TEST A: EXPLOSION IN AIR 



Now the loss of fighting efficiency concept of dam- 

 age is certainly of very great importance. But it is 

 hard to define exactly. Failure of main turrets might 

 constitute serious loss of fighting efficiency in action 

 against surface ships, but it would have no bearing on 

 fighting enemy planes. Loss of radar is almost fatal in 

 a battle fought on a cloudy night, but it is far less 

 serious in a battle fought in brilliant sunshine. Loss 

 of speed may be only of minor importance on some 

 operations, and fatal in others. Another difficulty is 

 duration of loss of fighting efficiency. How can we 

 compare permanent loss of speed or fire-power with 

 loss which can be repaired in an hour or two by the 

 ship 's crew ? We can answer this only if we know how 

 long the battle is to last. 



The solution adopted was to use several of these 

 damage concepts in parallel. Rough definitions were 

 drawn up, and the individual data were sorted out 

 accordingly. Totals were compiled, and the conclusions 

 came into view. 



Some major conclusions are these: 



, 1. The majority of lighter warships located 

 within a critical radius somewhat less than 

 one-half mile away may be expected to be 

 sunk by an atomic bombing attack such as 

 that executed on A-Da}^ 



2. Heavy warships located within one-half 

 mile may survive, but their superstruc- 

 tures will be badly damaged and the ships 

 will be put out of action ; extensive repairs 



37 



