Article
Not So Unthinkable
IEEE Spectrum
(2003)
Abstract
Discusses developments which offer scenarios that, to some military strategists, would justify the use of nuclear weapons. The sorts of nuclear weapons likely to figure into war planners' recommendations are much smaller than those designed to wipe out entire cities, and they would be targeted at hardened, isolated military installations. Broadly speaking, nuclear weapons fall into two categories. Strategic weapons have explosive yields in the range of several hundred kilotons up to several megatons. Tactical weapons have much lower yields, down to a few kilotons. Strategic weapons were meant to destroy an entire city. Tactical nuclear weapons were intended for use at closer range-for example, on a battlefield, perhaps launched by a large artillery cannon.
Disciplines
Publication Date
March, 2003
DOI
10.1109/MSPEC.2003.1184438
Publisher Statement
© Copyright 2003 IEEE - All rights reserved.
Citation Information
Jim Gover and Paul G. Huray. "Not So Unthinkable" IEEE Spectrum Vol. 40 Iss. 3 (2003) p. 15 - 16 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jim-gover/25/