ICBM vulnerability: Calculations, predictions, and error bars

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Am. J. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1119/1.15460· OSTI ID:7141766

Hobson, A

The theory of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silo vulnerability is reviewed, and the present and probable future (mid-1990s) vulnerability of US silos is analyzed. The analysis emphasizes methodology, sources of information, and uncertainties. US ICBMs might still be survivable today but they will certainly be vulnerable to ICBM attack, and perhaps even to submarine-launched ballistic missile attack, by the mid-1990s. These calculations are presented not only for their immediate importance but also to introduce other physicists to some of the quantitative methods that can be used to analyze international security topics.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
• OSTI ID: 7141766
• Journal Information: Am. J. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 56:9; ISSN AJPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450202* -- Explosions & Explosives-- Nuclear-- Weaponry-- (-1989)
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MISSILES
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
SAFEGUARDS
VULNERABILITY