A nuclear weapon is a type of ordnance using nuclear fission and/or fusion as a source of energy.
An operational idiosyncrasy of nuclear weapons was the result of containing fissile material. Fissile material emitted a readily detectable Cherenkov Radiation signature upon exiting slipspace that negated stealth measures.[1]
UNSC Nuclear Ordnance
The UNSC employs a range of nuclear ordnance.
FENRIS Nuclear Warhead
The FENRIS is a type of low-yield thermonuclear device. They were slated for decommissioning but munition expenditures during the Human-Covenant War saw the survivors return to service.
Fury Tactical Nuclear Weapon
The Fury is a football-sized device with a yield slightly less than a megaton. It is extremely clean.
HAVOK Nuclear Warhead
The HAVOK is a 30 megaton thermonuclear device. Some were delivered by ground forces during the Human-Covenant War.
HORNET Mine
The HORNET is a 30 megaton space mine. The devices are stealthy and carried aboard UNSC Prowlers.
NOVA Bomb
The NOVA is a strategic device. It consists of nine fission devices encased in a lithium triteride shell. A single NOVA may cause devastation on a planetary scale, and may destroy moons.
Shiva-class Nuclear Missile
The Shiva is a type of starship ordnance. Its warhead may be removed and carried by a C709 Longsword-class Interceptor.
Sources
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, chapter 22