At what altitude does a high altitude air burst occur?

A high-altitude air burst occurs at altitudes that significantly exceed the typical operational altitudes of aircraft and lower balloons, specifically in the range above 100,000 feet. This type of explosion is characterized by the detonation of a nuclear weapon in the upper atmosphere, which maximizes the blast’s range and effectiveness due to the reduced atmospheric density at those heights.

In the context of military operations, understanding the altitude at which air bursts occur is critical for assessing potential blast effects and radiation dispersal patterns. The effects of a high-altitude burst can impact a much larger area than a surface burst because the fireball does not touch the ground, allowing the shockwave to propagate over great distances.

Lower altitude ranges, such as those below 10,000 feet or between 20,000 and 40,000 feet, do not classify as high-altitude air bursts, as they result in different explosion characteristics and effects. Similarly, the range between 50,000 and 80,000 feet could be considered high altitude but does not reach the threshold defined for high-altitude air bursts where the unique operational considerations kick in, which begins at altitudes in excess of 100,000 feet.