Facts, naming and other details about the atomic bomb
Facts, naming and other details about the atomic bomb
"Fat Man" was named after a movie character, contrasting with "Thin Man" from a detective novel, part of secret code names during the Manhattan Project.
"Fat Man" was named after a movie character, contrasting with "Thin Man" from a detective novel, part of secret code names during the Manhattan Project.
Code Names
Code Names
Fat Man" featured an implosion-type design using sub-critical plutonium and high-explosives to achieve a super-critical state.
Fat Man" featured an implosion-type design using sub-critical plutonium and high-explosives to achieve a super-critical state.
Bomb Design
Bomb Design
This devastating bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945, marking a significant moment in wartime history.
This devastating bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945, marking a significant moment in wartime history.
Mission Date
Mission Date
Originally piloted by Capt. Frederick Bock, the B-29 "Bockscar" was piloted by Maj. Charles W Sweeney during the Nagasaki mission.
Originally piloted by Capt. Frederick Bock, the B-29 "Bockscar" was piloted by Maj. Charles W Sweeney during the Nagasaki mission.
The Carrier
Maj. Charles W Sweeney took over "Bockscar" for the mission as his usual plane was unavailable, leading a critical crew including Lieut. Charles D Albury.
Maj. Charles W Sweeney took over "Bockscar" for the mission as his usual plane was unavailable, leading a critical crew including Lieut. Charles D Albury.
Crew and Changes
Weighing 10,800 lbs and fueled by Plutonium 239, "Fat Man" utilized about 13.6 lbs of plutonium, surrounded by 5,300 lbs of high explosives.
Weighing 10,800 lbs and fueled by Plutonium 239, "Fat Man" utilized about 13.6 lbs of plutonium, surrounded by 5,300 lbs of high explosives.
Bomb Specifications
All components of "Fat Man" were transported to Tinian Island via the 509th Composite Group’s B-29s, preparing for the historic drop.
All components of "Fat Man" were transported to Tinian Island via the 509th Composite Group’s B-29s, preparing for the historic drop.
Journey to Japan
Fat Man" was 10 times more powerful than "Little Boy", with an explosive force equivalent to 21,000 tonnes of TNT.
Fat Man" was 10 times more powerful than "Little Boy", with an explosive force equivalent to 21,000 tonnes of TNT.
Comparison of Power
Post-war advancements led to the production of 120 more bombs before "Fat Man" models were replaced by the Mark IV in 1950.
Post-war advancements led to the production of 120 more bombs before "Fat Man" models were replaced by the Mark IV in 1950.