What is the W54 Nuclear Warhead?
The W54 is the smallest nuclear warhead to be deployed by the United States and the smallest known nuclear warhead in general. It is similar in size to a computer printer, with a diameter of 10.75 in (270 mm), about 15.7 in long (400 mm), and weighing slightly over 50 pounds (23 kg). The W54’s low weight made it ideal for deployment with specially trained infantry units, such as those stationed in West Germany during the Cold War. It is the W54 warhead that may be responsible for rumors of a briefcase nuke, although these rumors are unsubstantiated. A true briefcase nuke is unlikely because the critical mass of plutonium or uranium necessary for a nuclear explosion is about 10 kg, and the chassis needs to be about the same weight, putting the W54 near the minimum possible weight for nuclear weapons with current technology. The W54 warhead can be fit in a large backpack, though, and a US Navy and Marines project in the mid-to-late 60s was developed to make use of this. Called the Specia
