Dismantling the Big Bomb (B53)

b53.jpgThe National Nuclear Security Administration today said it had authorized the Pantex assembly/disassembly plant at Amarillo, Texas, to begin dismantlement of the B53 weapon system -- one of the biggest nuclear bombs ever built. Each bomb is about the size of a mini-van, weighs about 10,000 lbs, and has an explosive yield of about 9 megatons.

"The NNSA completed an extensive safety review that included approval of a Documented Safety Analysis and completion of a Nuclear Explosive Safety Study. This authorization means NNSA can now perform work on all weapons," the federal agency said in announcing the work authorization.

Following the initial dismantlement of bombs at Pantex, some components will be sent to Y-12 for additional dismantlement. Oak Ridge workers have been conducting "dry runs" in recent months to prepare for the B53, and a spokesman said today that Y-12 is ready to begin work.

"Y-12 has been gearing up for this work for some time," spokesman Steven Wyatt said in an e-mail response to questions. "This effort has included the preparation of an area at Y-12 for this work and the installation of additional equipment. Installation is complete and readiness reviews have been completed. We are ready to begin this work and expect to begin our part of this work early this fiscal year."

The B53 was introduced into the U.S. nuclear stockpile in 1962 and was a major part of the Cold War deterrent. It was retired from the arsenal in 1997.

In a statement, NNSA Deputy Administrator Don Cook said:

"Gaining authorization to begin dismantlement of the B53 is a significant step forward for NNSA and the nation. It confirms NNSA's commitment to support President Obama's goal of reducing the number of nuclear weapons and their role in the U.S. national security strategy. Completion of the SS-21 project for the B53 marks the first time in over a decade that NNSA has the required authorizations in place to work on all nuclear weapon types in our nation's inventory."


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Posted by Frank Munger on October 13, 2010 at 12:07 PM | Bookmark and Share

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    Frank MungerSenior Writer Frank Munger covers the Dept. of Energy's Oak Ridge facilities and many related topics — nuclear weapons, nuclear waste and other things nuclear, environmental cleanup and science of all sorts. Atomic City Underground is, first and foremost, a news blog, but there's room for analysis, opinion and random thoughts that have no place else to go. Contact Frank.

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