3 ms·
My understanding was that it was designed so that traffic could route around the destroyed segments. So if 9 out of the 10 routes between Lawrence Livermore and
by RegnisGnaw 2y ago
My understanding was that it was designed so that traffic could route around the destroyed segments. So if 9 out of the 10 routes between Lawrence Livermore and say MIT was destroyed, it would route traffic via the last route. Obviously if Lawrence Livermore is destroyed, this is all moot.
Also you have to remember back then the nukes were smaller.
- rbanffy 2y ago> Also you have to remember back then the nukes were smaller. I always had the impression they actually got smaller, as more precise targeting reduces the need for higher yields. If you know your bomb will detonate inside a building, you might as well use a conventional warhead and avoid all the diplomatic fallout of nuking someone.
- dredmorbius 2y agoWho needs nukes when you've got the flying ginsu? <https://apnews.com/article/hellfire-r9x-al-zawahri-d0d25b7ed4059750b4add024322fe17c https://apnews.com/article/hellfire-r9x-al-zawahri-d0d25b7ed...> Yes, more precise targeting / flight controls means smaller warheads, or simply kinetic-kill munitions. Shaped charges also pack a punch depending on where your delivery is intended. And of course, there is a nuclear version of same: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_shaped_charge https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_shaped_charge>
- rbanffy 2y ago> And of course, there is a nuclear version of same: Sounds useful for demolition.
- dredmorbius 2y agoThe Casaba-Howitzer was the weaponised application, apparently intended as a beam weapon. The mind boggles at what a nuclear shaped charge might accomplish. The other use envisioned was for Project Orion, the nuclear-bomb-powered spaceship proposal. Directed blast would make for more efficient propulsion, it seems.
- rbanffy 2y agoPlus, it's always better when most of the energy is communicated as Tungsten plasma.
- dredmorbius 2y agoTungsten Plasma Beam Communication is my next band name.
- rbanffy 2y agoI’d buy the tracks.
- jjk166 2y agoNukes were much bigger then.
- baq 2y agoNukes were bigger, we have more smaller warheads now since we're interested in glassing surface area instead of setting volume on fire.