Ridgecrest in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
MK IV Special Weapon
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 27, 2020
1. Mk IV Special Weapon Marker
The MK IV was the more sophisticated follow-on to the better-known MK III "Fat Man" implosion-type device that was detonated over Nagasaki on 9 August 1945 to force an end to World War II.
The same size and weight as the MK III and of very similar configuration, the MK IV yield can be varied between 20 and 40 kilotons (the MK III was about 21 kilotons), depending upon which core was inserted. This was the first standard "production model" special weapon. It was in service stockpile from 1949 to 1953.
The opening in the nose of the weapon allowed it to be "safed" by removing the capsule of fissionable material. The bomb could then be armed in flight, if need be, and even disarmed again.
Erected by China Lake Museum.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, World II.
Location. 35° 37.789′ N, 117° 40.072′ W. Marker is in Ridgecrest, California, in Kern County. Memorial is on Las Flores Avenue, 0.1 miles east of China Lake Boulevard, on the left when traveling east. Located in the parking lot of the China Lake Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest CA 93555, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within
this page online
More about this marker. The China Lake Museum was originally located at nearby Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. It has been moved to this location in town for easier public access, and to allow room for expansion. The museum is located next to the Maturango Museum.
Also see . . . China Lake Museum. (Submitted on July 19, 2020.)
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 27, 2020
2. Mk IV Special Weapon and Marker
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 27, 2020
3. Mk IV Special Weapon
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on July 19, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
