Navy wants 'safer' bomb

Discussion in 'Off-Topic' started by Colonel Ronan, Sep 10, 2010.

  1. Colonel Ronan

    Colonel Ronan Continue...?

    There is no safe bomb.

    http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20727776.200-us-navy-seeks-safer-bomb.html

    COULD a variable-yield bomb reduce the number of innocent people killed or injured during an air attack targeting enemy soldiers? That's the thinking behind a US navy plan to develop a "dial-a-blast" bomb.

    The navy is seeking proposals from companies to create a bomb weighing 200 kilograms that can either be detonated at full or reduced power. The idea is that the device could be loaded onto planes before a target has been identified, and the explosive power set by the pilot once a target is known. If there is a risk of killing civilians, then the explosive power can be reduced to ensure a small blast radius. In an unpopulated area the bomb, currently known as the Selectable Output Weapon, could be set so that it has the same power as a regular bomb of the same size. Carrying a single bomb would make it easier and cheaper for the navy to arm its planes.
     
  2. CelticKing

    CelticKing The Green Monster

    lol safer bomb? it still kills doesnt it?

    :(
     
  3. MikeDC

    MikeDC Member

    Heh, that's a stupid idea. On the other hand, safer bombs isn't. One was accidentally blown up on an aircraft carrier my dad was on and killed a bunch of people.
     
  4. CelticKing

    CelticKing The Green Monster

    ^ Yeah that's different Mike, in that case they can improve them so that they're stable etc., but to say they want a bomb that they can control it's power, you're still killing with it..its not any safer.
     
  5. Colonel Ronan

    Colonel Ronan Continue...?

    They can be safer for the people shooting the rocket, sure.
     

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