Operation "SAM-215"
As noted, during the second half of the 50's, in connection with the development of air defense with nuclear warheads are interested for the nuclear explosion at an altitude of alleged use of missiles of these complexes (10 km ≤ N ≤ 40 km).
First in a series of explosions had a blast, conducted "Operation SAM-215."
It was produced on 1/19/57 at noon on rocket range MO Kapustin Yar.
Was selected for the explosion charge with energy 10 kt successfully tested earlier.
The charge was set to anti-aircraft guided missile SAM-215, on behalf of which the operation is called. Automatic docking was done to undermine the charge and missile control systems, as well as a series of pre-launch of a missile with the models of the charge.
The point of impact was a transponder beacon, thrown off before putting on a parachute airplane security.
Undermining the nuclear missiles was planned to make a charge at a time when the transponder beacon parachuted into a height of 10.4 km. To obtain direct information on the effectiveness of the harmful effect of a nuclear explosion in the area of ​​the aiming point before the start of combat missiles aimed two radio-controlled target aircraft in such a way that at the time of the explosion, they were away at a distance of about 500 m and 1000 m as aircraft targets were equipped with radio control system and means of recording combat aircraft IL-28.
For registration of parameters affecting the effects of nuclear explosions at close range was created so-called TARGET 16 special conditions of cylindrical containers, equipped with measuring devices. Containers were dropped by parachute advance support aircraft so that the explosion of which 12 were at approximately the height of the explosion at various distances. The remaining 4 konteynepa housed at other altitudes.
The containers were installed devices that record the pressure in the passing shock wave (pressure recorders), penetrating radiation (gamma-ray detectors and neutron flux), the pulse light (calorimetry).
The actual position of containers at the time of the explosion of the nuclear charge and the position of the point of explosion was determined by the results of a ground-based photography in several ways, namely by direct resection. Aerial cameras used for photography. There was also a set of ground stations deployed to measure the shock wave light (spectrum, integrated fluxes, timing), and penetrating radiation. Near ground zero and several other points were constructed of wooden models of buildings.
To measure the power of the explosion using the same set of procedures as for conventional air explosions. Overall, the experience was a success: its main tasks to execute.
Energy charge in the experiment was 10 kilotons. Height of the explosion point, determined by a straight serifs, to 10.37 km.
"Target" of the situation in the most appropriate to a calculation: both aircraft "IL-28" and most of the containers at the time of the explosion were at given points to 0.1 km, and only the first row of containers was located twice as far from the point of explosion than planned. This situation prevented the measurement of effects of explosion, where they would be the most powerful.

The explosion of both aircraft were shot down by the target: one of them, who walked away from the center of the explosion, burst into flames, the second, who was walking towards virtually shock wave broke off the wing.Measuring equipment on each of the planes worked fine, and the results of measurements by telemetry failed to transmit to the ground. These results are further used to determine the criteria and the affected areas of aircraft in nuclear explosions.
Ground-based observatories is not a single case of a significant effect of an explosion on the wooden structures and glazing.