When a U.S. ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) surfaced for a rare visit to South Korea this week it was a blunt reminder that Washington always has nuclear-tipped missiles deployed within close striking distance of North Korea, analysts said.
An Ohio-class submarine carries 20 Trident II D5 missiles, each of which can deliver up to eight nuclear warheads to targets as far as 12,000 km (7,500 miles) away.
Let me get this straight. Do these missiles split into 8 individual warheads that can hit individual targets? Or do they just pack 8 warheads together for bigger boom? Or is it more of a cluster bomb kind of deal?
On one hand, cool. On the other, especially considering what’s hot in the movies recently, bloody hell that’s a bit too many bombs, isn’t it?
The Trident II missiles are MIRV-capable, so 8 warheads per missile, which can hit targets a few hundred kilometers apart (exact numbers are not available for the public)
Multiple independent warheads that can hit different targets. Also, they can actually carry up 12 warheads each , but the US limits the number deployed to meet treaty obligations. And each boat can has 20 missile tubes.
Let me get this straight. Do these missiles split into 8 individual warheads that can hit individual targets? Or do they just pack 8 warheads together for bigger boom? Or is it more of a cluster bomb kind of deal?
On one hand, cool. On the other, especially considering what’s hot in the movies recently, bloody hell that’s a bit too many bombs, isn’t it?
They split up and can hit different targets. It also makes anti missile air defense harder
The Trident II missiles are MIRV-capable, so 8 warheads per missile, which can hit targets a few hundred kilometers apart (exact numbers are not available for the public)
Multiple independent warheads that can hit different targets. Also, they can actually carry up 12 warheads each , but the US limits the number deployed to meet treaty obligations. And each boat can has 20 missile tubes.
It’s a lot of Armageddon in a small space.