[wretchard]

Although the bomb has an explosive weight of only 13,000 pounds, FAEs are approximately 7 to 10 times more effective than conventional bombs because they utilize the atmospheric air as an oxidant and they have a slower pressure wave. Hence the bomb is about the equivalent of 100,000 pounds explosive power or about 50 tons. That would put it at .5 kilotons. Not too shabby.

[rightwing2]

FAEs are approximately 7 to 10 times more effective than conventional bombs because they utilize the atmospheric air as an oxidant and they have a slower pressure wave. Hence the bomb is about the equivalent of 100,000 pounds explosive power or about 50 tons. That would put it at .5 kilotons. Not too shabby.

Interesting analysis. Where do you get your info that FAEs are 7-10 times more powerful than conventional explosives of the same weight? BTW, 50 tons equals .05KT not .5KT which would be equivalent to 500 tons of TNT. We used to have nuclear artillery shells in the .1KT range as did the Russkies so we are definitely approaching micronuke yield here.