Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Like Thunderbirds' Fireflash?
Nuclear-powered aircraft? I read about those when I was eight years old in one of my favorite childhood books, Our Friend the Atom, a 1958 Walt Disney book about the wonders of nuclear power.
Nuclear-powered bombers were in development in the 1950's; both the United States and the Soviet Union worked on the idea, only to discard it when it appeared that missiles would do the job better.
The intent was to develop an aircraft that could remain on station for weeks at a time, if necessary, without refueling.
(Nuclear-powered B-36 jet bomber [experimental])
Dr. Ian Poll, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Cranfield university, says that the experiments conducted during the Cold War have shown that nuclear-powered aircraft are possible. And there is a new problem; since the end of the oil era is now in sight, we need an alternative to kerosene-powered aircraft.
“We need a design which is not kerosene-powered, and I think nuclear-powered aeroplanes are the answer beyond 2050. The idea was proved 50 years ago, but I accept it would take about 30 years to persuade the public of the need to fly on them.”“It's done on nuclear submarines and could be achieved on aircraft by locating the reactors with the engines out on the wings,” Dr. Poll said.
Update 26-Apr-2021: In his 1928 classic The Moon of Doom, Earl L. Bell describes nuclear-powered atoplanes. End update.
Fans of the series Thunderbirds recall the Fireflash airliner. The first episode shows the nuclear-powered airliner on its maiden voyage from London to Tokyo. At six times the speed of sound.
(Fireflash from Thunderbirds)
Thrill to these scenes showing the takeoff of the nuclear-powered airliner Fireflash in splendid Supermarionation!
From Nuclear-powered passenger aircraft 'to transport millions' says expert; thanks to Winchell Chung for the tip and references.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 10/30/2008)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 0 )
Related News Stories - (" Vehicle ")
The 'Last Mile' In China Crowded With Delivery Robots
Yes, it's a delivery robot. On wheels.
Musk Idea Of Cars Talking To Each Other Predicted 70 Years Ago
'My cars talk to one another.' - Isaac Asimov, 1953.
Waymo And Tesla 'Autonomous Cabs' Are Piloted By Remote Drivers
‘Where to, sport?’ the starter at cab relay asked. - Philip K. Dick, 1957.
Maybe It's Too Soon To Require Autonomous Mode
'I hope all those other cars are on automatic,' he said anxiously. - Arthur C. Clarke, 1976.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Proof Of Robothood - Not A Person
'Who are you people? - Show 'em.'
Dancing Robots Taught Dance Moves
'A clockwork figure would be the thing for you...'
Indonesian Clans Battle
'The observation vehicle was of that peculiar variety used in conveying a large number of people across rough terrain.'
The 'Last Mile' In China Crowded With Delivery Robots
Yes, it's a delivery robot. On wheels.
Tornyol Microdrone Kills Mosquitoes
'The real border was defended by... a swarm of quasi-independent aerostats.'
PLATO Spacecraft, Hunter Of Habitable Planets, Now Ready
'I ... set my automatic astronomical instruments to searching for a habitable planet.'
Factory Humanoid Robots Built By Humanoid Robots
'...haven't you a section of the factory where only robot labor is employed?'
iPhone Air Fulfils Jobs' Promise From 2007 - A Giant Screen!
'... oblongs were all over the floor and surfaces.'
ChatGPT Now Participates in Group Chats
'...the city was their laboratory in human psychology.'
iPhone Pocket All Sold Out!
'A long, strong, slender net...'
Did The Yautja Have These First?
What a marvel of ingenuity the little device was!
Jetson ONE Air Races Begin, Can Air Polo Be Far Behind?
'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.'
Will Space Stations Have Large Interior Spaces Again?
'They filed clumsily into the battleroom, like children in a swimming pool for the first time, clinging to the handholds along the side.'
Mornine Sales Robot
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere, gesturing...'
Bipedal Robot Floats Gently While Walking
'a walking balloon proceeded with long strides of its aluminum legs...'
Musk Idea Of Cars Talking To Each Other Predicted 70 Years Ago
'My cars talk to one another.'
