7K views · 30 reactions | This was a 15-20 kiloton nuclear warhead adapted to a 16 in naval shell used on the 4 Iowa Class Battleships. While the USN had capable aircraft and missiles to use in the delivery of nuclear weapons, their thought was that the Mk 23/Mark 7 16in/50caliber cannon combination was extremely accurate and usable in any weather condition compared to early jet aircraft and missile technology. | Morbid Curiosity | Facebook