Interesting article on new nukes:
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-new-nukes-20141130-story.html#page=2
Funny how the architects of stockpile stewardship want to cry wolf and return to testing. I thought NIF, QMU, and the subcritical program eliminated the need for new warheads and testing. Article also discusses the LLNL "Frankenbomb" idea that was DOA, especially with the navy. Johnny Foster still has it going on though.
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-new-nukes-20141130-story.html#page=2
Funny how the architects of stockpile stewardship want to cry wolf and return to testing. I thought NIF, QMU, and the subcritical program eliminated the need for new warheads and testing. Article also discusses the LLNL "Frankenbomb" idea that was DOA, especially with the navy. Johnny Foster still has it going on though.
Comments
And yes, the LLNL design was determined by NNSA to be superior for the defined requirements.
Then Domenici killed it because that was the wrong political answer.
I though the LANL design was determined to be better but LANL had the meth scandal so they gave it to LLNL and then test everyone for drugs.
Time to start learning Mandarin so that we can speak to our colonial masters.
December 3, 2014 at 8:15 PM
If you were involved, you know it was much more than a "paper study." It was the most focused and comprehensive analysis of a new design since the cessation of testing. The new design ideas were ground-breaking and unique, with plenty of backup from old testing data and new subcrit and hydro test data to support them. Many new weapon designers were tutored through the process by experience folks, and that aspect was invaluable to the current capabilities of the program.
There is no political will in this country to resurrect it. Only the approaching outbreak of WW III might cause our Congress to reconsider this option. We are a long way off from that scenario.
December 3, 2014 at 8:43 PM
The meth scandal you refer to is the Quintana event, where numerous classified files were discovered in a trailer that served as a meth dealing den. While we are at it, let's go ahead and recall just which part of the Lab Quintana worked in. Yes, it was in weapons.
Hint: the AD for weapons for the time when Quintana was hauling classified files into a known meth den is now the Lab Director. While the meth scandal may have derailed the LANL design, it did nothing to slow down Charlie's rise to the top.
Priceless.
December 4, 2014 at 9:43 PM
Actually, the actions of Putin in Ukraine and the rise of IS in the Middle East pretty accurately mirror the "approaching outbreak" of WWII, which most people also missed at the time. Pearl Harbor with nukes will be a lot more interesting.
December 5, 2014 at 1:21 PM
I guess you could calculate it if you knew the data. Oh, wait, that's what is actually done.
December 5, 2014 at 2:17 PM"
Ah yes, if you knew what I know, you would also believe. But, I can't tell you what I know, because it is, wait for it,-- CLASSIFIED!
This sorry excuse has been used for generations to cover up truly inept and useless waste of taxpayers dollars on so called stewardship. The so-called research funded by NNSA would never stand up to the kind of peer review that is expected of science these days. It is only reviewed by corrupt panels dependent on NNSA $ for paying off their mortgages.
In the decline of every empire there is moment where a decision is made that means there is no going back and the end is just a matter of time. Has the moment passed the US?
December 5, 2014 at 3:41 PM
Since you don't actually know any facts on this subject, you can make any claims you want. Ho Hum.
December 5, 2014 at 6:06 PM
Yeah, ICF ignition codes are the same as nuclear weapon performance codes. You are so knowledgeable!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-koehler/beyond-mad-reviving-nucle_b_6272094.html
Wow! I guess that can be added to Charlie's long and growing list of major management FUs. Amazing.
Kinda condescending and devoid of real analysis or insight. But he's got a point about the rats. I mean, does a rat infestation mean that we need to build more nukes, or does it just mean the people controlling the expenses there need to spend a few grand on professional exterminators?
Problem solved! And we know the Russian nukes work, because they've been investing heavily in new missiles and other nuclear technology.
December 7, 2014 at 2:38 PM
Right. Their nukes work because they are investing in delivery systems? They haven't tested in over 20 years either. NK will be outpacing the US and Russia very soon.