Bob3
Contributor
The Tybee incident *probably* should be described as a "Bent Spear".
Here's the US Navy's definition of "Broken Arrow" & etc.:
U.S. Navy's Definition of Nuclear Weapon Accidents:
Nucflash
* Any accidental or unauthorized incident involving a possible detonation of a nuclear weapon by U.S. Forces which could create the risk of nuclear war between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
Broken Arrow
* The accidental or unauthorized detonation, or possible detonation of a nuclear weapon (other than war risk);
* Non-nuclear detonation or burning of a nuclear weapon;
* Radioactive contamination;
* Seizure, theft, or loss of a nuclear weapon or component (including jettisoning);
* Public hazard, actual or implied.
Bent Spear
* Any nuclear weapon significant incidents other than nuclear weapons accidents or war risk detonations, actual or possible.
Dull Sword
* Any nuclear weapon incident other than significant incidents.
Faded Giant
* Any nuclear reactor or radiological accidents involving equipment used in connection with naval nuclear reactors or other naval nuclear energy devices while such equipment is under the custody of the Navy.
The type of weapon that was lost needs to have it's core physically installed before it can be considered "armed".
That isn't "usually" done, as it's more work for the crew & more paperwork for the Captain (pilot).
It does have a nasty mix of Pu & HEU in it though, probably enough to piece together at least a 10 - 20 kt weapon.
Here's the US Navy's definition of "Broken Arrow" & etc.:
U.S. Navy's Definition of Nuclear Weapon Accidents:
Nucflash
* Any accidental or unauthorized incident involving a possible detonation of a nuclear weapon by U.S. Forces which could create the risk of nuclear war between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
Broken Arrow
* The accidental or unauthorized detonation, or possible detonation of a nuclear weapon (other than war risk);
* Non-nuclear detonation or burning of a nuclear weapon;
* Radioactive contamination;
* Seizure, theft, or loss of a nuclear weapon or component (including jettisoning);
* Public hazard, actual or implied.
Bent Spear
* Any nuclear weapon significant incidents other than nuclear weapons accidents or war risk detonations, actual or possible.
Dull Sword
* Any nuclear weapon incident other than significant incidents.
Faded Giant
* Any nuclear reactor or radiological accidents involving equipment used in connection with naval nuclear reactors or other naval nuclear energy devices while such equipment is under the custody of the Navy.
The type of weapon that was lost needs to have it's core physically installed before it can be considered "armed".
That isn't "usually" done, as it's more work for the crew & more paperwork for the Captain (pilot).
It does have a nasty mix of Pu & HEU in it though, probably enough to piece together at least a 10 - 20 kt weapon.
