WWII Configuration Management Planning

WWII Configuration Management planning originated in the Manhattan Project.  History allows us to record our successes and failures, but more importantly, it allows us to learn from our mistakes. The Manhattan Project is a prime example.

WWII Configuration Management planning – Manhattan Project

The project allowed the United States to unlock the mysteries of the atom, but it also introduced the most destructive form of warfare known to mankind. More than 50 years later, nuclear weapons are still controversial.

"The Manhattan Project was a scientific breakthrough, a frantic race for life and death, and a revolution in warfare."

The Manhattan Project was the code name for the US effort during World War II to produce an atomic bomb. Although the project took place mainly in New Mexico, it was named after the Manhattan Engineer District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, based in New York City, where much of the early research was done.

The project lasted 4 years, between 1942 - 1946, and cost about $1.8 billion. Today, this amount would be equivalent to over $20 billion. The project was more than the typical military program to achieve weapons superiority.

WWII Configuration Management planning – Gadget

The project produced three bombs: the first bomb, known as "Gadget", was used as a test model in which the configuration was fully documented to allow the construction of the other two bombs.

The second bomb, known as "Little Boy", was detonated over the city of Hiroshima; and the final bomb, known as "Fat Man", was detonated over the city of Nagasaki.

The Manhattan Project was considered the ideal program because of its efficiency, its secrecy, and its cooperation among civilians, military officials, and scientists. It became the forerunner in nuclear development and control.

The project marked the beginning to an era of nuclear weapons and scientific discoveries. It also marks the start of Configuration Management.