Nuclear Depth Bombs

[P1127]

Anyone know what year (and what type?) the FAA first started using nuclear depth charges?

Was it the WE177 derivative or did they use an American design first.

This IS for a what if......

[AeroplaneDriver]

The RN started using the WE177A in 1969 IIRC.  It could be delivered by fixed wing aircraft or helos and with the hydrostatic fuse could be used as a Nuclear Depth Bomb.  Yield was selectable between .5kt-10kt.

Before the WE177 RAF Shackletons carried US Mk101 NDBs, though I'm not sure when they entered service.  I seem to remember also reading that the RAF Nimrods carried hydrostatically fused US B57 bombs at times.  

So....whatcha buildin'?

[AeroplaneDriver]

After a bit of research, it seems the US bombs entered service on the Shack in 1965, and were deployed until '71.  

[P1127]

So....whatcha buildin'?

Gannet, kept in service for shore based duties beyond 1960, possibly RNVR

[AeroplaneDriver]

A nuclear Gannet???  I like the sound of that!