The Soviet Atomic Bomb

Abstract

Abstract : The first Soviet atomic device was detonated in August 1949, only four years after the American atomic bomb was exploded. The research project The Soviet Atomic Bomb' is based on recent Russian publications on the subject showing how it was done. The scientific foundation of the project was outstanding research in nuclear physics performed in the Soviet Union before the war with Germany. After the American atomic bombs were exploded, the atomic project became national priority #1. In the centrally planned, state-owned economy Soviet leaders were able to concentrate all necessary resources, human, material, and financial, for the development and production of the atomic bomb in the shortest time possible. Hundreds and hundreds of research institutes, design bureaus, and production plants were engaged in the project. The Soviet intelligence supplied very valuable information about the American atomic bomb. The most important works were performed in a specially built secret city, closed from the outside world. New highly specialized industries were established. All was managed from the highest levels of the Soviet government bureaucracy under the constant supervision of Stalin himself.