Broken Arrows: The Lost Bombs of the Cold War

Watch Broken Arrows: The Lost Bombs of the Cold War

  • 2016
  • 1 Season

Broken Arrows: The Lost Bombs of the Cold War is a captivating documentary series from MagellanTV that delves into the forgotten history of nuclear weapons in the United States. The show explores the story of several nuclear bomber accidents, which occurred during the Cold War.

The series is comprised of four episodes, each providing an in-depth look at a particular accident. Viewers are given a chance to learn about some of the most catastrophic incidents involving nuclear weapons in US history, which were kept secret from the public for years.

The first episode, titled "The Day We Lost the H-Bomb," provides an overview of the events surrounding the fatal crash of a B-52 bomber in 1961, which had two nuclear bombs on board. While one of the bombs was safely recovered, the other was declared lost and remained missing for years. The episode explores the massive search mission that was launched to find the bomb and the lasting repercussions of the event.

The second episode, "Goldsboro, 1961," tells the story of another tragic accident from the same year. A B-52 bomber carrying two nuclear bombs crashed into a farm in North Carolina, causing extensive destruction. The episode explains how close the United States came to a nuclear disaster and how this accident led to significant changes in US nuclear policy.

The third episode, "Palomares, 1966," focuses on a mid-air collision between a B-52 bomber and a KC-135 tanker, which resulted in the spillage of four nuclear bombs over the coast of Spain. The episode details the massive cleanup operation that was launched and how this incident further highlighted the dangers of nuclear weapons.

The final episode, "Thule, 1968," tells the story of a B-52 bomber that crashed moments after takeoff, causing a nuclear bomb to break apart and scatter radioactive material across the Thule Air Base in Greenland. The episode highlights the secrecy surrounding US nuclear activities and the effects of radiation on the base's workers.

Throughout the series, experts provide insight into the factors that led to each accident and how they impacted not only the United States but also the global community. The documentary also touches on political and social repercussions of these incidents, including the impact on US-Soviet relations and the rise of the anti-nuclear movement.

Broken Arrows: The Lost Bombs of the Cold War is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, nuclear weapons, or Cold War politics. The series provides a unique and eye-opening perspective on the accidents that shook the world and the ongoing need for nuclear safety. With gripping storytelling and expert analysis, Broken Arrows will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

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Seasons
The 1960's
2. The 1960's
April 25, 2016
The 1966 Palomares B-52 crash occurred on 17 January 1966, when a B-52G bomber and a KC-135 tanker collided. The damage and radiation still exists to this day. In 1968 a B-52 bomber near Thule Air Base in Greenland crashed onto sea ice in North Star Bay. The explosives aboard to detonated and the nuclear payload to rupture and dispersed, resulting in radioactive contamination.
The 1960's
2. The 1960's
April 25, 2016
The 1966 Palomares B-52 crash occurred on 17 January 1966, when a B-52G bomber and a KC-135 tanker collided. The damage and radiation still exists to this day. In 1968 a B-52 bomber near Thule Air Base in Greenland crashed onto sea ice in North Star Bay. The explosives aboard to detonated and the nuclear payload to rupture and dispersed, resulting in radioactive contamination.
The 1950's
1. The 1950's
April 18, 2016
On 14 February 1950, a Convair B-36B plane crashed in northern British Colombia after jettisoning a Mark 4 nuclear bomb. This was the first such nuclear weapon loss in history. The Goldsboro B-52 crash was similar. Information newly declassified in 2013 showed that one of the bombs came very close to detonating which would have irreparably changed the North Carolina coastline.
The 1950's
1. The 1950's
April 18, 2016
On 14 February 1950, a Convair B-36B plane crashed in northern British Colombia after jettisoning a Mark 4 nuclear bomb. This was the first such nuclear weapon loss in history. The Goldsboro B-52 crash was similar. Information newly declassified in 2013 showed that one of the bombs came very close to detonating which would have irreparably changed the North Carolina coastline.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 18, 2016