[Red in Blue PA]

That is outside the harbor, which would be bad.

But over a US city would be devastation both physically and psychologically.

[cynwoody]

That is outside the harbor, which would be bad.

But over a US city would be devastation both physically and psychologically.

In the modern day and age, I would think you'd give your nuke some smarts (and probably a cell phone, too). That way, on reaching New York harbor, it would check that item off its to-do list and phone home for further instructions. If the call doesn't go through, it could fall back on waiting to be unpacked at its destination (1 WTC, Vesey St. 10006?) or for any attempt to disarm it or transport it away from NYC. Lots of things are possible if you give your gadget some situational awareness.