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Science & Technology
This new nuclear-armed US bomb may be the most dangerous weapon in America's arsenal
2015-07-29
According to the Federation of American Scientists, the B61-12 will be able to strike within 30 meters of its target. This accuracy allows the bomb to destroy targets that would have previously necessitated the use of a larger but more indiscriminate weapon.

As a result of the bomb's relatively low yield, the weapon would produce less nuclear fallout than earlier nuclear weapons, something which would limit unintended casualties from a nuclear attack.

But this lower fallout also lowers the cost and scope of a nuclear strike -- which could in turn increase the possibility that the bomb would actually be used in a military engagement.

As it is, the B61-12 may actually expand the range of possible US nuclear targets. In a 2014 conference organized by the Stimson Center, retired US Air Force General Norton Schwartz said that the B61-12's target set goes beyond that of previous gravity-guided nuclear bombs in the US military. This effectively means that the US could now consider the use of aircraft-delivered lower-yield nuclear weapons in a wider range of scenarios.
Posted by:Blossom Unains5562

#4  Those nukes (for 155 arty) were still in use in the late 70's,early 80's.
Posted by: tipover   2015-07-29 11:55  

#3  within 30 meters of its target
previous gravity-guided nuclear bombs

So, a LGB strap-on for 50's era nuke capable artillery shells?

Posted by: Skidmark   2015-07-29 11:19  

#2  ...the US could now consider the use of aircraft-delivered lower-yield nuclear weapons in a wider range of scenarios.

Against Washington's enemies? Like Tea Party assemblies? Fox News? Rush?
Posted by: Procopius2k   2015-07-29 09:20  

#1  General "Buck" Turgidson: "Mr. President, I'm not saying we wouldn't get our hair mussed. But I do say no more than ten to twenty million killed, tops. Uh, depending on the breaks."

Dr Strangelove is one of the best movies ever. Its free on Amazon Prime if yer interested.
Posted by: BrerRabbit   2015-07-29 04:56  

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