Game Version: 1.07.1567.06
Database Version: DB3K_511
Subject
Megaton-yield nuclear warheads inflict no (or only minimal EMP) damage on targets
Description
During a series of test strikes, warheads in the megaton range caused no immediate blast damage to their intended targets. The Message Log records only minor EMP effects.
Tested weapons
B83 gravity bomb – 1.2 MT TNT equivalent
SS-19 Stiletto Mod 2 RV – 5 MT TNT equivalent
For comparison, a kiloton-class weapon behaved as expected:
B61-12 LEP GPS-guided bomb – 50 KT destroyed an SA-3 SAM site normally.
These results suggest a possible error in the damage-calculation model for very large yields.
All test launches were executed by the Blue side against targets on the Syria side.
Frequency
Always (100 % reproducible with the attached scenarios)
Steps to Reproduce
- Load any of the attached “Pre-Engagement” scenarios.
- Release the indicated megaton-yield weapon (e.g., B83 or SS-19).
- Observe the detonation: the primary target remains intact, the Message Log reports only minor EMP effects on some systems, and a nearby radar is listed as destroyed by a “zap.”
- Repeat the test with the kiloton-yield scenario (B61) for comparison—target is destroyed as expected.
Attached Files
• Nuclear Strike Test B61 Pre-Engagement.scen
• Nuclear Strike Test B61 Post-Engagement.scen
• Nuclear Strike Test B83 Pre-Engagement.scen
• Nuclear Strike Test B83 Post-Engagement.scen
• Nuclear Strike Test B83 Post-Engagement Second Bomb.scen
• Nuclear Strike Test SSM Pre-Engagement.scen
• Nuclear Strike Test SSM Post-Engagement.scen
Additional Notes
This issue may have gone unnoticed because large-yield nuclear use is an extreme edge case. Nevertheless, it results in unrealistic outcomes for strategic scenarios. A review of the damage logic for warheads in the megaton range is recommended.
