Agate (nuclear test)

Agathe's explosion in the mount Hoggar. (1961)

Agathe (aka Agate) was the name of the first French nuclear underground test. It was an atomic bomb detonated in the Hoggar mount (near In Ekker) of the Algerian Sahara desert on November 21, 1961, during the Algerian War (1954-62).

Agathe was the first test of the jewel designation series running from 1961 until 1966.

Programme

• Agathe (Agate): <20 kt
• Béryl (Beryl): <30 kt
• Émeraude (Emerald): <20 kt
• Améthyste (Amethyst): <5 kt
• Rubis (Ruby): <100 kt
• Opale (Opal): <5 kt
• Topaze (Topaz): <5 kt
• Turquoise (Turquoise): <20 kt
• Saphir (Sapphire): <150 kt
• Jade (Jade): <5 kt
• Corindon (Corundum): <5 kt
• Tourmaline (Tourmaline): <20 kt
• Grenat (Garnet): <20 kt

Specifics

• Time: 21 November 1961 (GMT)
• Location: Hoggar mount (near In Ekker)
• Yield: <20 kt

See also

• Gerboise Bleue (French A-bomb)
• Canopus (French H-bomb)
• Force de frappe
• Nuclear weapons and France
• List of states with nuclear weapons

External links

• http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/60823/571529/file/SAHARA.pdf (fr)