One of the tests at Operation Crossroads in 1946 at Bikini. I was on the opposite side of the globe at the time, though later served aboad ships which took part in the operation.
One of the tests at Operation Crossroads in 1946 at Bikini. I was on the opposite side of the globe at the time, though later served aboad ships which took part in the operation.
One of the projects during the late 1940's to early 1950's was to drastically reduce the size and weight of the 20 kT plutonium implosion device so it could be carried by smaller planes. Indeed, by the time of the Mike test of the first thermonuclear bomb, a 20 kT plutonium bomb was small enough that the B-47 could carry (I believe) four of these new, very small fission-type nuclear bombs.
But getting back on topic, the designer of the first bikini swim suit really did have a hard time trying to find a model to show off the new creation--no "regular" model wanted to wear one. It took a performer from the Folies Bergeré to finally get someone to model it.
The rooster?
..though later served aboard ships which took part in the operation....
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I served on an APA from 1957-60 that took part in Operation Crossroads in 1946 and then on an LST from 1960-62 that was part of Operation Castle in 1954.
‘They’ (lawyers) talk about asbestos from ships built into the 60’s but hardly ever mention these tests as being potential problems at later dates.