From abstract and summary: Project Stagecoach consisted of the detonation of three 40,000-pound charges. Blocks of cast TNT were stacked to resemble a sphere and, the whole center-detonated.

This report on the RFD-1 optical data and external fuel-element experiment includes a description of the instruments and test components used, a presentation of the data obtained, an explanation of the methods of data reduction employed, and a statement of the conclusions derived. It covers the theory, design, qualification tests, flight-test data, and results of the external fuel-element experiment. Also presented is a theoretical analysis of observed versus predicted ablation times and altitudes for the external fuel elements. In addition, this report presents recommendations for improvements to data acquisition and reduction methods in future, similar flight tests.

From preface: The work described in this document is directed toward determining the optimum method of employing explosives to form a ditch, channel, or canal of certain desired dimensions.

Forword: The International Symposium for Packaging and Transportation of radioactive materials held at Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 12 to 15, 1965, was a joint effort on the part of the Sandia Corporation, the Albuquerque Operations Office, and the Headquarters, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.