Building a SADM container - need references

[SciFirepower]

The Manhattan Project discussion got me thinking about something I've wanted to build for a long time - the H912 transport container for the Small Atomic Demolitions Munition (SADM).

This is, as far as I can tell, this is the only reference photo on the web. I'm wondering if anyone has other photos or reference resources.

I'm trying to figure out the size. Based on the assumption the wall slats are 4" apart, I'm guessing around 36". I also know that the W54 warhead used in these was 30" long, so that makes sense.

So far, I'm planning on using a cardboard 55 gallon drum for the main body, and milsurp webbing to make the harness. I'm also curious about the rubber hose and red thingy on top, and what the rope is used for (I'm guessing a slingload). Any help would be appreciated.

I'm planning to use this as a training aid for WMD classes I teach.

 

[Construct]

That's the National Atomic Museum in Albequerque, New Mexico. There's a better view here. I'd be happy to take measurements if you paid for my vacation.

 

[SciFirepower]

Thanks for posting that! Using some info I got from that photo, I found some much better reference pics, along with a close up of the plaque and description - including dimensions!

 

[SciFirepower]

Okay, it took a year, but here is my finished project:

I took some artistic license with the rigging because I wanted to be able to wear it on my back.

Thanks to everyone who helped me find reference pics!

 

[themanwoaname]

that is really impressive! what does it look like inside?

 

[SciFirepower]

It's empty I thought about building a replica nuke inside, but I wanted to keep the weight down.

The red ball harness is genuine GI and so is the rucksack frame. A real SADM would have the harness attached and then be clipped to the front of the parachute harness worn by the soldier carrying the SADM.

The rope would be tethered to the parachute harness as well. Prior to landing, the paratrooper yanks the red ball, which releases the cargo to drop below them, hanging by the rope tether. This is so the paratrooper is not wearing the cargo when they hit the ground and execute the patented Parachute Landing Fall (PLF). Wearing cargo while PLFing is almost certain to cause injury.

I attached the red ball harness simply because in every pic of the SADM there is a harness attached. Having the harness will help make it recognizable. Because I wanted to carry it around the 'con I clipped the red ball harness to a modified US Army rucksack frame. It's suprisingly comfortable to carry, although bulky.

The SADM container itself is a cardboard storage drum, painted with Krylon textured paint. I used this because it's similar in size to the actual SADM and also to save weight.

Eventually, I probably will build something for the inside, but that's another project.

 

[Contec]

Now you just need to forget it in a trainstation or a big public place. Instant famous!!

Great work on it.

 

[CarterM]

This is EPIC! Can you give any tips or possibly play-by-play of the construction? I am completly unfamiliar with the rigging process.

I want to do some senario based games with the container. My father was on a SADM team in Germany, SFODA-7 (then Lt Matherly).

USAREUR Units & Kasernes, 1945 - 1989

 

[marionauta]

Hi Guys... we are a group of italian researchers about sadms have you got more info about this reproduction of this weabpon?

Thankz

:Mario:

 

[Mike J.]

This photo is floating around the internet; an alleged SADM case:

 

[nomuse]

Looks lovely, very convincing. I was a 12-boom-boom (combat engineer) but the closest we ever got to one of these was the one black-and-white photograph in the training manual.

Incidentally, the same drop-and-slide technique is used when jumping with personal weapon. However, even though I was a '60 gunner, I often as not rode my gun in. It just gets too busy making a night tactical parachute drop to go fiddling around with the catches on your equipment!