Article

2011-03-09 China-Japan-Koreas

North Korea Nears Completion of Electromagnetic Pulse Bomb

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Posted by Uncle Phester 2011-03-09 12:08|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 Any airburst nuclear weapon is an EMP bomb, but most of the EMP effect is a cone directly beneath the airburst. So the more effective EMP, the higher up it is, up to a point.

That is why the typical example of an EMP detonation over the US is high altitude over Kansas, so the cone would be wide enough at its base to hit most of the US.

N.B.: EMP weapons are much less effective against military weapons, which are often shielded, or that have spare parts inside metal boxes that protect them.

Posted by Anonymoose 2011-03-09 13:11|| 2011-03-09 13:11|| Front Page Top

#2 Well, North Korea is safe. They don't have any electronics.

Posted by DarthVader 2011-03-09 13:20|| 2011-03-09 13:20|| Front Page Top

#3 Moose,

You're right as far as it goes, but keep in mind that since the power of an EMP burst is a function of altitude and weapon strength the Nork weapons seen so far would actually do little serious damage to us. Now, there are conventional EMP weapons that have very short range and blast power, and they've been used successfully - but one of these with enough oomph to do the job would be the size of a supertanker.
The one other thing the Norks seem to have forgotten is that the B-1 and B-2 fleets, along with Trident and Minuteman, do quite nicely without any GPS at all, especially the aircraft. A strike of that nature would be considered a strategic nuclear attack, and be answered accordingly.

Mike

Posted by Mike Kozlowski 2011-03-09 13:40|| 2011-03-09 13:40|| Front Page Top

#4 A couple points:

You don't need nukes for an EMP bomb. You can create a magnetic field and squeeze it with conventional explosives.

High over Kansas may be the ideal location for strategic use, but I suspect setting one off on top of a parking garage would mess up a good chunk of a city.

The Norks are already up to their ears in the illegal arms business. An EMP bomb would bring in a big pile of hard currency. Who might want one is left as an exercise to the reader.

Posted by SteveS 2011-03-09 13:57|| 2011-03-09 13:57|| Front Page Top

#5 All too true Mike and Moose, but North America is almost certainly not NKOR's target.

The primary problem of the Obama Doctrine is essentially what is the Obama Doctrine?

How would it respond to various uses which NKOR could choose? Does anyone know? China, Russia, Japan, the ROK, Taiwan? Anyone?

Posted by Halliburton - Mysterious Conspiracy Division 2011-03-09 14:01|| 2011-03-09 14:01|| Front Page Top

#6 A strike of that nature would be considered a strategic nuclear attack, and be answered accordingly.

If the POTUS decides handwringing is an appropriate and sufficient answer then handwringing it will be.

The Taliban are being forgiven for 9/11 so why shouldn't the NORKS take their chance? If there should be any doubt, however unreasonable, re the origin of an attack they will have nothing to fear.

Posted by Goober Throlumble3538 2011-03-09 14:33|| 2011-03-09 14:33|| Front Page Top

#7 #2 Well, North Korea is safe. They don't have any electronics.
Posted by: DarthVader 2011-03-09 13:20

Good one Darth. Wonder what the downside of flint, or possibly, Wintergreen Lifesavers, no longer sparking might be.... ;->

Posted by Uncle Phester 2011-03-09 14:51|| 2011-03-09 14:51|| Front Page Top

#8 The Taliban controlled/funded by the Pak ISI/Saudi Govt are forgiven for 9/11!

Posted by Angeretle Snore6772 2011-03-09 15:32|| 2011-03-09 15:32|| Front Page Top

#9 what is the Obama Doctrine?

Not missing Tee time at the local golf course and trying to deal with bullies in the schoolhouse playground.

Everything else is 'above his pay grade'...

Posted by CrazyFool 2011-03-09 17:51|| 2011-03-09 17:51|| Front Page Top

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