The 'RL' Carrying Case

The 'RL' radiation calculator and its instruction manual are carried in a black two-pocket simulated leather case with fabric lining.  This protects both items the elements.  It is closed by means of a single metal snap button.

The Front Scales of the 'RL'

Here is a view of the scales on the front of the RL radiation calculator.  This device is used to determine the estimated effects of a nuclear detonation on the surrounding area.  This is used for both pre-strike analysis to determine the effect a strike will have on the enemy, as well as post strike damage assessments.

It accomplishes this by estimating the size of several zones where fallout and militarily significant radiation will accumulate after a specific period of time.  Table 1, is concerned with the size of the fallout area.  The pink scales on the right side are used to measure the area and strength of the explosion, while the blue scales on the left are used to estimate the track of the cloud.  The cutouts on each side are so that the user can manipulate the inner wheel of the calculator.

The back scales of the 'RL'

The scales on the reverse side of the calculator are shown here.  These deal primarily with determining how much radiation exists in the fallout zones and how rapidly the rate of radiation will decay.

Table 2 has factors relating to predicting how doses of radiation will weaken (attenuation factors),  Table 3 ,

The circular graphic in the center is Table 4, it deals with various conversion factors.  The outer white ring is entitled "Loss, per thousand", the blue ring is entitled "Factors", the yellow ring is for "Dose Level", while both the the red ring and innermost blue circle are for "Time After Explosion."

The final table, Table 5, again deals with attenuation factors, which are important during radiological survey missions.

This is a picture of the military manual that is included with the RL radiation calculator. Our example was published in 1966, which helps date the time when the device was used.

Inside the manual are basic instruction for using the RL device, how to use its results to calculate downwind fallout predictions, and estimate the size of the attack based on the cloud height.