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Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
When the Army tried out nuclear artillery
72 years ago the U.S. Army carried out its first and only nuclear artillery test. The military actually made an atomic artillery shell, loaded it into a 280mm cannon and fired it. And it worked. Task & Purpose has covered many of the dangerous, strategically questionable and outright bizarre Cold War-era nuclear weapon designs and programs. The nuclear cannon used in Operation Upshot-Knothole wasn't quite as risky as the Davy Crockett — at the very least the range that the 'atomic cannon' had was greater than the smaller Davy Crockett. The May 25, 1953 test came at a time when there was a wider attempt to add atomic weapons into more conventional military weapons. Operation Upshot-Knothole was a series of tests carried out between March 17-June 4, 1953. They were 'intended to test nuclear devices for possible inclusion, in the U.S. arsenal, to improve military tactics, equipment, and training, and to study civil defense needs,' the Defense Nuclear Agency wrote. Most of the tests involved air dropping or static, ground-based atomic detonations, according to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The artillery portion of the test, codenamed 'Shot Grable,' took place towards the end of Operation Upshot-Knothole. Technically overseen by the Atomic Energy Commission, Operation Upshot-Knothole featured a large U.S. military presence. Thousands of troops, alongside military scientists and observers, were there to help stage the tests and carry out their own training as part of the Desert Rock exercises. For 'Shot Grable,' the Artillery Test Unit from Fort Sill carried out operations on the cannon. According to the Nevada National Security Site, two 280mm cannons were brought in, and roads had to be paved for them to be put into place, given the weight of each artillery piece. Additionally, 2,600 troops were on hand for exercises coinciding with the test. The atomic shell was given the designation of 'W9,' while the special cannons made for it were called the M65, later nicknamed 'Atomic Annie.' At 8:30 a.m., May 25, 1953, they fired the cannon. The nuclear shell flew 6.25 miles, detonating a few hundred feet above ground with a yield of 15 kilotons. The blast was as powerful as the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Soldiers in trenches and foxholes watched as the mushroom cloud rose over the Nevada grounds. Teams tried to get closer to inspect the impact of the blast but couldn't get closer than 0.9 miles from the epicenter of the detonation. Although the May 25, 1953 test would be the only time the nuclear artillery shells would actually be fired, the U.S. military liked the test so much it manufactured several more of the artillery pieces themselves. Only one cannon would fire a single round during Operation Upshot-Knothole, but the battlefield applicability of such a weapon was clear. Even just one of these could take out a large enemy position. And presumably one salvo would be enough. And the Army seemed to agree on the effectiveness. Nearly two dozen atomic cannons were made, but only were fielded for a few years. Despite the success of 'Shot Grable,' the atomic artillery approach would soon end up obsolete, like several other early Cold War weapons ideas. Smaller, more compact artillery designs as well as the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles meant the need for relatively closer range nuclear strike capabilities diminished. Army to eliminate 2 Security Force Assistance Brigades, reassign experienced soldiers Why the Army's new XM7 rifle reignited a debate over volume of fire Air Force delay on separation and retirement orders isn't 'stop loss,' defense official says F-35's close call over Yemen raises questions about how it's used An Army unit's 'extreme use of profanity' was so bad, they made a rule about it
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leidos Holdings (NYSE:LDOS) Secures $205 Million Contract And Reaffirms 2025 Earnings Guidance
Leidos Holdings recently announced strong Q1 earnings, with sales and net income significantly higher than the previous year. Alongside reaffirming its revenue guidance for 2025, the company secured a substantial $205 million contract with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to enhance IT systems, potentially strengthening its market position in the defense sector. These developments, coupled with the declaration of a $0.40 per share dividend, are key elements that could have influenced the company's 11% price increase over the past month. This upward momentum aligns with broader market trends, where earnings optimism has buoyed stock prices. We've spotted 1 possible red flag for Leidos Holdings you should be aware of. NYSE:LDOS Revenue & Expenses Breakdown as at May 2025 This technology could replace computers: discover the 22 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. The recent developments for Leidos Holdings, such as the secured $205 million Defense Threat Reduction Agency contract and reaffirmed revenue guidance, have reinforced the company's position in the defense sector. These factors, along with the declaration of a $0.40 per share dividend, likely contributed to the recent 11% increase in the stock's price. Over a five-year period ending now in May 2025, Leidos achieved a total return of 55.24%, indicating robust long-term performance. However, over the past year, the company underperformed the US Professional Services industry, which returned 6.9%. Leidos' strategic emphasis on IT modernization and increased privatization through its NorthStar 2030 initiative is projected to bolster future revenue and earnings growth. The new contracts and a strong backlog create a solid foundation for continued financial performance. Analysts forecast revenue growth of 3.2% per year and a rise in profit margins from 7.5% to 8.1% by 2028. This growth trajectory is supported by share repurchases, which enhance earnings per share and leverage the company's financial structure. The analyst consensus price target of US$167.47 represents an 11.9% increase from the current share price of approximately US$147.56, aligning with forward-looking earnings growth and margin improvements. Explore historical data to track Leidos Holdings' performance over time in our past results report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
