buster–Jangle</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Buster–Jangle was a series of seven nuclear weapons tests conducted by the United States in late 1951 at the Nevada Test Site. Buster–Jangle was the first joint test program between the DOD and Los Alamos National Laboratories. As part of Operation Buster, 6,500 troops were involved in the Operation Desert Rock I, II, and III exercises in conjunction with the tests. The last two tests, Operation Jangle, evaluated the cratering effects of low-yield nuclear devices. This series preceded Operation Tumbler–Snapper and followed Operation Greenhouse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Plumbbob</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Plumbbob was a series of nuclear tests that were conducted between May 28 and October 7, 1957, at the Nevada Test Site, following Project 57, and preceding Project 58/58A.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Hardtack II</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Hardtack II was a series of 37 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1958 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Argus series and preceded the Operation Nougat series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Tumbler–Snapper</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Tumbler–Snapper was a series of nuclear weapons tests conducted by the United States in early 1952 at the Nevada Test Site. The Tumbler–Snapper series of tests followed Operation Buster–Jangle and preceded Operation Ivy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Sunbeam</span> Series of 1960s US nuclear tests

Operation Sunbeam was a series of four nuclear tests conducted at the United States's Nevada Test Site in 1962. Operation Sunbeam tested tactical nuclear warheads; the most notable was the Davy Crockett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Redwing</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Redwing was a United States series of 17 nuclear test detonations from May to July 1956. They were conducted at Bikini and Enewetak atolls by Joint Task Force 7 (JTF7). The entire operation followed Project 56 and preceded Project 57. The primary intention was to test new, second-generation thermonuclear weapons. Also tested were fission devices intended to be used as primaries for thermonuclear weapons, and small tactical weapons for air defense. Redwing demonstrated the first United States airdrop of a deliverable hydrogen bomb during test Cherokee. Because the yields for many tests at Operation Castle in 1954 were dramatically higher than predictions, Redwing was conducted using an "energy budget": There were limits to the total amount of energy released, and the amount of fission yield was also strictly controlled. Fission, primarily "fast" fission of the natural uranium tamper surrounding the fusion capsule, greatly increases the yield of thermonuclear devices, and constitutes the great majority of the fallout, as nuclear fusion is a relatively clean reaction.

The United States's Praetorian nuclear test series was a group of 19 nuclear tests conducted in 1981–1982. These tests followed the Operation Guardian series and preceded the Operation Phalanx series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Julin</span> Series of 1990s US nuclear tests

Operation Julin was a group of 7 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1991–1992. These tests followed the Operation Sculpin series, and were the last before negotiations began for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Anvil (nuclear test)</span> Series of 1970s US nuclear tests

Operation Anvil was a series of 21 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1975–1976 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Bedrock series and preceded the Operation Fulcrum series.

Operation Project 56 was a series of 4 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1955–1956 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Wigwam series and preceded the Operation Redwing series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Project 58/58A</span> Series of 1950s US nuclear tests

Operation Project 58/58A was a series of 4 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1957–1958 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Plumbbob series and preceded the Operation Hardtack I series.

Project 57 was an open-air nuclear test conducted by the United States at the Nellis Air Force Range in 1957, following Operation Redwing, and preceding Operation Plumbbob. The test area, also known as Area 13, was a 10 miles (16 km) by 16 miles (26 km) block of land abutting the northeast boundary of the Nevada National Security Site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Dominic</span> 1962 US nuclear test series

Operation Dominic was a series of 31 nuclear test explosions with a 38.1 Mt (159 PJ) total yield conducted in 1962 by the United States in the Pacific. This test series was scheduled quickly, in order to respond in kind to the Soviet resumption of testing after the tacit 1958–1961 test moratorium. Most of these shots were conducted with free fall bombs dropped from B-52 bomber aircraft. Twenty of these shots were to test new weapons designs; six to test weapons effects; and several shots to confirm the reliability of existing weapons. The Thor missile was also used to lift warheads into near-space to conduct high-altitude nuclear explosion tests; these shots were collectively called Operation Fishbowl.

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