Atomic airplane.

[Rebiu]

I watched a program on nuclear airplanes the other day. I says the Russian flew one 40 times but the crew died prematurely of radiation and in spewed nuclear pollution in its wake. I seems the US even had a plan for a supersonic nuclear ramjet cruise missile.

The technology was applied to space base reactors.

If nuclear power is coupled to electric propulsion and atmospheric jets can a vehicle capable of flying into space without the vast fuel requirements be built?

[Adrian Cobon]

Look, interesting concept. But here is the catch, we need more information. Here is a potential equation (Energy output of reactor in kilograms per square centimeter - weight of fuel - weight of ship - weight of cargo) = thrust. I think, so here are my questions:
1) What type of fuel is it going to be?
2) What type of reactor?
3) How much energy should you aim for in a reactor?
4) How in the world would you make it safe? I mean it is onething to discuss this but how would you feel if it was a real, if slim, possibility that a space vehicle could spill radiation over your home town in a freak accident?

It is one thing to discuss this, but a reactor requires decent chunks of material (lots of water to keep the fuel cool, for example) to keep the darn thing from going ballistic (pardon the pun) on you.

[InfiniteNow]

It'd make a cool band name...

"And now, ladies and gentleman... direct to you from the music capital of the world, the oasis of the south, Austin, Texas.... Atomic.... AIR... PLAAANNNEEEE...."

< cue the electric guitar....>