Operation Fusileer facts for kids

Operation Fusileer was a series of 16 nuclear tests carried out by the United States between 1983 and 1984. These tests took place deep underground at the Nevada Test Site. They were part of a bigger effort to develop and understand nuclear weapons.

This series of tests came after Operation Phalanx and before Operation Grenadier. Each test was carefully planned to learn more about how nuclear devices work and their effects.

What Was Operation Fusileer?

Operation Fusileer was a program where the United States conducted 16 nuclear tests. These tests were not done in the open air. Instead, they happened underground in shafts (like deep wells) and tunnels. The main goal was to improve nuclear weapons and study what happens when they explode.

Where Did the Tests Happen?

All the tests in Operation Fusileer took place at the Nevada Test Site. This is a large area in the desert of Nevada, USA. It was chosen because it's isolated and suitable for conducting such experiments safely away from people.

How Powerful Were the Explosions?

The power of a nuclear explosion is called its yield. It's measured in kilotons (kt) or tons (t) of TNT. One kiloton is like exploding 1,000 tons of TNT! The tests in Operation Fusileer varied in power. The smallest was about 250 tons of TNT, while the largest, named Tortugas, was very powerful, reaching 150 kilotons.

To give you an idea, 150 kilotons is about ten times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

Types of Tests

Most of the tests in Operation Fusileer were for weapons development. This means scientists were trying to make nuclear weapons better or create new types. Some tests were also for weapon effects, which means they studied how the explosions affected different materials or structures underground.

The tests were done in two main ways:

• Underground Shafts: These were deep, vertical holes drilled into the ground. The nuclear device was placed at the bottom.
• Tunnels: These were horizontal passages dug into mountainsides. The device was placed inside the tunnel.

Notable Events During the Tests

Most of the tests went as planned. However, one test called Midas Myth/Milagro had an unexpected event. This test was done in a tunnel. After the explosion, the ground above the tunnel collapsed, creating a crater. Sadly, this incident led to some injuries and one person passing away. It was the only time a fatality occurred during nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site.

Some tests also had something called venting. This means a small amount of radioactive gas escaped from the underground test site into the air. Scientists carefully monitored this to ensure it was within safe limits.

Operation Fusileer was an important part of the United States' nuclear testing history. It helped scientists learn more about nuclear weapons during that time.