Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI, often pronounced ''SIN-widdy'' or ''SIN-wuh-dee'') is a
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) category of
Top Secret Restricted Data or Secret Restricted Data that reveals the theory of operation or
design
A design is the concept or proposal for an object, process, or system. The word ''design'' refers to something that is or has been intentionally created by a thinking agent, and is sometimes used to refer to the inherent nature of something ...
of the components of a
thermonuclear or fission bomb, warhead, demolition munition, or test device. Specifically excluded is information concerning arming, fuzing, and firing systems; limited life components; and total contained quantities of fissionable, fusionable, and high explosive materials by type. Among these excluded items are the components that DoD personnel set, maintain, operate, test or replace. The sensitivity of DoD CNWDI is such that access is granted to the absolute minimum number of employees who require it for the accomplishment of assigned responsibilities on a
classified
Classified may refer to:
General
*Classified information, material that a government body deems to be sensitive
*Classified advertising or "classifieds"
Music
*Classified (rapper) (born 1977), Canadian rapper
* The Classified, a 1980s American ro ...
contract. Because of the importance of such information, special requirements have been established for its control.
Markings
In addition to other required markings, CNWDI material should be clearly marked, "Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information-DoD Directive 5210.2 Applies." As a minimum, CNWDI documents shall show such markings on the cover or first page. Portions of documents that contain CNWDI shall be marked with an (N) or (CNWDI) following the classification of the portion. For example, TS(RD)(N) or TS(RD)(CNWDI).
Weapon Data
That portion of
Restricted Data
Restricted Data (RD) is a category of classified information in the United States that is defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 as:
:''all data concerning (1) design, manufacture, or utilization of atomic weapons; (2) the production of special ...
or
Formerly Restricted Data
Restricted Data (RD) is a category of classified information in the United States that is defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 as:
:''all data concerning (1) design, manufacture, or utilization of atomic weapons; (2) the production of special ...
that concerns the design, manufacture, or utilization (including theory, development, storage, characteristics, performance, and effects) of atomic weapons or atomic weapon components and nuclear explosive devices is called Weapon Data and it has special protection provisions. Weapon Data is divided into eight Sigma categories the protection of which is prescribed by DOE Order 5610.2, CONTROL OF WEAPON DATA. However, certain Weapon Data has been re-categorized as CNWDI.
See also
*
Q clearance
Q clearance or Q access authorization is the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance required to access Top Secret Restricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, and National Security Information, as well as Secret Restricted Data. Restric ...
Sources
National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Feb 2006 edition{{Moved resource, date=April 2023
United States government secrecy
Classified information in the United States
Nuclear secrecy
Nuclear weapon design