TM 3-6665-304-10
SECTION II
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
4.
General
Use of the area predictor requires a knowledge of windspeed and wind direction, actual or estimated yield of the nuclear
weapon detonated, and location of ground zero (GZ). Normally, the user of the area predictor will have to estimate the
yield and determine the location of ground zero (FM 3-12). Nuclear burst data may also be derived from nuclear burst
reports that are transmitted by units observing the burst. Windspeed and wind direction are obtained from the effective
downwind message.
5.
Effective Downwind Message
a. The effective downwind message is prepared in the Tactical Operations Center of major commands. It is
transmitted to subordinate units each time new upper air data are received. The last effective downwind message is used
for fallout prediction. Effective downwind messages that are more than 12 hours old should not be used.
b. The format for the effective downwind
2-1
