Bunker Busters

New Scientist ^ | 14 July 2005 | David Hambling

[Poincare]

The nukes aren't the problem nor are the folks who design and manufacture them. The problem is the folks in command and control of the nukes.

Amen. And we should avoid insulting the rest of the Persian people.

[Waywardson]

One final thought. Correct me if I'm wrong; these are gravity bombs which would limit their terminal velocity. I wonder if someone has thought to put a nice rocket assist to push up the velocity for greater penetration? It could be very high G boost since the firing mechanism is already built to take it. Wonder how deep it could go if it was traveling at Mach 8 at impact?

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A golf ball at that speed would destroy whatever it hit !!

[OregonRancher]

Yep, a small Zeus rocket (8000 mph)to give it a little extra speed would do quiet well. The first ablative shielding was developed for this little monster as it litterally would burn up from friction as it accelerated through the atmosphere. Acceleration was something like 300 g's.

[butternut_squash_bisque]

At Mach 8, it would surely get some attention.

[OregonRancher]

Especially if you're on the ground looking up, not for long though.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Amen. And we should avoid insulting the rest of the Persian people.

I agree and therein is the strategic challenge for the Bush administration. If you try to take out command and control, many of whom are probably not very popular with a large segment of the Persian people, how well can you limit collateral damage to the allegedly pro-American majority and how much collateral damage will that alleged majority accept without turning on us. A revolution from within Iran would be preferable, but I see little cause for optimism that will happen soon enough.