Weapons & delivery systems

Neutron Bomb

A small thermonuclear weapon designed to maximize neutron radiation output relative to blast and thermal effects.

Also called an "enhanced radiation weapon," the neutron bomb releases roughly 80% of its energy as fast neutrons, which kill biological targets without destroying buildings. Originally conceived as a battlefield anti-tank weapon, the W70 neutron warhead was deployed briefly in the 1980s and retired by 1992.

Related terms

Thermonuclear Weapon

Synonym for hydrogen bomb — a nuclear weapon whose primary energy comes from fusion reactions.

Tactical Nuclear Weapon

A nuclear weapon designed for battlefield use, typically with low yield (sub-kiloton to ~50 kilotons) and short range.

See the full Nuclear Weapons Glossary.