MARK 7 NUCLEAR BOMB

'Mark 7' "Thor" was the first tactical nuclear bomb adopted by US armed forces. It was also the first weapon to be delivered using the toss method with the help of the low-altitude bombing system (LABS). The weapon was tested in Operation Buster-Jangle. To facilitate external carry by fighter bomber aircraft, Mark 7 was fitted with retractable stabilizer fins. Mark 7 was a dial-a-yield capsule-type weapon with fissionable elements stored in a separate container. The Mark 7 warhead ('W7') also formed the basis of the 30.5 inch (77.5 cm) BOAR rocket, the Mark 90 Betty nuclear depth charge, and MGM-5 Corporal and MGR-1 Honest John ballistic missiles. Mark 7 was in service from 1952 to 1968 with 1700-1800 built.

Contents

Specifications

Users

Specifications

★ Length: 15.2 ft (4.6 m)

★ Diameter: 2.5 ft (0.8 m)

★ Weight: 1680 lb (764 kg)

★ Fusing: airburst or contact

★ Yield: 8-61 kilotons

Users

★ North American B-45 Tornado

★ Martin B-57 Canberra

★ Republic F-84 Thunderjet

★ North American F-100 Super Sabre

★ McDonnell F-101 Voodoo

★ Douglas A-1 Skyraider

★ Douglas A3D Skywarrior

★ McDonnell F2H Banshee

★ McDonnell F3H Demon

★ North American FJ Fury