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> The missile-defense system work by using SAMs (Surface-to-Air Missiles). Having a nuke counter an ICBM will lead to far worse fallout. While you're correct, t
by dragontamer 5y ago
> The missile-defense system work by using SAMs (Surface-to-Air Missiles). Having a nuke counter an ICBM will lead to far worse fallout. While you're correct, the planes don't want to be in that crossfire, the missile targeting system would more than easily account for civilian aircraft and avoid them.
ICBMs travel in excess of Mach 10, and typical SAMs are Mach 1 to Mach 5.
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Instead of using a small explosive to bring down an enemy nuke, surely there's an idea to use a bigger counter-nuke? Sure, there's going to be a ton of fallout, but that's still better than losing the entirety of San Francisco.
Its a lot easier to hit an enemy missile with a big-bomb, rather than using a little bomb. IE: load those SAMs with nukes and have at it. Even if you're slower, you got the strength and blast-radius of a nuke and have a better chance of bringing down the enemy ICBM.
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I don't think its an issue of "airplanes would be hit by a SAM". I think it's seriously the risk of airplanes literally getting caught in the blasts (that were aimed at the enemy missile).
- ceejayoz 5y ago> Instead of using a small explosive to bring down an enemy nuke, surely there's an idea to use a bigger counter-nuke? Yes; Russia protects Moscow with such a system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-135_anti-ballistic_missile_system https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-135_anti-ballistic_missile_s...
- chemeng 5y agoThe US relies primarily on the Aegis system for ICBM defense, which uses the SM-3 capable of Mach 10+. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIM-161_Standard_Missile_3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIM-161_Standard_Missile_3
- ethbr0 5y agoAs with all things military, why have one project in a well funded area, when you can have many?! Army - Patriot Army / Missile Defense Agency - THAAD Army / Air Force / Missile Defense Agency - Ground-Based Midcourse Defense w/ GMI Navy - Aegis w/ SM-3 (also, Aegis Ashore)
- baseballdork 5y agoThese aren't typical SAMs. They're ABMs. Something like the SM-3[1] has a similar velocity as an incoming ballistic missile. ABM tech tends to rely on hit-to-kill instead of detonating a warhead. [1] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIM-161_Standard_Missile_3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIM-161_Standard_Missile_3
- throwaway946513 5y agoThank you, I forgot the name of the ABM missiles. SAMs are conventionally used as anti-aircraft missiles.
- lobocinza 5y agoDidn't know about this one. It greatly surpass in speed the old but famous Patriot missiles.