This Day in McDonnell Voodoo History: July 19

In 1957, a live MB-1 Genie rocket was launched and detonated over the Nevada Test Range during shot John of Operation Plumbbob.  The intended primary armament for the F-101B interceptor then in the early stages of flight testing, the MB-1 was launched from a Northrop F-89 Scorpion over a group of observers 20,000 feet below, detonating the W-25 warhead with a yield of 1.7 kilotons, producing a fireball 1,000 feet wide.  Just over one year later, the VooDoo would be presented with its chance for a live test.  

7/23/14: See a video of the test from ground zero.