By Kaity Burke We remember the Trinity test as the changing point for the future of weapons development and the course of the Second World War. The basic details are frequently talked about; it was the first major test of the implosion design, it was successful, it occurred on July 16th 1945, etc, but the steps taken in preparation for this test are not often discussed. A test explosion was conducted in May of 1945 at Trinity site to do a dry run with the measurement and photographic equipment. 100 tons of TNT were detonated 20 feet off the group atop of a wooden structure. The test was a success, although the explosion was about a 20th in size in comparison to the well known explosion that would take place 2 months later. The materials for the bomb were driven down from Los Alamos in the days leading up to July 16th. An Oldsmobile carried some of the bomb detonators in its trunk, an Army sedan carried the two hemisphere portions, and a convoy later transported the non-nuclear components and explosives. The items arrived safely at the Trinity site after having driven hours over dirt paths and paved roads.
While there were many things that were successful in the planning and execution of the Trinity test, there were quite a few mishaps as well:
Four hours after the Trinity Test the USS Indianapolis set off from San Francisco towards Tinian. The USS Indianapolis was carrying components of the Little Boy bomb. These pieces were delivered July 26th, and the USS Indianapolis was sunk a few days later by a Japanese submarine. One of the biggest lessons learned from this experiment and its execution is that there will be something that goes wrong, almost always. Outside factors will severely influence plans and operations, but the best way to deal with it is to constantly adapt.
4 Comments
6/27/2023 09:07:48 am
I liked it when you mentioned that outside factors will vastly impact plans and operations. My friend is looking for an explosives safety expert. I should advise him to choose one that is licensed and insured.
Reply
Frank Gullick
7/19/2023 08:21:59 pm
I have meditated on the transport of the numerous weapon components from Las Alamos to Trinity site and to the Indianapolis for some time. The trip down the Hill, on a narrow two lane road, through SantaFe through down town, and onto old HWY 85 and then down LaBajada and on to Albuquerque (down 4th Street). Little Boy was probably loaded on to a B-29 at Kirkland AFB and flown to the west coast. Fat Man was moved through Belen, Socorro, and eventually to Stallion and Trinity. There is a big story there. Security, coordination, planning, escorts, driver qualifications, emergency response, etc. I consider the present day Safe Secure Transport of Nuclear waste from origins to Carlsbad as a big deal over a relatively small issue when you consider the logistics of Little Boyy and Fat Man. Frank G.
Reply
J raby
7/25/2023 10:09:39 am
My father delivered the non-nuclear components in a c47 from New York to a small strip in west Texas. The trucks were waiting there to transport. At the time of the flight he was not told what was inside the boxes. They were all marked carburetors. He was later informed by top brass. Later in his military career he went on to deliver atomic and hydrogen bombs from Kelly a f b world wide.
Reply
Logan C
8/20/2023 11:12:23 am
Was you father’s last name Carter by chance?
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AboutThese articles are written by the Los Alamos Historical Society Staff. Many of these articles were originally published by the Categories
All
Archives
June 2023
|
The Los Alamos Historical Society preserves, promotes, and communicates the remarkable history and inspiring stories of Los Alamos and its people for our community, for the global audience, and for future generations.
Contacts: AC Tech: 505-709-7738, actech@losalamoshistory.org Archives: 505-709-7841, archives@losalamoshistory.org Collections: 505-795-9970, curator@losalamoshistory.org Educator: 505-709-7760, educator@losalamoshistory.org Executive Director: 505-662-6272, execdirector@losalamoshistory.org Executive Assistant: 505-695-3524, kristen@losalamoshistory.org Membership: 505-695-3524 Museum Assistant: kaity@losalamoshistory.org Museum/Museum Shop: 505-709-7794, info@losalamoshistory.org Museum Shop Manager: 505-695-5250, museumshop@losalamoshistory.org |