Operation Upshot–Knothole
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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.
Over 21,000 soldiers took part in the ground exercise Desert Rock V in conjunction with the Upshot-Knothole Grable shot.[1] Grable was a 280mm Artillery Fired Atomic Projectile (AFAP) shell fired from the "Atomic Cannon" and was viewed by a number of high-ranking military officials.
The test series was notable as containing the first time an AFAP shell was fired (GRABLE Shot), the first two shots (both fizzles) by University of California Radiation Laboratory—Livermore (now Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), and for testing out some of the thermonuclear components that would be used for the massive thermonuclear series of Operation Castle. One primary device (RACER) was tested in thermonuclear system mockup assemblies of TX-14, TX-16, and TX-17/TX-24, to examine and evaluate the behaviour of radiation cases and the compression of the secondary geometries by the primary's x-rays prior to full-scale testing during Castle.[2]Template:Refpage Following RACER's dodgy performance, the COBRA primary was used in the emergency capability ALARM CLOCK, JUGHEAD, RUNT I, RUNT II thermonuclear devices, as well as in the SHRIMP device.[2]Template:Refpage RACER IV (as redesigned and proof-tested in the Simon test) was employed as primary for the ZOMBIE,[2]Template:Refpage RAMROD and MORGENSTERN[2]Template:Refpage devices.
Navy scientist Pauline Silvia conducted experiments during the tests, and would later be profiled in the 2010 documentary Atomic Mom.[3]
Nuclear tests
Annie
Planned yield for Annie was Script error: No such module "convert"., actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was Script error: No such module "convert"..[4]
Nancy
Planned yield for Nancy was Script error: No such module "convert"., actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was Script error: No such module "convert"..Template:Sfn
Simon
Planned yield for Simon was Script error: No such module "convert"., actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was Script error: No such module "convert"..Template:Sfn
Harry
Planned yield for Harry was Script error: No such module "convert"., actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was Script error: No such module "convert"..Template:Sfn
Encore
Planned yield for Encore was Script error: No such module "convert"., actual yield based on radiochemical analysis was Script error: No such module "convert"..Template:Sfn
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Operation Upshot-Knothole (1953) AEC preliminary test film report.
List of tests
| Name[note 1] | Date time (UT) | Local time zone[note 2][5] | Location[note 3] | Elevation + height[note 4] | Delivery[note 5] Purpose[note 6] |
Device[note 7] | Yield[note 8] | Fallout[note 9] | References | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnnieScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 13:20:00.3 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 3
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
tower, weapons development |
TX-5HE "XR-3" Type D pit | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | Investigated yield-vs-initiation time curve. Live news coverage. Desert Rock V. Two 2-story houses, 50 autos, bomb shelters in effects test. |
| NancyScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 13:10:00.0 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 4
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
tower, weapons development |
TX-14 "Nevada Zombie" | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | Component test of TX-14[2]Template:Refpage containing minimal quantities of Li-6D.[2]Template:Refpage Desert Rock V. First proof-test of the RACER boosted primary with disappointing performance.Template:Refn |
| RuthScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 13:00:00.0 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 7
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
tower, weapons development |
MK-6[11]Template:Refpage
"Hydride I" |
Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][9][10] | 1st UCRL device, a uranium deuteride core,[2]Template:Refpage meant to explore deuterated polyethylene mixed with uranium as thermonuclear fuel,[12]Template:Refpage[2]Template:Refpage and if successful to lead also to a compact thermonuclear primary.[2]Template:Refpage Predicted yield was 1.5 to 3 kilotons, max. theoretical was 20 kt.[11]Template:Refpage Device fizzled - deuterium moderated (slowed-down) neutrons more than expected and quenched the reaction. Embarrassing for designers, as it left Script error: No such module "convert". of tower still standing (see image of tower). |
| DixieScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 15:29:38.4 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 7
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
free air drop, weapons development |
MK-5D
"DD-1"[2]Template:Refpage |
Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | TX-5D proof test, a boosting experiment using lithium deuteride in solid or crystalline form, investigating initiation via deuterium; a cheap method to initiate a chain reaction.[2]Template:Refpage Exploded Script error: No such module "convert". ENE of intended zero point. |
| RayScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 12:44:59.8 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 4
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
tower, weapons development |
MK-6[11]Template:Refpage
"Hydride II" |
Script error: No such module "sort".[13]Template:Refpage | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][9][10] | 2nd UCRL device, uranium deuteride[2]Template:Refpage meant to explore deuterated polyethylene mixed with uranium as thermonuclear fuel,[12]Template:Refpage[2]Template:Refpage and if successful to lead also to a compact thermonuclear primary;[2]Template:Refpage Used different mix from Ruth[2]Template:Refpage and it also fizzled. A 100-foot tower was apparently used to avoid embarrassment in case of fizzle. |
| BadgerScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 12:35:00.0 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 2
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
tower, weapons development |
TX-16 "Buzzard" | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | Component test of the TX-16 using a cryogenic mockup secondary and the TX-16 radiation case. Also tested RACER primary, which performed below expectations again. Desert Rock V. |
| SimonScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 12:29:59.8 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 1
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
tower, weapons development |
TX-17/24 "Simultaneity" | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | Component test of TX-17/24 series using the RACER IV primary, a modified RACER core containing two additional kilograms of HEU in the original design tested in Nancy, a thermonuclear secondary mockup.[7] |
| EncoreScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 15:29:55.4 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 5
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
free air drop, weapon effect |
MK-6D | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | "Effects" test. Dropped Script error: No such module "convert". SSW of target. Desert Rock V, bad exposures for troops and bad downwinder fallout. |
| HarryScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 12:04:59.5 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 3
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
tower, weapons development |
TX-13D "Hamlet" | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | New hollow core design, most efficient pure-plutonium device under 100 kt indicates very good compression. Major effects testing of a high elevation explosion. Heaviest downwind contamination measured. |
| GrableScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 15:30:00.3 | PST (-8 hrs) |
Launch from NTS Areas 5, 11, Frenchman Flat: 5
Script error: No such module "Coordinates"., elv: Script error: No such module "convert".; |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
gun deployed, weapon effect |
W9 AFAP "Gun" | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | The 2nd of four gun-type device tests. Fired from the M65 Atomic Cannon "Atomic Annie" Script error: No such module "convert". downrange. 280mm shell, Script error: No such module "convert".. Detonation at Script error: No such module "convert". SW of target. Desert Rock V. Major effects test. |
| ClimaxScript error: No such module "anchor". | Template:Dts 11:14:56.7 | PST (-8 hrs) |
NTS Area 7
Script error: No such module "Coordinates". |
Script error: No such module "sort".Script error: No such module "convert". + Script error: No such module "convert". |
free air drop, weapons development |
MK-7, "Cobra", Type D pit | Script error: No such module "sort". | I-131 detected, Script error: No such module "convert". | [6][7][8][9][10] | Proof test of a boosted MK-7 device, intended to be used as a primary in Castle. Initially it was intended only for the TX-15[2]Template:Refpage. After RACER's inconsistent behaviour it was opted for all "emergency capability" devices instead.[2]Template:Refpage. The bomb detonated Script error: No such module "convert". NW of target. Composite implosion system in a Type D pit. Used Cyclotol 75/25 explosive mixture. |
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- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Include weapons development, weapon effects, safety test, transport safety test, war, science, joint verification and industrial/peaceful, which may be further broken down.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Estimated energy yield in tons, kilotons, and megatons. A ton of TNT equivalent is defined as 4.184 gigajoules (1 gigacalorie).
- ↑ 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.
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Gallery
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Full uncut detonation of Upshot-Knothole Grable, launched out of the Atomic Annie device on 5/25/1953. The footage at normal speed is about <templatestyles src="Fraction/styles.css" />2+1⁄2 minutes.
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Close-up slow motion shot of Grable fire-ball, mach-stem and surface effects,
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Upshot-Knothole Encore, 27-kilotons.
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Upshot-Knothole Ruth, 0.2-kilotons.
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Upshot-Knothole Ruth, Note close proximity to highway in foreground as to the scale of detonation.
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The mangled tower for the Ruth test. The explosion failed to level the testing tower, only somewhat damaging it.
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Upshot-Knothole Badger, 23 Kilotons
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Upshot-Knothole Harry, 32 Kilotons
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Encore's Mushroom Cloud from far away
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Encore's Mushroom Cloud
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Upshot-Knothole Nancy, 24 Kilotons
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Upshot-Knothole Dixie, 11 Kilotons
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Upshot-Knothole Ray, 220 Tons
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Upshot-Knothole Simon, 43 Kilotons
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Grable's Mushroom Cloud
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Upshot-Knothole Annie, 16 Kilotons
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Badger's Mushroom Cloud
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References
- Notes
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- Citations
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- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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- ↑ a b c d e f g h i Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Bibliography
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- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Chuck Hansen, Swords of Armageddon, Version 2 (Chukelea Publications, 1995–2007)
See also
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External links
- Operation Upshot-Knothole
- Template:Internet Archive short film
- Template:Internet Archive short film
- Template:Internet Archive short film
- Operation Upshot-Knothole - 1953
- Film about Upshot Knothole Tests Template:Webarchive
- Rice, James. Downwind of the Atomic State: Atmospheric Testing and the Rise of the Risk Society. (New York University Press, 2023): https://nyupress.org/9781479815340/downwind-of-the-atomic-state/