AWRE [Main Title]

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  • Title: AWRE [Main Title]
  • Film Number: MIL 499
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: Promotional film for the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE) focusing on the work of the AWRE. Primarily focusing on AWRE Aldermaston, this film includes includes scenes filmed at AWRE Foulness in Essex, and AWRE Blacknest in Berkshire.
  • Description: Aerial view of the Aldermaston site. Originally an airfield, the site at Aldermaston has undergone major development to become the central hub of the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment. The AWRE at Aldermaston is primarily responsible for the research and development of nuclear warheads for service use. At Aldermaston knowledge of the following is required: mathematics, engineering, materials, electronics, applied physics and explosives, with safety being the dominating factor in all of these. The need for high performance computers is emphasised and the Cray-1A supercomputer is shown in action at Aldermaston. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is utilised in the design of components. Production and evaluation of components. Testing of new materials. A wide range of modern engineering tools enable the skilled engineers to work to exacting standards using a variety of materials. The onsite apprentice school at Aldermaston is one of the finest in the country, and students are seen at work under supervision in the workshops. Research into the use of silicon chips. Measuring the effects of an intense electromagnetic field similar to that of a nuclear explosion with the use of an overhead grid system. Internal views of nuclear reactor, one of two at Aldermaston designed and operated for research purposes. VIPER, a fast pulse reactor designed to project a test specimen of very intense short duration pulses of neutron and gamma rays, is seen in action. The potential of laser gamma weapons is being researched at Aldermaston. The AWRE is also involved with the Ministry of Defence's research into chemical high explosives for non-nuclear programmes. Specially designed bomb chambers are constructed and used for research. Slow motion shots of explosion inside chamber. The AWRE's outstation at Foulness is used for field trials. Filming the testing of standard warheads using high speed cameras. AWRE Blacknest near Aldermaston, is home to the AWRE seismology programme. The AWRE's research work is published wherever possible. Underground nuclear tests are conducted in Nevada in the United States, according to the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement, signed by the United States and Great Britain. Through the contribution of the whole workforce the AWRE continues to play a major part in the support of the defensive role of the NATO Alliance in maintaining peace by deterrent.
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: Colour
  • Digitised:
  • Object_Number: MIL 499
  • Sound: Sound
  • Access Conditions: Attribution: © Crown copyright. IWM (MIL 499)
  • Featured Period:
  • Production Date: 1979
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: Ministry of Defence (Production sponsor) Gerard Holdsworth Productions (Production company) Holdsworth, Gerard (Production individual) Brommage, John (Production individual) Marsh, Ernest (Production individual) Horne, Ted (Production individual) Langley, Bryan1909-12-292008 (Production individual) Capey, David (Production individual) Bennett, John (Production individual) Bennett, John (Production individual) Banker, Anne (Production individual)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics: Colour format: Colour Sound format: Sound
  • Technical Details: Number of items/reels/tapes: 1 Footage: 800ft (ca); Running time: 22 mins
  • HD Media:
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    MIL 499

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