VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
CHAPTER 12
NBC Warfare
12000 HAZARDS FROM NUCLEAR BURSTS
At the outset of warfare, it will be necessary to assume that any attack on a large or important formation
may be nuclear, and the possibility of a surprise attack by a nuclear-capable enemy cannot be discounted.
The effects of a nuclear burst will vary widely with the type of burst, yield, depth of water, and
meteorological situation. Specific geographical information pertaining to the characteristics, effects, plotting,
and forecasting of nuclear bursts can be found in ATP 45. The most significant hazards are:
a. Light flash, thermal radiation, and initial nuclear radiation effects, including transient radiation
effects on electronics (TREE).
b. Electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
c. Blast and underwater shock.
d. Residual radiation.
12001 TYPES OF BURST
a. Exoatmospheric or High Altitude Bursts. These occur at or above 30 km altitude. They
will produce EMP over large areas of the earth’s surface and may damage electronic equipment. Magnetohydrodynamic
disturbances in the ionosphere may affect long-range communication (HF). Disruption
may last up to several hours, pending yield and height of burst.
b. Air burst. This occurs within the atmosphere where the fireball does not touch the surface. Significant
fallout will not occur, but blast and thermal effects will be maximized in the area of weapon effects.
c. Surface Burst. This occurs within the atmosphere where the fireball touches the surface, producing
a significant amount of fallout.
d. Underwater Burst. This will produce predominantly shock and base surge. The effects will
be modified by depth of burst, sea bed reflection, and surface refraction.
12002 FLASH AND INITIAL RADIATION EFFECTS
Light flash, thermal radiation, and initial gamma radiation are of relatively short duration. Gamma
radiation damages all living organisms and some material, but material damage by some other weapon effect
such as blast is nearly always more significant. Ships must rely on their own protective measures to
shield against effects of light flash and thermal radiation and to reduce the effects of gamma radiation. The
effects of initial radiation on electronics (i.e., TREE), may be very great, especially on digital systems.
Electronics start to be affected at 105 Centigreys/sec and this may well be the only effect that a small nuclear
weapon would have on a ship. User checks are the only way of ascertaining whether or not electronic
equipment has been affected.
12-1 ORIGINAL