A Low-Yield, Submarine-Launched Nuclear Warhead: Overview of the Expert Debate

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1146810 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Trump Administration is developing a new low-yield version of the W-76 warhead for existing submarine launched Trident II (D-5) missiles. Unclassified sources state that the current W76-1 warhead has an explosive yield of around 100 kilotons. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has said the low-yield version, the W76-2, would be configured "for primary-only detonation." This could mean a yield of less than 10 kilotons.

Author(s):
Woolf, Amy F.
Author Organization(s):
Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service
Funding Organization(s):
Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service, Washington , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2020 Jan 10
Pagination:
3

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
nuclear weapons, united states, nuclear warheads, submarine launched, weapons, congress, warning systems, deployment, detection, deterrence, law, submarines, warheads, cold war, conventional warfare, cruise missiles, department of defense
Keyword(s):
Low-Yield D-5 Warhead, W-76 warhead, slbm(SUBMARINE LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILES), slbm warheads, discrimination, Submarine Vulnerability
Subject Categories:
Ordnance; Mechanical, Industrial, Civil and Marine Engineering
Creation Date:
2021 Sep 08
Update Date:
2021 Oct 01