B61 NUCLEAR BOMB HELPS AMERICA’S ENEMIES THINK TWICE
When it comes to thermonuclear gravity bombs, the B61 is America’s go-to. Since the 1960s when the B61 nuclear bomb came to life from inception into full production, there have been many variations that continue to this day. Today, you can find the B61-12 at the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) in Nevada. Beginning in 2022, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) began producing the bomb. Hopefully, we’ll never use any iterations of the B61 bomb, but it ironically is still needed to help ensure that very action never happens. Nuclear weapons are complex. Here’s the story about one of the most important iterations America has ever created. Suggested read: Top Free Places to Camp and Unwind For Veterans
The Evolution of the B61
The creation of the B61 came to be after the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and U.S. Navy both wanted a lighter nuclear weapon. Flying has a lot of components involved and you need to consider weight in order to plan missions, fuel usage, and more. Los Alamos National Laboratory created a solution in 1965 after Sandia conducted reports and research to make it happen. Three years later, B61 nuclear bombs were in full swing. But just as lava lamps aren’t nearly as popular these days, times change, and with them, technology. The needs of America’s nuclear program have evolved over the last several decades. Even beyond the Cold War, new challenges and concerns persist. This means creating different weapons even when nuclear is still the goal. Over the years, there would be many variations of the B61. Not all of them were released into production but each variant did help advance capabilities. Even some of the older weapons are still technically available. Here’s a breakdown of each iteration from the past:
- 0: The original device that was created in the B61 gravity bomb family. It has been retired.
- 1: A retired option that came after the original. Some had a larger payload.
- 2: Also retired.
- 3: Still active. Smaller boom but more application due to tactical usage.
- 4: Another tactical option still in use with smaller explosions.
- 5: A tactical model that has been retired.
- 6: The design was there but ultimately, it was never mass-produced and was cancelled.
- 7: Still active today, the B61-7 provides versatile payload options.
- 8: Was not produced.
- 9: Also was not produced.
- 10: Retired Pershing II W85 warheads were used to create them. Today, they are inactive.
- 11: Still active and believed by some to deliver the largest payload out of any.
Each variation uses somewhat similar warheads. The options available are the W69, W73, W80, W80-0, W80-1, W81, W84, W85, and W86. Today, while some have been retired and others are in use, a new sheriff is in town. The B61 12 was approved for full production and it’s believed that as many as 500 nuclear weapons are in the making for the United States.
What Is B61-12 Nuclear Gravity Bomb?
The B61-12 air-dropped gravity bomb is a modern solution to nuclear warfare. After testing and development at TTR, the B61 12 nuclear bomb is expected to be an important tactical and strategic option on the battlefield. To this date, the United States remains the only country to use nuclear weapons in war and would like to keep it that way. Not only for a means of power and national security but to ensure the future of mankind as a whole.
If You Want to Stop Nuclear War You’re Going to Need Nuclear Bombs
Nuclear weapons are often associated with images we’ve seen of World War II, the Cold War, or an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), such as Minuteman III. But the truth is, there are many different types of nuclear weapons out there. For example, an ICBM is going to easily reach a payload of well more than 3,000 kg. Tactical devices can deliver smaller, yet still very devastating attacks, that are a fraction of the explosive force brought on by larger weapons. Smaller weapons may not be as destructive but they help deliver easier and different methods of striking targets with nuclear devices. Therefore, the enemies and rivals of America are forced to think twice as an aircraft may just be possessing a much larger weapon than they expected and forgoing nuclear conflicts remains a better route.
Are Underground Targets Safe From the B61?
When you’re dealing with weapons of this nature, it’s important to remember that information is classified in many cases. Deciphering the truth from fiction is sometimes not possible unless you have direct knowledge and proper clearance. Regardless of whether or not the B61-12 can hit an underground bunker or not, this nuclear option is sure to lay enemies to rest regardless. As the B61 program continues to evolve, features may change, but the weapon proves more than capable of moving along with the times. Read next: New Nukes Draw Inspiration From the Gravity Bomb