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     This is a clip-in bomb cradle for a B-52 bomber. One B43, which is obviously designed for external carry, is yet to be loaded into the clip. The bomb rack (silver, in center of picture) will hold the weapon at a forty-five degree angle when it is loaded. A set of braces, once tightened, will hold the weapon securely. They will be installed when the weapon is loaded into the cradle (you can see the front brace pads between the two weapons on the opposite side of the clip). Notice how the lower rack and braces swings down so the the upper weapon will have a clear drop from its rack.

     In my first year as a 46350 I worked many overtime hours modifying these clip-ins when testing showed that with relatively simple procedures the aircraft crew could completely bypass the elaborate safe/secure systems and make an unauthorized weapon launch.

- B43 Thermonuclear Weapons -

     If you're wondering about the photographs, which back then would've been a most serious no-no ... at the time nice pocket-sized 35mm cameras were just coming into their own, and, well, you know me.

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