OPERATION PLUMBOB 1957

PHOTOS

Operation PLUMBBOB was the sixth in a series of atmosperic neuclear weapons tests conducted within the continental United States. It consisted of 24 neuclear detonations and six safety experiments. The PLUMBBOB series lasted fromApril 24th to October 7th 1957, and involved about 18,000 DOD personnel participating in observer programs, tactical maneuvers, and scientific and diagnostic studies. The series tested nuclear weapons for possible inclusion in the defense arsenal. The safety experiments were conducted to ensure that no nuclear reaction would occur if the high explosive componets of the device were accidentally detonated during storage or transport.