Operation Teapot Nevada Test Site February May 1955 Project 352 The Effects Of A Nuclear Explosion On Commercial Communications Equipment

Atomic-blast exposure tests on commercial communications equipment were conducted during Operation Teapot, Apple II shot. These tests were made to provide civil defense planners with data for qualitative predictions of the probable survival range, the extent of damage, and nature of repairs required to restore communication service after a blast. Approximately 150 widely diversified units of commuications equipment (mainly electronic, but including sirens) were exposed. Exposed items were in or near groups of structures located at approximately 4700 and 10,500 feet from ground zero. Where possible, identical products were exposed at these two locations, so that one set of items would be subjected to moderately severe damage and the other set to light damage. Tests showed that commercial communications equipment was generally more resistant to nuclear explosion damage than the structures in and near which the products were exposed.