Project 56
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Project 56 (nuclear test)
| Project 56 | |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Test site | Nevada Test Site |
| Period | November 1955 - January 1956 |
| Number of tests | 4 |
| Test type | Surface |
| Max. yield | Very slight |
| Navigation | |
| Previous test | Operation Wigwam |
| Next test | Operation Redwing |
Project 56 was a series of open-air nuclear tests conducted by the United States in Area 11 of the Nevada Test Site between 1955 and 1956.[1]
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Contents
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Introduction
These experiments were one-point safety tests. Their purpose was to determine whether a weapon or warhead damaged in an accident would detonate with a nuclear yield, even if some or all of the high explosive components burned or detonated.[2][3]
Aftermath
Over 895 acres (3.62 km2) were contaminated with plutonium dust and fragments.[3] This led to Area 11 becoming known as Plutonium Valley.[3] The area continues to be used on an intermittent basis for realistic drills in radiological monitoring and sampling operations.[3]
Tests
| Name | Date | Yield | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project 56 No. 1 | 1 November 1955 | Zero | |
| Project 56 No. 2 | 3 November 1955 | Zero | Plutonium dispersal |
| Project 56 No. 3 | 5 November 1955 | No yield | Plutonium dispersal |
| Project 56 No. 4 | 18 January 1956 | Very slight | Plutonium dispersal |
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Department of Energy.
See Also
References
- ^ U.S. Department of Energy / Nevada Operations Office, United States Nuclear Tests - July 1945 through September 1992, December 2000, DOE/NV-209 Rev 15
- ^ "Operation Wigwam and Project 56". The Nuclear Weapon Archive. http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests/Wigwam.html.
- ^ a b c d National Nuclear Security Administration / Nevada Site Office, Plutonium Dispersal Tests at the Nevada Test Site, April 2010, DOE/NV-1046
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