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rogerl
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Since nukes are being upgraded every so often, what happens to the older version?
What kind of nukes - nuclear weapons or nuclear reactors?rogerl said:Since nukes are being upgraded every so often, what happens to the older version?
Astronuc said:What kind of nukes - nuclear weapons or nuclear reactors?
As far as I know, the old U was down-blended (enrichment reduced) and the material used as fuel in reactors. The US is planning to do the same with the older Pu pits in stock. Russia has a similar program.rogerl said:The uranium and plutonium. Older ones have lower yield equal to twice of say Hiroshima explosive power. New nukes have 50 times the power. So what did they do with the older 1 kiloton uranium. throw it away or recycle it to create 10 kiloton uranium?
The purpose of upgrading older versions of nuclear weapons is to ensure they maintain their effectiveness and reliability over time. As nuclear weapons age, their components and systems may degrade, making them less reliable and increasing the risk of malfunctions. Upgrades help to address these issues and maintain the overall deterrent capability of the weapons.
The frequency of nuclear weapon upgrades varies depending on the specific weapon and its components. Some parts may need to be replaced or refurbished more frequently than others. Generally, upgrades occur every 7-10 years, but some components may need to be replaced more frequently to ensure their effectiveness.
Upgrades to nuclear weapons can include improvements to their delivery systems, such as missile guidance systems, as well as updates to the warhead and its components. These upgrades may include replacing or refurbishing aging components, improving safety and security features, or incorporating new technologies to increase the weapon's effectiveness.
The cost of upgrading a nuclear weapon can vary greatly depending on the specific weapon and the upgrades needed. In general, it can cost millions of dollars to upgrade a single weapon, with larger and more complex weapons costing even more. However, the cost of upgrades is seen as a necessary investment to maintain the effectiveness and reliability of these weapons.
There are potential risks and dangers associated with upgrading nuclear weapons, as with any complex and powerful technology. These risks include the possibility of accidents or malfunctions during the upgrade process, as well as the potential for human error or technical failures in the upgraded weapon. However, the goal of upgrades is to mitigate these risks and ensure the continued safe and effective use of these weapons.