Neutron bomb

A neutron bomb is a type of tactical nuclear weapon developed specifically to release a relatively large portion of its energy as energetic neutron radiation. This contrasts with standard thermo-nuclear weapons, which are designed to capture the intense neutron radiation inside the bomb to increase its overall yield. The technical term for this type of weapon is "enhanced radiation weapon" (ERW). In terms of explosive yield, ERWs are about one tenth that of a conventional fission type weapon. While significantly less in explosive power, they are still much more potent than any conventional bomb, so it should be understood damage to material is reduced and not eliminated. To give an idea of the actual explosion produced by an ERW it can be compared to the Hiroshima bomb and a large conventional explosive. Little Boy was between 13 and 16 kilotons; Using the 13 kt figure and dividing it by 10 equals 1.3 kilotons or 1300 tons of explosive power. This is the numerical equivalent of 2600 Mk 84 bombs dropped by 88 B-52 bombers or roughly the Oppau explosion.