1.
GV PAN Nuclear test site
0.05

2.
SV Signpost showing detour
0.10

3.
LV & SV & CU Official inspects bomb (3 shots)
0.22

4.
SV & CUs Official at metering equipment(2 shots)
0.27

5.
GV & SV Tanks & guns in area(3 shots)
0.34

6.
GV Aircraft shelters
0.42

7.
SV Helicopter
0.46

8.
LV & CU Human dummy in shelter(2 shots)
0.54

9.
LV ZOOM BACK Bomb & area
1.01

10.
GV,SV & CU Officials & newsmen during countdown(2 shots)
1.15

11.
LV Explosion (3 shots)
1.28


"It was called Project Mixed Company. The US Military Defence Agency wanted t simulate the effect of a small nuclear blast above ground without radioactivity. The test ban treaty, of course, prevents testing above ground. So another explosive had to be used. In this doe there were 500 tons of INT. This would approximate the force of a one kiloton nuclear explosion...the sort that would come from tactical nuclear weapons used in the field by combat troops. What scientists tried to find out was is how well resent day military hardware could stand such an explosion. Huge aircraft shelters like those being used now in Vietnam and Europe were built near ground Zero, some with 'planes in them. And there were some unsheltered 'planes on the test site, too. As for the human element, some dummies were placed in foxholes and reinforced bunkers. No living person could be allowed near ground zero. The count-down started this morning. The test area was cleared of people and of cattle. The winds had to be just right, so the shock wave wouldn't be severe in Grand Junction, 18 miles away. And then it was time..." (Voice counts down...7-6-5-4-3-2-1...then two blasts)" As to the specific damage or lack of damage to each piece f hardware, we won't know that -- we weren't allowed back on the site because all that information is classified now. Presumably, everybody found out what they needed to learn during this test and by next summer, it will all be grazing land again. Fred Briggs, NBC News, near Grand Junction, Colorado."



Test site; technicians making last preparations; dome containing explosive; weapons and planes in the area; dummies; blast.



On grazing land near Grand Junction in Colorado on Monday, scientists of the Untied States Military Defence Agency made final preparations for a huge explosion Five hundred tons f T.N.T. was readied to simulate the effects of a one kiloton nuclear bomb...such as might be sued a s tactical weapon.



What the scientist wanted to find out was how such a blast would effect modern day military hardware and troops in the vicinity. So, superseded or damaged military equipment was placed in the blast area. Human beings could not be risked so scientists used the next best thing...dummies.



A last minute check was made to see that the testing zone was clear of people and cattle. Then, the final countdown began while observers watched form a safe distance.



Whether the test achieved its results, and exactly what the effects were, was not announced.




Initials SGM/1854 SGM/1915


This film carries a commentary from NBC reporter Fred Briggs, and an alternative commentary appears overleaf.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Near Grand Junction in Colorado on Monday (13 Nov), the Untied States Military Defence Agency detonated 500 tons of T.N.T. to simulate the blast and effects of one kiloton nuclear bomb.

Such a weapon would be sued by troops in the field.

What scientists tried to find out was how well modern day weapons and installations could withstand such a blast, and what effects it would have on troops sheltering nearby.