Understanding Strategic Bombing Techniques: Why the Military Chooses Mid-Air Detonations Over Ground

The strategic detonation of nuclear weapons is a complex endeavor, influenced by various factors including the target, desired outcomes, and operational constraints. This article explores the four primary scenarios for detonating nuclear weapons: mid-air detonations, ground bursts, space bursts, and underwater bursts. It delves into the reasons behind these decisions and the unique effects each type of explosion has.

Mid-Air Detonations for Maximum Damage to Soft Targets

The most common type of nuclear weapon detonation, especially for soft targets such as cities, is the mid-air or airburst. Airbursts are characterized by their altitude above the target, typically ranging from 600 to 900 feet above ground level (AGL). This height allows the lethal radiation and shockwaves to maximize their destructive potential before falling back to the ground.

Examples include the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where the detonations occurred at approximately 600 to 900 feet AGL. Modern, more powerful bombs may explode at altitudes between 2 to 3 kilometers, depending on their size.

The rationale behind mid-air detonations for soft targets is straightforward: they achieve the greatest amount of damage by dispersing the explosion's energy over a wider area. Additionally, the burst's high altitude mitigates the risk of collateral damage from radioactive fallout, which would be more concentrated if the bomb detonated on the ground.

Ground Bursts for Hard Targets

When the goal is to inflict maximum damage on hard targets such as missile silos or underground bunkers, ground bursts or even ground penetration are preferred. Ground bursts involve the explosion occurring directly or nearly directly on the surface, or into the ground.

In the North Korean nuclear tests, for example, the primary explosion is not the only damage; the residual blast wave can continue to cause destruction for many seconds, allowing the explosion to penetrate deeply into the ground.

This type of explosion concentrates the energy into a smaller area, making it more effective for destroying deeply buried structures. The force of the explosion can cause structural collapse, triggering secondary explosions in nearby fortified structures, and causing significant amounts of radioactive fallout that can contaminate the surrounding environment.

Space Bursts for Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attacks

For attacks aimed at crippling electrical grids and electronic systems, space bursts are the preferred method. Detonations at altitudes of around 500 kilometers can generate massive electromagnetic pulses (EMP) that can cause extensive damage over a wide geographic area.

A 10-megaton explosion at such an altitude would be capable of wrecking the entire U.S. and Canadian electricity systems, and potentially even some parts of Mexico. This is due to the EMP's ability to affect a significantly larger area than ground or air bursts.

The space burst releases an ionized plasma fireball that expands to cover a much larger area than an explosion on the ground or in the atmosphere. This fireball interacts with Earth's magnetic field, creating high voltage pulses that can directly disrupt electronic systems and power grids.

Underwater Bursts for Naval Targets

When targeting naval assets like aircraft carriers, an underwater detonation is the most effective strategy. These explosions cause significantly more damage than surface bursts or low-altitude overhead explosions.

For instance, a 400-foot underwater burst from a several-megaton bomb could sink any ship within 10 kilometers. This type of explosion exploits the unique physics of water, which can amplify the shockwaves and create a much more destructive effect.

The underwater environment magnifies the explosive force, leading to increased structural damage and greater range of destruction. Navy planners consider this method when planning strikes against large naval formations, as it can effectively neutralize a wide range of threats with a single, well-placed explosion.

Conclusion

The choice of detonation method for nuclear weapons is a critical aspect of military strategy, heavily influenced by the intended target and the desired outcome. Ceiling bursts for soft targets, ground bursts for hard targets, space bursts for EMP attacks, and underwater bursts for naval targets represent the primary types of detonations employed by military forces. Each method has unique advantages and disadvantages, and the correct choice can make the difference between success and failure in a nuclear attack.