Operation Ranger

Operation Ranger
Ranger Fox
Information
Country	United States
Test site	Nevada Test Site
Period	January - February 1951
Number of tests	5
Test type	Atmospheric tests
Device type	Fission
Max. yield	22 kilotons of TNT (92 TJ)
Navigation
Previous test	Operation Sandstone
Next test	Operation Greenhouse

Operation Ranger was the fourth American nuclear test series. It was conducted in 1951 and was the first series to be carried out at the Nevada Test Site. All the bombs were exploded in the open air, having been dropped by B-50 bombers.

These tests centered on the practicality of developing a second generation of nuclear weapons using smaller amounts of valuable nuclear materials. They were planned under the name Operation Faust.

Preceded by Sandstone, followed by Greenhouse.

Ranger Test Blasts

Test Name	Date	Location	Yield	Note
Able	27 January 1951	Nevada Test Site	.5 kilotons	Testing compression against critical mass as inspired by the Demon core.
Baker	28 January 1951	Nevada Test Site	8 kilotons
Easy	1 February 1951	Nevada Test Site	1 kiloton
Baker 2	2 February 1951	Nevada Test Site	8 kilotons
Fox	6 February 1951	Nevada Test Site	22 kilotons

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  First view of the Fox detonation

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  Another view of the Fox detonation

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  Third view of the Fox detonation

Coordinates: 37°08′10″N 116°04′07″W / 37.13611°N 116.06861°W / 37.13611; -116.06861