Los Alamos Tests Mock Nuclear Weapon

The Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico on Friday tested a W-76 nuclear warhead containing an inert material in place of plutonium, the Albuquerque Journal reported yesterday (see GSN, April 4).

Scientists took X-ray images of the weapon at the moment of detonation, which enables them to examine the behavior of the material it contains, according to the Journal.

The detonation occurred inside a nylon tent filled with foam.

“We do use some nuclear material, and that’s the purpose of the foam, so we don’t eject it into the environment,” said Kevin Jones, head of the Los Alamos experimental division.

The test was performed as part of the U.S. nuclear weapons Stockpile Life Extension Program. The U.S. arsenal of submarine-launched W-76 missiles are to be upgraded beginning in 2007. Testing ensures that replacement parts work identically to existing components, the Journal reported.

Early indications are that Friday’s test was successful, Jones said (John Fleck, Albuquerque Journal, April 5).

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.