The Palomares Incident
In the annals of nuclear history, one incident stands out as a stark reminder of the dangers and risks associated with nuclear weapons. The Palomares Incident, which took place in 1966, served as a wake-up call to the world, highlighting the potential consequences of a nuclear accident. This project delves into the event and its aftermath, shedding light on the implications it had for nuclear safety and the subsequent cleanup efforts. But first we should look at why a KC-135 Stratotanker and a United States Air Force B-52G Stratofortress bomber loaded with four hydrogen bombs were over Palomares in the first place.
Introductory Video
Video by: Julie Evans
1: Chrome Dome
Investigating the covert Operation Chrome Dome during the Cold War, where nuclear-armed bombers maintained continuous ai
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2: A Nuclear Wake-Up Call
In 1966, the collision between a B52 bomber and a tanker aircraft over the small village of Palomares in Almeria provinc
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3: Diplomatic Relations
In 1966, the concept of United States aircraft carrying nuclear weapons overflying Spanish airspace was a contentious is
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4: Operation Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow was initiated within minutes of the collision between a B-52 and KC-135 over the sea off the southern coast
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5: Mediterranean Bomb
An account of the search and recovery mission to locate the elusive 'Mediterranean Bomb,' lost at sea after a mid air co
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6: The Clean Up
This last chapter looks at the aftermath of the Palomares Incident, a catastrophic nuclear accident from 1966. We discus
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Research Operation Chrome Dome
Investigate the incident itself. There were apparently two bombers and two tankers aloft that day.
Look at the assistance provided by local people at the time.
Investigate the recovery of the 'Mediterranean Bomb'.
Look at the consequences of the Palomares Incident.
