Could a Tank Survive a Nuclear Blast?

In the red corner, a top of the line Main Battle Tank, you can have your pick, but let's say a tricked out M-1A2 'Abrams' with a full Nuclear-Bio-Chem Protection kit.

In the blue corner, a Nuclear Device. Let's start by assuming a standard Teller-Ulam design, say a W70 warhead set for about 15kt TNT equivalent yield, similar to the Hiroshima bomb.

As an initial set up, set the detonation point 50 meters above ground at about 500 meters from the tank. The tank is on, sealed, and facing towards the blast. There is a clear line of sight.

Would the crew survive? If not, what would be the minimum distance to give the tank crew some sort of fighting chance? If yes, how much closer can the detonation take place? Alternatively, could some modification be made to the tank to dramatically increase survivability against atomics?

_{^{Note: As the hard-science tag is meant to indicate, feel free to persuade me with numbers, if so inclined. Numbers are sexy, especially when it comes to nuclear attacks and radii of total and utter destruction! In part inspired by this story.}}

posted about 9 years ago

Serban Tanasa‭

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