>>Weaponization now complete says Indian scientists.
>>Technically speaking what exactly does this mean?????
Mohan,
A first-generation test of a real "H bomb" could be a very large test apparatus rigged up for the sole purpose of seeing if it will work.
H bomb designs, because they have a primary (fission) stage and a second physically separate secondary (fusion/fission) stage can be large in size and weight.
Once found that the design concept works, it needs to be packaged into a form that can be delivered as a weapon, or weaponized. The major constraints are size and weight, as well as being able to withstand whatever environmental conditions could be encountered prior to reaching the target. And it's not just the weapon itself that goes into the package, it's also the arming/fusing system, batteries for power, and some type of safety/security system to prevent unauthorized use. All that extra "stuff" is not needed for a first test of the device.
The easiest approach to weaponization would be to design an H bomb that could be delivered in a truck by just driving it somewhere and setting it of with a timer or remote control. But the problem for this approach is getting it across the border.
After that, fitting it into a large bomb dropped by a bomber plane would be tried. Bomber planes have the disadvantage of being subject to attack by air defenses. Also, think of the vibrational forces faced by a falling object. They are practically nil until impact. The major worry would be making sure that the altimeter fuse set it off before it was destroyed by impact with the ground.
Finally, one would try to fit it into the warhead of a ballistic missile. Missiles travel at extremely high speed, with high g forces during launch, and very high noise and vibration levels that the assembly would have to withstand. Once launched, (despite ongoing U.S. programs to develop missile defenses) the major worry is missing the target.
Bear in mind that if you have an arrangement of items that must remain "just so" it's safest to use a delivery method that imposes the least stress on the machinery.
The Indians haven't said that they could fit their H bomb into the warhead of a missile--just that they could weaponize at least one of their concepts (IMO, probably the sub-kiloton battlefield device).
Please (you and all) let me know if you find any other technical details on the project by replying to me. That way I won't miss this information. Thanks.
David |
