Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE) Orford Ness
Jul 26, 2022 15:49:44 GMT
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Post by willi1 on Jul 26, 2022 15:49:44 GMT
Orford Ness is located in the county of Suffolk on the south-east coast of Great Britain (East Anglia region). With an area of around nine square kilometers (and a length of around 15 kilometers), it is the largest overgrown spit in Europe with a gravel bottom. The peninsula is situated at the mouth of the River Alde near the towns of Orford and Aldeburgh.
As early as World War I, a large part became a restricted military area because the British Ministry of Defense carried out secret weapon tests. In the 1930s, Orford Ness was the site of the first purpose-built experiments with the defense system that later became known as radar. In the 1950s, specialized plants were built to take advantage of new post-war technologies such as nuclear power. AWRE Orfordness was one of the few sites in the UK, and indeed in the world, to have created purpose built facilities for testing the components of nuclear weapons.
The nuclear weapons tested were not dummies but working versions with the conventional explosive charge, only without the nuclear component.
Between 1953 and 1966 the six large test cells and most of the other buildings on the surrounding gravel were built to conduct environmental tests on the atomic bomb. Designed to mimic the rigors a weapon might experience before detonation, these tests included vibration, extreme temperatures, shock and G-forces.
Although no nuclear material was said to be involved, the highly explosive initiator was present and test failure could have resulted in catastrophic explosions. For this reason, the tests were remotely controlled and the huge laboratories designed to absorb and dissipate an explosion in the event of an accident.
In 1971 the tests ended and the site was no longer used.
As early as World War I, a large part became a restricted military area because the British Ministry of Defense carried out secret weapon tests. In the 1930s, Orford Ness was the site of the first purpose-built experiments with the defense system that later became known as radar. In the 1950s, specialized plants were built to take advantage of new post-war technologies such as nuclear power. AWRE Orfordness was one of the few sites in the UK, and indeed in the world, to have created purpose built facilities for testing the components of nuclear weapons.
The nuclear weapons tested were not dummies but working versions with the conventional explosive charge, only without the nuclear component.
Between 1953 and 1966 the six large test cells and most of the other buildings on the surrounding gravel were built to conduct environmental tests on the atomic bomb. Designed to mimic the rigors a weapon might experience before detonation, these tests included vibration, extreme temperatures, shock and G-forces.
Although no nuclear material was said to be involved, the highly explosive initiator was present and test failure could have resulted in catastrophic explosions. For this reason, the tests were remotely controlled and the huge laboratories designed to absorb and dissipate an explosion in the event of an accident.
In 1971 the tests ended and the site was no longer used.
Perhaps the most impressive buildings from this period are two of the test laboratories - the so-called "pagodas" - which have become such well-known landmarks on this part of the coast. Visits to the facility are limited and require prior registration.
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