OPERATION HARDTACK. Project 6.6. X-Band Radar Determination of Nuclear-Cloud Parameters

Abstract : The general objectives of this project were to make observations with weather Radar Set AN/CPS-9 in order to determine what characteristics and parameters of a nuclear detonation could be detected with X band radar. The specific objectives were to obtain data that would lead to the determination of the following information relative to the nuclear cloud; rate of rise, rate of horizontal growth, maximum height, maximum diameter, stabilized height, fallout pattern due to the initial cloud formation, and range and azimuth versus time. As a result of this project, it was determined that the AN/CPS-9 radar is well suited for observations of surface or near-surface bursts, as would be expected from a comparison of its performance characteristics with those of other available radar sets. Keywords: Nuclear Clouds; Radar Detection; Cloud Growth.