Operation Popeye: A true story of weather modification as a weapon

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The discussion centers on historical weather modification projects, particularly Operation Popeye, which aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese logistics by inducing rain over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Initially tested in 1966, the operation involved the USAF using C-130A aircraft for cloud seeding, although its success varied and the mission remained classified. The conversation also references Project Storm Fury, which sought to alter hurricanes, highlighting the controversial nature of using weather as a weapon. Additionally, a recent episode of The Science Channel's "Owning the Weather" explored these topics, including the High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (H.A.A.R.P.), which was discussed in relation to its potential for disrupting communications and altering the jet stream. The participants express skepticism about the legitimacy of these projects while acknowledging their historical significance.
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An interesting story that relates to weather modification conspiracy theories.

Of all the activities conducted by weather reconnaissance crews over the years, the most controversial involved attempts at weather modification. Remember the margarine commercial that said it wasn't nice to fool Mother Nature? Well similar things were said about efforts to alter hurricanes, which Air Weather Service attempted, along with NOAA, under Project Storm Fury. One of these days we'll discuss this effort in depth.

This month we're looking back at another weather modification project, dubbed Operation Popeye. This mission tried to disrupt North Vietnamese logistics by making rain over the "trail". After some success during a test in 1966, the USAF assigned 3 C-130A's to the 54th WRS and, on 17 March 1967, the Typhoon Chasers also became Rain Makers. The mission was classified and met with varying degrees of success. [continued]
http://www.awra.us/gallery-jan05.htm
 
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I should have included the reference to weather as a weapon in the original title...since that's the interesting part! :rolleyes:
 
Gotta wonder if this was related to the scheme to "soap" the trail.
 
Hey Ivan!

The other day on The Science Channel those two incidents were covered on the show called 'Owning the Weather'. I thought you may fnd that particular show pretty interesting considering you have expressed an interest in weather modification.

They even covered H.A.R.P., talked to the physicist that designed it as well as discussed how it was used not only to disrupt communications but also how it could be used to alter the jet stream by heating up the ionosphere.

I don't know if they will show it again and the site does not have anything available for that show except for the time listing. If you get a chance and they show it again I would recommend it.
 
Yep, that's where I heard about it. :biggrin:

I expected it to all be boloney, but obviously this and the hurricane project were for real.
 
Bystander said:
Gotta wonder if this was related to the scheme to "soap" the trail.

I think that operation washed out.
 
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