Episode 7: Davy Crockett Weapon System

On this episode of Army Artifacts, Matt Seelinger, The Army Historical Foundation's Chief Historian, discusses the Davy Crockett Tactical Nuclear Recoilless Smoothbore Gun.
The episode features images and information provided by The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque, New Mexico which can also be found on their website at www.nuclearmuseum.org/see/exh...

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💣Another protective feature for the crew was when it was fired the crew had to be at least 33 meters to the flanks of the weapon in a hole deep enough that your whole body was below ground level. The firing mechanism was stored in the base of the propelling charge, the firer would remove the container holding the low energy detonating cord (LEDC). It was 33 meters long, he would go to his prepared hole, unwinding the LEDC as he went. The squad leader would make sure the crew members were in their defensive positions and give the command to fire. There was a ring, similar to those on a hand grenade, that had a small red tab on it that read "PULL RING TO FIRE." The reason for the 33 meter safety distance was because of the over pressure of the blast in firing.