What is the weakest possible full nuclear weapon?

[RNfanDan]

BTW, what ever became of the "Neutron Bomb"? The last I heard (years and years ago), was a generalization that "it kills without destroying", theoretically an improvement over wasteful demolition � l� Hiroshima, for example.

Haven't seen the term used in a long time, tho....

[Werner]

Enhanced Radiation Weapon. The USA's last weapon was dismantled in 2003, although China and France possess them, and France is the only country known to have tested them.

[Seasick]

BTW, what ever became of the "Neutron Bomb"? The last I heard (years and years ago), was a generalization that "it kills without destroying", theoretically an improvement over wasteful demolition � l� Hiroshima, for example.

The heavy X-rays and Microwaves emitted by the bomb are bad enough to render the "undestroyed" area uninhabitable for the same length of time as a regular nuke or only twice the price. There is no clear advantage in having it.

[Werner]

Heavy? X-Rays?

The neutron flux can induce significant amounts of short-lived secondary radioactivity in the environment in the high flux region near the burst point. The alloys used in steel armor can develop radioactivity that is dangerous for 24-48 hours. If a tank exposed to a 1 kt neutron bomb at 690 m (the effective range for immediate crew incapacitation) is immediately occupied by a new crew, they will receive a lethal dose of radiation within 24 hours.

One significant drawback of the weapon is that not all targeted troops will die or be incapacitated immediately. After a brief bout of nausea, many of those hit with about 5-50 Sv of radiation will experience a temporary recovery (the latent or "walking ghost phase") lasting days to weeks.