An explosion at high altitude (above 60 km) will have negligible thermal, radiative and mechanical effects, though it will generate a brief high-intensity electromagnetic pulse that is perceptible throughout the whole area of direct visibility. There are two possible scenarios: a megaton-scale nuclear explosion at very high altitude (100 to 400 km), arising during a mayor nuclear conflict; and a less intense nuclear explosion at lower altitude (about 70 km), arising during a minor conflict. In the air, aircraft on-board electronic systems would be inoperative without special protection. And on the ground, control towers and guidance beacons would also be disabled. This threat has been taken very seriously by armed forces over the last twenty years or so, and it has also come under study by the French civil aviation authority.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Problematique de l'impulsion electromagnetique haut altitude pour l'aviation civile


    Additional title:

    Probleme eines elektromagnetischen Impulses in großer Höhe für die Zivilluftfahrt
    High altitude electromagnetic pulse problem for civil aviation


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1997


    Size :

    3 Seiten, 1 Bild, 1 Tabelle, 3 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    French