FLIGHTS ACROSS RADIOACTIVE CLOUDS

Danger to personnel and equipment arising from radioactive contamination of aircraft after flying across radioactive clouds is discussed. Flights performed 20-30 minutes after an atomic bomb explosion are no longer dangerous. Radioactive dust penetrating into the aircraft constitutes a serious danger. Formation of nitrate in the aircraft decreases the radioactivity. Immediate decontamination of the aircraft upon landing is advised. (Aerospace Med., Vol. 33, Apr. I962)