Behind me stands the remains of the PM-1 nuclear
power station atop Warren Peak near Sundance
Wyoming.
The PM-1 nuclear power station was the first
portable nuclear power station ever constructed
in the United States.
The Pm-1 power station was designed to operate
3 large radars.
Warren Peak in the Bearlodge Mountains made
the perfect location for testing a new type
of power plant in extreme climatic conditions
with -45 degree winters and 102 degree summers.
The power plant was operated by The U.S. Air
Force and Army Nuclear Program from 1961 to
1968.
The power produced from the uranium fuel rods
powered a generator that produced enough energy
to heat the building and operate all 3 radars.
The entire plant was mobile and was flown
in 16 identical containers to Rapid City South
Dakota.
The containers were specially designed to
fit inside c-130 airplanes.
The rest of the movement was completed using
large trucks.
Although the Pm-1 nuclear power station has
been decommissioned, the foundation left behind
pays tribute to the great innovation developed
by the U.S. Air Force and Army Nuclear Power
Program.
From the University of Wyoming Extension,
I’m Brian Sebade, Exploring the Nature of
Wyoming.
