Re: Shoulder launched nukes?

In a message dated Fri, 24 Sep 1999 10:56:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Jeff Lyon <jefflyon@mail.utexas.edu> writes:

> 
> Popeyesays@aol.com wrote:
> >If you are dealing with a fission device using plutonium or U-235 you
MUST 
> >have sufficient material to create a critical mass or you get a
fizzle at...

> From the Nuclear Weapons FAQ at:
> 
> <http://www.fas.org/nuke/hew/Nwfaq/Nfaq0.html>
> 
> >4.2.3.1 Minimum Size
> >The absolute minimum possible mass for a bomb is determined by the
smallest
> >critical mass that will produce a significant yield.  Since the
critical
> mass for alpha-phase plutonium is 10.5 kg, and
> an additional 20-25% of mass is >needed to make a 
> significant explosion, this implies 13 kg...

ahhh.....but that assumes TODAY'S technology...who knows what
breakthrough tomorrow holds (warp drive anyone?)
   ;-)