Gerboise Rouge was the code name for the third test of the Gerboise series. The test was conducted seven months after the previous Gerboise test (Gerboise Blanche), following the hot Saharan summer. The site chosen for the Gerboise Rouge test was located near the Gerboise Bleue ground zero, 15 kilometers north of the Geboise Blanche ground zero. Gerboise Rouge shot tower This test, like Gerboise Bleue , was primarily a weapons effects tests intended to study the effects of an atomic explosion on various military materiel, such as aircraft, tanks, vehicles, radars, and dummies. Animals, such as mice, goats, and rabbits, were also exposed to the shots for biomedical studies. The shot area was equipped with extensive monitoring equipment, including high speed cameras and blast gauges. Bunkers, concrete shelters for aircraft and rocket emplacements were all positioned at varying distances from ground zero to measure their response to the effects of the atomic explosion. The nuclear device, which was detonated on a 50 meter (160 foot) steel tower, was a plutonium implosion assembly design. The test was described as being a physics experiment, designed to study the phenomena involved in a nuclear explosion, as well as the effects of radiation and the measures for the protection against radiation. [1] The test also was possibly a developmental test for a miniaturized tactical missile warhead.[3]

The Test Code Name: Gerboise Rouge Time and Date: 07:30 December 27, 1960 (GMT) Location: Reggane, Algeria Height: 160 feet Type: Tower Burst Predicted Yield: ??? Actual Yield: 3-8 kilotons Gerboise Rouge was fired at 07:30 on 27 December 1960 (GMT). The mushroom cloud drifted east toward uninhabited areas. Initial yield estimates for the explosion were between 10 – 14 kilotons.[3] Other sources estimated a yield of 8 kilotons. [5] According to a French Armed Forces Ministry communiqué, the "nuclear explosion of limited power" had been successful and that care had been taken to prevent radioactive fall-out from affecting people living in the remote part of the desert, and those in neighboring African countries.[3] The Gerboise Rouge test provoked condemnation from several nations against France, primarily Japan. The Soviet Union joined Japan in condemning the test, claiming it was a serious blow to any hope of disarmament and against the wishes of the United Nations. Moscow Radio described the act as "a monstrous challenge to world public opinion".[3] African nations, such as Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Ghana, had also expressed outrage at the test and its timing - on the eve of the African summit in Casablanca. Gerboise Rouge Video Please alow 30 seconds to 2 minutes for video to load depending on connection speed. Adobe Flash is required to play video. Footage source: ECPAD Copyright Disclaimer

Principle References and Notes 1. French Nuclear Testing, 1960-1988, Burrows, Andrew S., Norris, Robert S., Arkin, William M., Cochran, Thomas B., Rebruary 1989, NRDC 2. Radiological Conditions at the Former French Nuclear Test Sites in Algeria: Preliminary Assessment and Recommendations, International Atomic Energy Agency, March 2005 3. 1960: France Explodes Third Atomic Bomb, 27 December 1960, BBC on This Day 4. Histoire des Essais Nucléaires Français : Du Désert de la Soif à l'île du Grand Secret., Yves et Ada Rémy, ECPA, 3 July 1998 5. Vie au Sahara (1960-1961),© 1961-2003 Jean Bellec, Vie au Sahara (1960-1961)