Science: Handy A-Bombs

How big is an atomic bomb? It took a B-29 to carry the first one, dropped on Hiroshima, which may have weighed more than 10,000 Ibs. The Army's announcement last week that it will abandon its monstrous, 11-in. atomic cannon tells how much the bombs have shrunk. The new atomic shells will fit an 8-in. gun. Since they will have to withstand the shock of firing, they will be much like ordinary 8-in. shells. They will have an internal cavity about 22 in. long and about 5½ in. in diameter in the center. This...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!