Quote:
Originally Posted by eocoolj
During what time period were the atomic shells carried? How many were carried on each Iowa?
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They never were.
Project Katy was a design study to carry nuclear projectiles on board the Iowa's. Basically it was the 11" Army "Atomic Cannon" projectile in a Sabot. But stringent rules and restrictions by the Atomic Energy Commission negated the project by ordering positive capture loading mechanisms. In other words, no sling suspended supplying or loading of magazines with the shells was allowed.
The designs for the conversion to positive capture conveyer belts would chew up too much space, cut too many holes in the barbettes and turret foundations, etc. And cost way too much money to be worthwhile.