Ships and the Atom

What would an atomic bomb do to a naval task force? A lot of people have been urging the Navy to make the test. Last week the Navy, which has been anxiously brooding over the idea, promised that it would--but not soon.

Navy atomic experts have been studying hull design and structural stresses. The Navy wants to make at least two tests: 1) of an atomic bomb exploding above the surface; 2) of a bomb exploding underwater at determined depths. For the tests to be worth anything, the Navy figures it will need some 20 to 30 ships--Fleet Admiral Ernest King suggested 80 to 100. Enemy vessels may be used, but the Navy also wants to measure the effect on its own construction.

Such a big project required big preparations. The interesting experiment will not take place before next spring.

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