[Milsurplus] Proximtiy fuse and 'Atomic Annie"

[CL in NC]

I am sure the testing of the proximity fuse was an interesting process.  In a 5 inch shell, it accelerates from 0 to 2500 FPS in 22 feet, so the G forces on the electronics must have been crushing.  But lets move up a few years to 'Atomic Annie".  So, we put a nuclear weapon in a howitzer and fire it.  I am sure the testing of the projectile and fusing was done over and over to the Nth degree before they put the nuke in it.  Still, I can envision the fellow pushing at the control shack, keeping his eyes closed,  and cringing with  his other hands index finger in his ear as he mashed down on the fire button. At least it was electric, and not some poor troop standing next to it pulling a lanyard.

Charlie in NC