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This is an overview article, listing content appearing in multiple Fallout media. For information specific to a given game or TV series, consult the table below. |
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The mini nuke is a man-portable tactical nuclear weapon, appearing as an ammunition type in Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76. The unrelated mini nuke grenade is found in Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel.
Background[]

Mini nuke expanded
Developed at Fort Strong as part of the M42 Fat Man project, the mini nuke is one of the most powerful man-portable weapons ever devised. Though the project was plagued by design issues from the beginning, caused by the weight of the micro-nuclear warhead and the resulting low range, the designers eventually happened upon a breakthrough: Instead of trying to reduce the weight of the warhead or the power of the launching system, one researcher proposed falling back on the spigot mortar system, used over 130 years before in PIAT launchers. The ingenious solution was just what was needed to complete the project and by September 2077, the first M42 Fat Man weapon systems were sent to ordnance depots across the United States.[1][2][3]
The mini nuke consists of four principal components. The detonator shell on the bottom contains a conventional sub-charge that detonates when struck by the M42's striking pin, catapulting it out of the launcher. Four stabilizer fins attached to it ensure a stable trajectory and prevent tumbling in flight, increasing accuracy (a necessary feature, as the projectile is not spin-stabilized). The hemisphere core is screwed onto the top, containing the nuclear core. Finally, the weapon is fitted with a beryllium contact fuse that starts the nuclear reaction on impact.[4][5][6]
Variants[]
Mini nuke[]

Found in both the Capital and Mojave Wastelands as well as surrounding areas.
Mini nuke[]

Found in The Commonwealth and Appalachia, a mini nuke consists of four principal components; the detonator shell, four stabilizer fins, a hemisphere core, and beryllium cap.[4] Striking the mini nuke or using other explosives around it will not result in its detonation, as it can only be utilized by firing from a Fat Man. However, when worn by a Super Mutant Suicider, shooting the mutant's arm or the Mini nuke itself will cause a detonation.
Non-canon games[]
Mini nuke grenade[]
![]() | The following is based on information from Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. |
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The mini nuke grenade is a mini nuke packed into a hand-held explosive device.
![]() | End of information based on information from Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel |
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Behind the scenes[]
The mini nuke resembles the American W54 miniature nuclear warhead first developed for the Davy Crockett short-range nuclear launch device.
References[]
- ↑ Fort Strong terminal entries; Bravo Team testing terminal, Bravo Team M42 Report 001
- ↑ Fort Strong terminal entries; Bravo Team testing terminal, Bravo Team M42 Report 002
- ↑ Fort Strong terminal entries; Bravo Team testing terminal, Bravo Team M42 Report 003
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Fort Strong terminal entries; Bravo Team testing terminal, Bravo Team M42 Report 004
- ↑ Fort Strong terminal entries; Bravo Team testing terminal, Bravo Team M42 Report 005
- ↑ Fort Strong terminal entries; General Brock's terminal, General Brock's Report - December 2076