I’ve always wondered why only nuclear bombs detonate before hitting the ground and not the actual moment of impact. Does it affect the amount of damage? or does it reduce nuclear waste and radiation?
In: Physics
It differs by purpose of the nuclear explosion. An airburst (explosion above the surface) maximizes the affected area, because a smaller share of the energy will be stopped by soil and structures to the sides. You basically make the energy of the explosion rain down on the area instead of letting most of it be used to move large amounts of soil.
But if the target is a single high value or tough to crack target like a bunker then a direct hit is the preffered strategy
By the way the same is true for larger conventional bombs and missiles. Against dispersed soft targets like a collection of soldiers you’ll usually let it explode above them to spread the effect out
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