W80 (nuclear warhead)

The W80 is a variable yield, air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) warhead used by the United States. It was designed and developed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and manufactured by the Pantex plant in Amarillo, Texas.

The W80 warhead comes in two primary versions: the W80-1 and the W80-0. The W80-1 is the more widely deployed variant, used on the AGM-86B ALCM carried by B-52H Stratofortress bombers. The W80-0 variant was initially designed for the cancelled AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missile.

Key features of the W80 include its variable yield capability, meaning the explosive power can be adjusted depending on the mission requirements. The yield range is estimated to be from 5 kilotons to 150 kilotons. This flexibility allows for a more tailored response and reduces the risk of unnecessary collateral damage.

The W80 is a thermonuclear weapon, utilizing a boosted fission primary stage and a fusion secondary stage. It is designed to be a lightweight and compact warhead suitable for long-range cruise missile applications.

The warhead is approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and 80 inches (200 cm) long, with a weight of approximately 290 pounds (130 kg).

As a crucial component of the United States' strategic nuclear deterrent, the W80 has undergone various life extension programs (LEPs) to ensure its reliability and safety. These programs involve replacing aging components and incorporating modern safety features.