Other titles:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Film produced by the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment at Aldermaston, documenting the preparation work by the RAF Balloon Unit for the suspension by barrage balloon of two of the weapons tested on Christmas Island during Operation Grapple Z between 22 August and 23 September 1958.
Description: Preparation begins several months before testing is due to take place. Supplies and stores are sent from Britain to Christmas Island by ship, including canisters of hydrogen to inflate the barrage balloons. In the south east corner of Christmas Island a camp is built by the Royal Engineers to house the eighty men of the RAF Balloon Unit. By July the site is ready for preparations to begin on the erection of the barrage balloons. A smaller version of the balloons is flown day and night to assess the suitability of the site. Once the site has been approved the work on the balloon begins. The balloon is laid out carefully on the ground and an electric air blower is used to inflate the balloon a little to allow easier access. The balloon is then secured and inflated with hydrogen. The weapon is suspended from beneath the balloon the night before detonation. On the day of the weapons test the men of the balloon unit await zero hour. The weapon is detonated and the impact on the area surrounding the balloon unit is shown.
Alternative Title:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
