Mark 7 nuclear bomb

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Mark 7 nuclear bomb at USAF Museum
Mark 7 nuclear bomb at USAF Museum

Mark 7 "Thor" (or Mk-7'[1])was the first tactical nuclear bomb adopted by US armed forces. It was also the first weapon to be delivered using the toss method with the help of the low-altitude bombing system (LABS). The weapon was tested in Operation Buster-Jangle. To facilitate external carry by fighter bomber aircraft, Mark 7 was fitted with retractable stabilizer fins. Mark 7 was a dial-a-yield capsule-type weapon with fissionable elements (uranium) stored in a separate container. The Mark 7 warhead (W7) also formed the basis of the 30.5 inch (77.5 cm) BOAR rocket, the Mark 90 Betty nuclear depth charge, and MGM-5 Corporal and MGR-1 Honest John ballistic missiles. It was also supplied for delivery by Royal Air Force Canberra aircraft assigned to NATO in Germany under the command of SACEUR. The Mark 7 was in service from 1952 to 1968 with 1700-1800 having been built.

Contents

[edit] Specifications

  • Length: 15.2 ft (4.6 m)
  • Diameter: 2.5 ft (0.8 m)
  • Weight: 1680 lb (764 kg)
  • Fusing: airburst or contact
  • Yield: variable yield between 8 and 61 kilotons

[edit] Users

[edit] References

  1. ^ USAF Museum: Mk 7 nuclear bomb

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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