Which nuclear weapon in the U.S. arsenal has the smallest yield?
by 
Santaanacanyon
ANSWERS: 4
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Since the development of nuclear weapons, the US has constructed over 70,000 devices using 65 different designs. Development is currently underway for a new 'mini-nuke' class weapon, with a yield of under five kilotons (funding approved 2000). These are not much different in concept from a weapon known as the Davy Crockett, banned in 1994 by the US Congress and no longer in service. The Davy Crockett weighed 76 lb and had a range of 1.2 to 2.5 miles. It was launched from a recoilless rifle and produced a yield of 0.01 kilotons. 2100 of these devices were manufactured. With material from: - CALDICOTT, H. "A New Nuclear Danger". The New Press, 2002.
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As well as the "Davy Crockett" w388 system, you might want to look at the F-101 Voodoo's missile system known as the Genni system, rear launching air to air system and the AIM 26 NukeFalcon designed to go for bomber formations of Bear's and Badger's these are based on the W54 warhead that has a yield of .01 to .25 Kt and 4Kt if "boosted" or about what went off in North Korea in 11/06.
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If I have to answer the question literally, I do not know. But when an average person (me) is asking that question, I am really asking about how much stuff that I care about will be destroyed in my city. That would be determined by the detonation altitude and geography. Detonation at 500' as opposed to 1500' generates a extra destructive force in the shock wave. Hills block some of this wave as seen by the two nuclear weapons dropped on two cities. If this answer was assumed when you asked, then the other answers are much better suited to your question.
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i do not think this is an appropriate forum for this question... sorry... these weapons are classified
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