Arsenal : Understanding Weapons in the Nuclear Age [first edition]

In "Arsenal, understanding weapons in the nuclear age" a knowledgeable scientist, Kosta Tsipis, explains in layman's terms the physics and technology of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems. Dr. Tsipis explains how different types of nuclear bombs are constructed, how missiles find their target, the source and ultimate fate of radioactivity, the engineering problems relating to critical mass-and includes an in-depth discussion of the killing power of nuclear weapons, electromagnetic pulse, and the potential depletion of the ozone layer by nuclear bomb blasts. Considerations of cost, efficiency and practicality lead him to doubt the utility of particle beam weapons, are examples of topics raised in the book. In the process he raises disturbing questions about the vulnerability and often the utility of some major weapons systems. Arsenal is the first book to make public and accessible the critically important information required for a real understanding of nuclear weapons and nuclear warfare.