Vastrap
Vastrap Test Range Airfield | |||||||||||
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| Coordinates | 27°50′5″S 21°37′50″E / 27.83472°S 21.63056°E | ||||||||||
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Vastrap (Stand firm) is a small military airfield situated in the
SADF's defunct underground nuclear weapon
test site.
Atomic testing
The area was selected for nuclear weapons testing due to its remoteness, low population density, stable geological formations and lack of underground rivers.[2]
Two underground shafts 385 metres (1,263 ft) and 216 metres (709 ft) in depth and 1 metre (3.3 ft) in diameter were drilled from 1975–1977.[3] Neither was ever used to perform a detonation, although instrumented tests were performed. The shafts were sealed with sand and concrete under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency in July 1993.[4]
Detection
The site was first detected by the Soviet
Koeberg nuclear power station contract.[7]
Tripartite Accord.[8]
In an effort to mask activities, a shed was built over one of the shafts, and the water that was pumped out in preparation for a test was hauled away.
Airstrip
The airfield is operated by
AFB Bloemspruit
.
See also
References
- ^ "Discussing the Detonation Effects of Large Charges" (PDF). South African Navy. 9 August 2006. p. 2.
- ISBN 0-595-35665-6.
- ^ David Albright (July–August 1994). "South Africa and the Affordable Bomb". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. pp. 37–47.
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher= - ^ "Tracking South Africa" (PDF). Carnegie Endowment. 24 July 2007.
- ISBN 0-89608-041-2.
- ISBN 1-86872-901-X.
- ISBN 0-88936-853-8.
- ^ David Albright (July 1994). "South Africa and the Affordable Bomb". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. p. 44.
External links