E5. Model of a Modern H-bomb. This is a life-size model of an H-bomb: a three-stage fission-fusion-fission explosive device. A bomb this size would weigh about 270 pounds (122.73 kilos). The first stage of the explosion comes from the small black ball at the top, made of plutonium. The second stage is ignited by the fissioning plutonium, which creates a fusion reaction in the cylindrical “spark plug” running down the middle of the bomb. The third stage is the fissioning of depleted uranium metal in a “blanket” surrounding the fusion "spark-plug". A warhead this size produces an explosion about 20 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb. Such warheads are carried by MX, Trident, Minuteman, and Cruise missiles. Howard Morland with his model on the steps of the Supreme Court, Washington D.C. 10 July 1983.
These photographs by Robert Del Tredici are protected by copyright and are available for purchase as high-quality digital prints on archival paper or as silver gelatin prints from bdeltredici@hotmail.com.