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Operation Dominic#Housatonic

{{Short description|1962 US nuclear test series}}

{{Use American English|date=March 2014}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}}

{{Infobox nuclear weapons test

|name = Operation Dominic

|picture = DominicBigHorn.gif

|picture_description = Dominic-Bighorn, 7.7 megatons.

|country = United States

|test_site = {{plainlist|

|period = 1962

|number_of_tests = 31

|test_type = air drop, free air drop, high-altitude rocket (30–80 km), parachuted, underwater

|max_yield = {{convert|9.96|MtTNT|lk=in}}

|previous_series = Operation Sunbeam

|next_series = Operation Fishbowl

}}

{{GeoGroup|article=Operation Dominic}}

Operation Dominic was a series of 31 nuclear test explosions ("shots") with a {{convert|38.1|MtonTNT|abbr=on|lk=on}} total yield conducted in 1962 by the United States in the Pacific. This test series was scheduled quickly, in order to respond in kind to the Soviet resumption of testing after the tacit 1958–1961 test moratorium. Most of these shots were conducted with free fall bombs dropped from B-52 bomber aircraft. Twenty of these shots were to test new weapons designs; six to test weapons effects; and several shots to confirm the reliability of existing weapons. The Thor missile was also used to lift warheads into near-space to conduct high-altitude nuclear explosion tests; these shots were collectively called Operation Fishbowl.{{cite web | url=http://www.thespacereview.com/article/863/1 | title=Space ghost | date=7 May 2007 | author=Dwayne A. Day | work=The Space Review | access-date=11 May 2007 | archive-date=9 May 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509034318/http://www.thespacereview.com/article/863/1 | url-status=live }}

Operation Dominic occurred during a period of high Cold War tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, since the Cuban Bay of Pigs Invasion had occurred not long before. Nikita Khrushchev announced the end of a three-year moratorium on nuclear testing on 30 August 1961, and Soviet tests recommenced on 1 September, initiating a series of tests that included the detonation of the Tsar Bomba. President John F. Kennedy responded by authorizing Operation Dominic. It was the last atmospheric test series conducted by the U.S., as the Limited Test Ban Treaty was signed in Moscow the following year.

The operation was undertaken by Joint Task Force 8.{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/issue_24/frigate_bird.htm |title=The Other Frigate Bird |date=Fall 2004 |author=Edward C. Whitman |work=Undersea Warfare: The Official Magazine of the U.S. Submarine Force |access-date=6 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329041813/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/issue_24/frigate_bird.htm |archive-date=29 March 2015 }}

The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) performed Operation DOMINIC II, an atmospheric nuclear test series, at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) from July 7 to 17, 1962. The test series included four low-yield shots, three of which were near-surface detonations and one a tower shot. Exercise IVY FLATS included one of the near-surface shots, fired from a DAVY CROCKETT rocket launcher. [https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/125/Documents/NTPR/newDocs/19-DOMINIC%20II%20-%202021.pdf Operation DOMINIC II Fact Sheet] Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Shots

=Sunset=

The shot report lists the yield as {{convert|855|ktTNT|abbr=on}} ±20% measured from a bhangmeter and {{convert|930|ktTNT|abbr=on}} ±10% from fireball analysis.{{cite report |author=Schneiderhan, R C |date=11 July 1962 |title=Shot Sunset, Shot Report |url=https://www.osti.gov/opennet/detail?osti-id=16135561 |publisher=Los Alamos National Laboratory |page= |docket= |access-date= |quote= |archive-date=13 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713071701/https://www.osti.gov/opennet/detail?osti-id=16135561 |url-status=live }} Other sources give the yield as {{convert|1|MtTNT}}.

Full list of shots

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ United States' Dominic series tests and detonations

style="background:#ffdead;" | Name The US, France and the UK have code-named their test events, while the USSR and China did not, and therefore have only test numbers (with some exceptions – Soviet peaceful explosions were named). Word translations into English in parentheses unless the name is a proper noun. A dash followed by a number indicates a member of a salvo event. The US also sometimes named the individual explosions in such a salvo test, which results in "name1 – 1(with name2)". If test is canceled or aborted, then the row data like date and location discloses the intended plans, where known.

!style="background:#efefef;" | Date time (UT)

!style="background:#ffdead;" | Local time zoneTo convert the UT time into standard local, add the number of hours in parentheses to the UT time; for local daylight saving time, add one additional hour. If the result is earlier than 00:00, add 24 hours and subtract 1 from the day; if it is 24:00 or later, subtract 24 hours and add 1 to the day. Historical time zone data obtained from the IANA time zone database.{{cite web| title=Time Zone Historical Database| publisher=iana.com| url=http://www.ietf.org/timezones/| access-date=8 March 2014| archive-date=11 March 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311224729/http://www.ietf.org/timezones/| url-status=live}}

!style="background:#efefef;" | LocationRough place name and a latitude/longitude reference; for rocket-carried tests, the launch location is specified before the detonation location, if known. Some locations are extremely accurate; others (like airdrops and space blasts) may be quite inaccurate. "~" indicates a likely pro-forma rough location, shared with other tests in that same area.

!style="background:#ffdead;" | Elevation + height Elevation is the ground level at the point directly below the explosion relative to sea level; height is the additional distance added or subtracted by tower, balloon, shaft, tunnel, air drop or other contrivance. For rocket bursts the ground level is "N/A". In some cases it is not clear if the height is absolute or relative to ground, for example, Plumbbob/John. No number or units indicates the value is unknown, while "0" means zero. Sorting on this column is by elevation and height added together.

!style="background:#efefef;" | Delivery Atmospheric, airdrop, balloon, gun, cruise missile, rocket, surface, tower, and barge are all disallowed by the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Sealed shaft and tunnel are underground, and remained useful under the PTBT. Intentional cratering tests are borderline; they occurred under the treaty, were sometimes protested, and generally overlooked if the test was declared to be a peaceful use.
Purpose Include weapons development, weapon effects, safety test, transport safety test, war, science, joint verification and industrial/peaceful, which may be further broken down.

!style="background:#efefef;" | DeviceDesignations for test items where known, "?" indicates some uncertainty about the preceding value, nicknames for particular devices in quotes. This category of information is often not officially disclosed.

!style="background:#ffdead;" | YieldEstimated energy yield in tons, kilotons, and megatons. A ton of TNT equivalent is defined as 4.184 gigajoules (1 gigacalorie).

!style="background:#efefef;" class="unsortable" | FalloutRadioactive emission to the atmosphere aside from prompt neutrons, where known. The measured species is only iodine-131 if mentioned, otherwise it is all species. No entry means unknown, probably none if underground and "all" if not; otherwise notation for whether measured on the site only or off the site, where known, and the measured amount of radioactivity released.

!style="background:#ffdead;" class="unsortable" | References

!style="background:#efefef;" class="unsortable" | Notes

Adobe{{anchor|Adobe}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|4|25}} 15:46:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.59

157.32|name=Adobe|display=inline}}

| {{sort|000884

}0 + {{convert|884|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| XW-50X1-Y2{{Cite book| isbn = 978-0-9791915-7-2| volume = VII| last = Chuck Hansen| title = Swords of Armageddon| date = 2007|page=166|ref={{harvid|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII}}}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|001900000|190 kt}}

|

|

| Verification test, similar to Aztec, Kingfish, Bluegill Triple Prime. Used in a Mk-39 Mod-1 Type 3 drop case.

|-

! Aztec{{anchor|Aztec}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|4|27}} 16:02:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.62|-157.31|name=Aztec|display=inline}}

| {{sort|000796|}}0 + {{convert|796|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| XW-50X1-Y3{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=166}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|004100000|410 kt}}

|

|

| similar to Adobe, Kingfish, Bluegill Triple Prime, yield slightly lower than expected; achieved 2.21 kt/kg.

|-

! Arkansas{{anchor|Arkansas}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|2}} 18:02:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.58|-157.26|name=Arkansas|display=inline}}

| {{sort|001533|}}0 + {{convert|1533|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| XW-56-X2 with Starling primary and Fife secondary.{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=166}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|010900000|1.1 Mt}}

|

|

| Highly successful; parachute retarded, only {{convert|600|ft|abbr=on}} from aimpoint. 4.00 kt/kg.

|-

! Questa{{anchor|Questa}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|4}} 19:05:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.63|-157.32|name=Questa|display=inline}}

| {{sort|001594|}}0 + {{convert|1594|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| XW-59 with Tsetse primary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=166}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|006700000|670 kt}}

|

|

| Similar to Alma, Rinconada, Sunset, yield considerably lower than expected.

|-

! Frigate Bird{{anchor|Frigate Bird}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|6}} 23:30:??

| style="text-align:center;" | jamt (−11 hrs)
Believed in use during Dominic, Fishbowl, HT I.
|| Launched from {{coord|12.448|-134.854|name=Launch_Frigate Bird|display=inline}}, elv: {{convert|3|-|30|m|abbr=on}};
Detonated over open ocean at {{coord|4.833|-149.417|name=Frigate Bird|display=inline}}, {{convert|930|km|mi}} north-east of Kiritimati Island

| {{sort|002530|}}N/A + {{convert|2530|m|abbr=on}}

| high alt rocket (30–80 km),
weapons development

| W47Y1 with Robin primary, Mk-1 RV{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=166}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|006000000|600 kt}}

|

|

| Only US operational ballistic missile launch w/live warhead, Polaris A2 SLBM launched from {{USS|Ethan Allen|SSBN-608|6}}, successfully detonated {{convert|2200|yd|abbr=on}} from target.

|-

! Yukon{{anchor|Yukon}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|8}} 18:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.62|-157.32|name=Yukon|display=inline}}

| {{sort|000878|}}0 + {{convert|878|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Calliope II with Kinglet primary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=168}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|001000000|100 kt}}

|

|

| 1st test of high fusion/low fission family; similar to Muskegon, Chetco, Nougat Arikaree, Hudson, Codsaw, Hoosic; yield slightly higher than expected.

|-

! Mesilla{{anchor|Mesilla}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|9}} 17:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.58|-157.3|name=Mesilla|display=inline}}

| {{sort|000747|}}0 + {{convert|747|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| Zippo I secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=168}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|001000000|100 kt}}

|

|

| Advanced primary and secondary concepts test, yield considerably lower than expected.

|-

! Muskegon{{anchor|Muskegon}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|11}} 15:37:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.59|-157.32|name=Muskegon|display=inline}}

| {{sort|000913|}}0 + {{convert|913|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary and possibly with Harp secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=168}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000500000|50 kt}}

|

|

| Advanced lightweight low fission concept, similar to Chetco and Yukon, slightly lower than expected yield.

|-

! Swordfish{{anchor|Swordfish}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|11}} 20:02:05.9

| style="text-align:center;" | PST (−8 hrs)
|| Pacific Ocean off California {{coord|31.245|-124.212|name=Swordfish|display=inline}}

| {{sort|000000|}}0 - {{convert|198|m|abbr=on}}

| underwater,
weapon effect

| W44{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=168}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000000000|less than 20 kt}}

|

|

| Full scale RUR-5 ASROC ASW rocket proof test, similar to Nougat Chena, fired from {{USS|Agerholm|DD-826|6}} at target {{convert|4348|yd|abbr=on}} away.

|-

! Encino{{anchor|Encino}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|12}} 17:03:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.58|-157.31|name=Encino|display=inline}}

| {{sort|001679|}}0 + {{convert|1679|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| XW-43Y5{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=168}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|005000000|500 kt}}

|

|

| Verification of reduced yield variant of HT-I Elder shot.

|-

! Swanee{{anchor|Swanee}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|14}} 15:22:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.57|-157.32|name=Swanee|display=inline}}

| {{sort|000896|}}0 + {{convert|896|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Clean W56 device, possibly a XW-65 progenitor{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=168}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000970000|97 kt}}

|

|

| "Clean" ABM warhead test, similar to Bluestone, possible W-65 progenitor, highly experimental, yield lower than expected.

|-

! Chetco{{anchor|Chetco}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|19}} 15:37:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.6|-157.33|name=Chetco|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002105|}}0 + {{convert|2105|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Kiglet primary with Calliope I secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=170}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000730000|73 kt}}

|

|

| Advanced light weight concept, similar to Muskegon and Yukon, yield close to predicted, only {{convert|200|ft|abbr=on}} from target.

|-

! Tanana{{anchor|Tanana}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|25}} 16:09:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.6|-157.3|name=Tanana|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002752|}}0 + {{convert|2752|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary with Calliope III secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=170}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000026000|2.6 kt}}

|

|

| Fizzle with secondary fail, "radical" design.

|-

! Nambe{{anchor|Nambe}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|5|27}} 17:03:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.59|-157.32|name=Nambe|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002176|}}0 + {{convert|2176|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| Scarab primary with Zippo II secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=170}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000430000|43 kt}}

|

|

| "Unique" design, advanced concepts test, yield lower than expected.

|-

! Alma{{anchor|Alma}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|8}} 17:03:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.52|-157.21|name=Alma|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002702|}}0 + {{convert|2702|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| XW-59

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|007820000|782 kt}}

|

|

| Similar to Questa, Rinconada, Sunset. 3.12 kt/kg.

|-

! Truckee{{anchor|Truckee}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|9}} 15:37:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.58|-157.3|name=Truckee|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002125|}}0 + {{convert|2125|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| XW-58 (Kinglet primary with Tuba secondary){{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=170}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|002100000|210 kt}}

|

|

| Development and verification test for the Polaris A-3 weapon (3 MRV), satisfactory.

|-

! Yeso{{anchor|Yeso}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|10}} 17:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.5|-157.24|name=Yeso|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002537|}}0 + {{convert|2537|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| 16-M device using Tsetse primary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=170}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|030000000|3 Mt}}

|

|

| Advanced concepts test, similar to HT-I Koa, performed as expected.

|-

! Harlem{{anchor|Harlem}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|12}} 15:37:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.57|-157.22|name=Harlem|display=inline}}

| {{sort|004160|}}0 + {{convert|4160|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| W-47Y2 Robin primary with Fife secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=170}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|012000000|1.2 Mt}}

|

|

| Successful, doubled W-47Y1 yield, 3.42 kt/kg.

|-

! Rinconada{{anchor|Rinconada}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|15}} 16:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.56|-157.23|name=Rinconada|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002775|}}0 + {{convert|2775|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| XW-59 "Wall" device{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=172}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|008000000|800 kt}}

|

|

| Increased yield warhead test, successful, similar to Questa, Alma, Sunset. 3.48 kt/kg.

|-

! Dulce{{anchor|Dulce}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|17}} 16:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.59|-157.28|name=Dulce|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002771|}}0 + {{convert|2771|m|abbr=on}}

| free air drop,
weapons development

| Zippo secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=172}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000520000|52 kt}}

|

|

| Experimental lightweight, high efficiency design, similar to Mesilla, basic design adequacy confirmed.

|-

! Petit{{anchor|Petit}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|19}} 15:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.57|-157.28|name=Petit|display=inline}}

| {{sort|004570|}}0 + {{convert|4570|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary with Oboe secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=172}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000022000|2.2 kt}}

|

|

| Advanced concepts test, second LRL fizzle, no secondary.

|-

! Otowi{{anchor|Otowi}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|22}} 16:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.58|-157.31|name=Otowi|display=inline}}

| {{sort|002746|}}0 + {{convert|2746|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| Zuppy primary with Zippo III secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=172}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000815000|81.5 kt}}

|

|

| Advanced concepts test of "novel system".

|-

! Bighorn{{anchor|Bighorn}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|27}} 15:19:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.37|-157.24|name=Bighorn|display=inline}}

| {{sort|003600|}}0 + {{convert|3600|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| Swan primary with Cello I-C secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=172}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|076500000|7.7 Mt}}

|

|

| Advanced concepts test, successful. 4.14 kt/kg.

|-

! Bluestone{{anchor|Bluestone}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|6|30}} 15:21:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.53|-157.25|name=Bluestone|display=inline}}

| {{sort|001518|}}0 + {{convert|1518|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| XW-56-X2 prime device{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=172}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|012700000|1.27 Mt}}

|

|

| Similar to Swanee; 4.96 kt/kg.

|-

! Sunset{{anchor|Sunset}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|7|10}} 16:33:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.6|-157.26|name=Sunset|display=inline}}

| {{sort|001500|}}0 + {{convert|1500|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| XW-59{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=174}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|010000000|1 Mt}}

|

|

| High yield advanced concepts test, similar to Questa, Alma, Rinconada, 4.06 kt/kg.

|-

! Pamlico{{anchor|Pamlico}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|7|11}} 15:37:??

| style="text-align:center;" | LINT (−10.67 hrs)
(−10 hrs, 40 min)
|| Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati {{coord|1.39|-157.22|name=Pamlico|display=inline}}

| {{sort|004370|}}0 + {{convert|4370|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary with Ripple I secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=174}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|038800000|3.9 Mt}}

|

| {{Cite journal|last=Grams|first=Jon|date=2021-05-28|title=Ripple: An Investigation of the World's Most Advanced High-Yield Thermonuclear Weapon Design|journal=Journal of Cold War Studies|volume=23|issue=2|pages=133–161|doi=10.1162/jcws_a_01011|s2cid=235372369 |issn=1520-3972|doi-access=}}

| Advanced principles test for high-efficiency fusion burn, successful, last Christmas Island airdrop; 0.934 kt/kg (experimental drops are low usually).

|-

! Androscoggin{{anchor|Androscoggin}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|10|2}} 16:18:??

| style="text-align:center;" | jamt (−11 hrs)
Believed in use during Dominic, Fishbowl, HT I.
|| Johnston Island, Johnston Atoll {{coord|13.8|-172.1|name=Androscoggin|display=inline}}

| {{sort|003130|}}0 + {{convert|3130|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary with Ripple II secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=174}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000750000|75 kt}}

|

|

| Ripple II secondary, fizzle, retested in Housatonic shot.

|-

! Bumping{{anchor|Bumping}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|10|6}} 16:03:??

| style="text-align:center;" | jamt (−11 hrs)
Believed in use during Dominic, Fishbowl, HT I.
|| Johnston Island, Johnston Atoll {{coord|14.6|-168.3|name=Bumping|display=inline}}

| {{sort|003050|}}0 + {{convert|3050|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary with Oboe secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=174}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|000113000|11.3 kt}}

|

|

| Retest of Petit, yield much lower than expected, test to improve yield-to-weight ratio.

|-

! Chama{{anchor|Chama}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|10|18}} 16:01:??

| style="text-align:center;" | jamt (−11 hrs)
Believed in use during Dominic, Fishbowl, HT I.
|| Johnston Island, Johnston Atoll {{coord|14.6|-168.7|name=Chama|display=inline}}

| {{sort|003650|}}0 + {{convert|3650|m|abbr=on}}

| parachuted,
weapons development

| Croton primary with either Thumbelina or Zuppy secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=174}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|015900000|1.6 Mt}}

|

|

| Test of lightweight small diameter device, possible replacement for W-38, yield below predicted value.

|-

! Calamity{{anchor|Calamity}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|10|27}} 15:46:??

| style="text-align:center;" | jamt (−11 hrs)
Believed in use during Dominic, Fishbowl, HT I.
|| Johnston Island, Johnston Atoll {{coord|14.6|-168.4|name=Calamity|display=inline}}

| {{sort|003590|}}0 + {{convert|3590|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary with Ripple III secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=176}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|008000000|800 kt}}

|

|

| Third drop test of specific device to maximize yield to weight ratio.

|-

! Housatonic{{anchor|Housatonic}}

| {{dts|format=mdy|1962|10|30}} 16:02:??

| style="text-align:center;" | jamt (−11 hrs)
Believed in use during Dominic, Fishbowl, HT I.
|| Johnston Island, Johnston Atoll {{coord|13.7|-172.2|name=Housatonic|display=inline}}

| {{sort|003700|}}0 + {{convert|3700|m|abbr=on}}

| air drop,
weapons development

| Kinglet primary with Ripple II secondary{{sfn|Swords of Armageddon Volume VII|p=176}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{sort|099600000|9.96 Mt}}

|

|

| Repeat of Androscoggin, successful, target accuracy within {{convert|100|ft|abbr=on}}; last U.S. nuclear weapon airdrop. Reportedly 99.9% clean.

|}

{{reflist|group=note}}

Gallery

File:DominicHousatonic.gif|Dominic-Housatonic, 9.96 megatons.

File:DominicHousatonic2.gif|Dominic-Housatonic.

File:DominicMuskegon.gif|Dominic-Muskegon, 50 kilotons.

File:DominicSunset.gif|Dominic-Sunset, 1 megaton.

File:DominicYukon.gif|Dominic-Yukon, 100 kilotons.

File:DominicArkansas.gif|Dominic-Arkansas, 1.1 megatons.

File:DominicCharma.gif|Dominic-Chama, 1.6 megatons.

File:DominicAsrockSwordfish.gif|Dominic-Swordfish, <20 kilotons.

File:Nuclear depth charge explodes near USS Agerholm (DD-826) on 11 May 1962.jpg|Swordfish spray dome and plume with USS Agerholm in foreground. Full scale test of ASROC rocket launched depth charge.

File:DominicFrigateBirdPolaris.gif|Dominic-Frigate Bird via UGM-27 Polaris missile, 600 kilotons; Only full-scale US test of a strategic missile system.

File:Operation_Dominic_-_Frigate_Bird_nuclear_explosion.jpg|Dominic-Frigate Bird, as viewed from the submarine USS Carbonero.

File:Project 26 - Operation Dominic (Johnston Island; Christmas Island; Maui, Hawaii) Detonation.jpg|Dominic-Truckee, 210 kilotons.

See also

References

{{Reflist|refs=

{{citation| last1=Yang| first1=Xiaoping| first2=Robert| last2=North| first3=Carl| last3=Romney| date=August 2000| title=CMR Nuclear Explosion Database (Revision 3)| publisher=SMDC Monitoring Research}}

{{citation| last=Hansen| first=Chuck| year=1995| title=The Swords of Armageddon, Vol. 8| publisher=Chukelea Publications| location=Sunnyvale, CA| isbn=978-0-9791915-1-0}}

{{citation| last1=Norris| first1=Robert Standish| first2=Thomas B.| last2=Cochran| date=1 February 1994| title=United States nuclear tests, July 1945 to 31 December 1992 (NWD 94-1)| journal=Nuclear Weapons Databook Working Paper| publisher=Natural Resources Defense Council| location=Washington, DC| url=http://docs.nrdc.org/nuclear/files/nuc_02019401a_121.pdf| access-date=26 October 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194805/http://docs.nrdc.org/nuclear/files/nuc_02019401a_121.pdf| archive-date=29 October 2013| df=dmy-all}}

{{citation|publisher=Defense Nuclear Agency |title=Operation Dominic I |type=DNA6040F |year=1983 |location=Washington, DC |url=http://www.dtra.mil/documents/ntpr/historical/T24298.pdf |access-date=12 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823152154/http://www.dtra.mil/documents/ntpr/historical/T24298.pdf |archive-date=23 August 2012 }}

{{citation| url=http://www.nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests| access-date=6 January 2014| last=Sublette| first=Carey| title=Nuclear Weapons Archive}}

{{citation| publisher=Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office| date=1 December 2000| title=United States Nuclear Tests: July 1945 through September 1992| type=DOE/NV-209 REV15| location=Las Vegas, NV| url=http://www.nv.doe.gov/library/publications/historical/DOENV_209_REV15.pdf| access-date=18 December 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012160826/http://www.nv.doe.gov/library/publications/historical/DOENV_209_REV15.pdf| archive-date=12 October 2006| df=dmy-all}}

{{citation| last1=Griggs| first1=D. T.| first2=Frank| last2=Press| date=1961| title=Probing the earth with nuclear explosions| journal=Journal of Geophysical Research| volume=66 | issue = 1| pages=237–258| url=http://www.agu.org/journals/ABS/1961/JZ066i001p00237.shtml| archive-url=https://archive.today/20131026210502/http://www.agu.org/journals/ABS/1961/JZ066i001p00237.shtml| url-status=dead| archive-date=26 October 2013| doi=10.1029/jz066i001p00237| bibcode=1961JGR....66..237G| hdl=2027/mdp.39015077588872| hdl-access=free}}

{{citation|last=Hoerlin| first=Herman| title=United States High-Altitude Test Experiences: A Review Emphasizing the Impact on the Environment| series=LA (Series) (Los Alamos, N.M.)6405| type=LA-6405| publisher=Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory| date=October 1976| page=4| hdl=2027/mdp.39015086460626}} Reference for time zone at Johnston Island 1958-1962.

}}

External links

{{Commons}}

  • [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC0K3muUJp0 Joint Task Force 8 video report on Operation Dominic]
  • [http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests/Dominic.html Operation Dominic] at Carey Sublette's NuclearWeaponArchive.org
  • [http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/nuclear/209chron.pdf#search=%22Tanana%20nuke%22 More info on U.S. testing]
  • {{Internet Archive short film|id=OperationDOMINICNuclearTests1962|name=Operation DOMINIC Nuclear Tests 1962 (1962)}}
  • [https://reca.uk/ Operation Dominic] at RECA UK (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act)
  • [https://www.dtra.mil/Portals/125/Documents/NTPR/newDocs/18-DOMINIC%20I%20-%202021.pdf Operation DOMINIC I Fact Sheet] Defense Threat Reduction Agency

{{US Nuclear Tests}}

Category:Explosions in 1962

Dominic

Category:Exoatmospheric nuclear weapons testing

Category:Johnston Atoll American nuclear explosive tests

Category:Kiritimati

Category:1962 in military history

Category:1962 in Oceania

Category:1962 in the environment

Dominic

Category:Military projects of the United States