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From: vrdxhq!vrdxhq.verdix.com!bobs@uunet.UU.NET (bobs)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Kissinger on Micronukes
Summary: micronukes
Message-ID: <5514@cbnews.ATT.COM>
Date: 7 Apr 89 23:12:47 GMT
References: <5470@cbnews.ATT.COM>
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From: vrdxhq!vrdxhq.verdix.com!bobs@uunet.UU.NET (bobs)

> 
> From: sun!portal!cup.portal.com!mmm
> As I recall, Henry Kissinger in one of his books used as an example of
> how technology can suddenly change the political environment, a speculation
> of the effect of the development of a nuclear bullet.  In particular, 
> sponge californium.  Californium has a critical mass of a few grams, so
> in principle a bullet might be developed which would produce a nuclear
> explosion on impact.

I remember reding that the depleted uranium rounds of the GAU-8
( 30 mm gun on A-10s) deforms enough on penetration that it becomes
a critical mass and puts out a burst of radiation. I believe gamma
was mentioned but it has been a while. The emphasis of the report was
that the radiation was enough to have an affect on the vehicle crew.
Source was a report in "For your Eyes Only" column in The old 
Strategy & Tactics magazine. I can dig up the original cite if desired.

Bob Smart (bsmart@verdix.com)

[mod.note:  I'll head off a number of probably replies by stating, 
"I don't buy it."  I understand that DU (depleted uraniaum) has a
significant pyrophoric effect (i.e., it burns), but I sincerely doubt
that it can be brought to any degree of fusion by this impact,
tremendous though it may be.

That said, I invite anyone who knows (and can say) anything factual
in this regard to contradict or vindicate me. 8-)   - Bill ]