Stuff You Should Know Are broken arrows a problem?
Dec 31, 2019
Curious about 'broken arrows'? This episode dives into the history of nuclear mishaps, exploring alarming incidents and surprising anecdotes from the Cold War. Learn about Operation Chromedome and how the military's strategies evolved. The show also highlights the advanced safety mechanisms designed to prevent nuclear disasters. With a blend of humor and serious implications, the hosts tackle the significance of these events while engaging listeners with light-hearted banter and contemporary issues.
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Broken Arrow Definition
- A "Broken Arrow" is a U.S. military term for accidents with nuclear weapons.
- These incidents range from accidental drops to damage and can involve warheads or components.
Nuclear Incident Terminology
- Several other terms classify nuclear incidents, like "Nukeflash" for events potentially leading to war and "Bent Spear" for less severe accidents.
- An "Empty Quiver" refers to a stolen nuclear weapon, a scenario explored in the movie Broken Arrow.
Early Nuclear Bomb Delivery and Operation Chrome Dome
- Early nuclear bomb delivery involved planes physically dropping bombs, increasing accident risk.
- "Operation Chrome Dome" kept nuclear-armed bombers constantly airborne, escalating the chances of accidents.