Going Nuclear in Albuquerque, New Mexico

During a recent visit in Albuquerque, NM, daughter Ingrid suggested that we visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. This turned out to be a terrific idea.

The museum is located near the intersection of Interstates 25 and 40. The name of the museum suggests that it may cover nuclear science with all its aspects. But the detailed and fascinating exhibits deal with just one part: the origins of nuclear weapons in World War II, the planes and rockets designed for their delivery, and the politics of nuclear threat and intimidation from the end of WW II to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The exhibits begin with the famous scientists who unraveled the secret of the atom. Next are the fortunately unsuccessful attempts in Germany and Japan to develop a nuclear bomb, and the huge scientific effort in the US that ultimately produced the first nuclear bombs.

The first test bomb, code-named "Gadget," was exploded on a platform July 16, 1945, 250 miles south of Los Alamos, NM. It demonstrated the terrifying power of nuclear bombs. The museum has a mockup of the device.

"Gadget" - first nuclear device exploded

B29 Superfortress bombers "Enola Gay" and "Bockscar" dropped two bombs, code-named "Little Boy" and "Fat Man," in 1945 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Casings of atomic bombs "Little Boy" (green) and "Fat Man" (yellow)

The two B29 bombers are exhibited at other museums. But the museum does have a B29 on display. 

The statistics of the B29 were astonishing at the time of deployment: Crew of 10-14, four 2,200 hp Wright engines, cruise speed 230 mph, ceiling 31,850 ft, range 4,100 miles, payload up to 10 tons of bombs, and a maximum take-off weight of 69 tons.

B29 Superfortress

The Russians quickly managed to catch up and produce nuclear weapons. A short movie and several exhibits are devoted to the ensuing nuclear arms race. They cover bombs, rockets, and planes. Astonishing what that huge effort produced, and now it is all obsolete!

The outside display area has several missiles, including one ICBM, and a B52, all produced during that arms race.

The Matador was the first guided missile deployed by the USAF. It is a surface-to-surface missile, deployed  in West Germany in 1954. Phaseout began in 1959. With 40 ft length, 6 tons weight, and a range of 700 miles, it looks like a toy when compared with the missiles to come.

Matador - first guided missile, deployed 1954, phaseout began 1959

Snark - first and only international cruise missile, deployed 1958-1960

The 600 mph Snark, weight 25 tons, range 5000 miles, was the first and only international cruise missile. It was in service just for two years, from 1958 to 1960. The replacement were 15,000 mph intercontinental ballistic missiles, which in minutes could travel distances that required many hours for the Snark. 

The museum has the Titan II ICBM, a 165 ton, liquid-fuel, 110 ft missile operating from silos Arizona, Kansas, and Arkansas. It was deployed from 1963 to 1987.

Titan II ICBM, deployed 1963-1987

Daughter Ingrid is dwarfed by the huge B52 Superfortress, first deployed in 1955, and still operational. This plane participated in special weapons testing, including the last atmospheric nuclear tests conducted in 1962 by the United States. 

B52 Superfortress, first deployed 1955, still operational

For crosswind landings, the landing gear is rotated, the wings stay level, and the pilot sees the runway at an angle when touching down.

B52 landing gear

The informal name of the B52 is BUFF, meaning "Big Ugly Fat F...er." Production ended in 1962, with a total of 744 aircraft delivered. The statistics are awesome: wingspan 195 ft, height 40 ft, 8 Pratt & Whitney engines producing 17,000 lbs of thrust each, maximum payload 35 tons, speed 650 mph, range limited only by crew endurance due to aerial refueling, unrefueled range 8,800 miles, ceiling 50,000 ft.  Longest combat mission involved a 35 hr, 14,000 miles roundtrip from Louisiana to Iraq and back during Gulf War I in 1991.

Before leaving the museum, I ask the lady at the ticket counter what atom is represented by the intriguing model above the entrance. She answers,"Beryllium."

Model of Beryllium

Looking it up later, we learn that Beryllium is number 4 in the atomic table and a relatively rare metal. It plays an important role in various areas, including alloys for high speed aircraft, missiles, and space vehicles.

So, next time you fly across New Mexico, why not stop in Albuquerque and visit this great museum! 

Have any questions or feedback about the Museum of Nuclear Science & Industry? Please share your thoughts in the comments.