American Plans To Use Atomic Energy For Aircraft Under Way

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 February 1947, Page 5

American Plans To Use Atomic Energy For Aircraft Under Way

Recd. 8.15 p.m. New York, Feb. 22 The first American attempt to apply atonic ehergy as a pro. puisive force for aircraft was quietly begun in July, and is now well under way, states the “New York Times.” The project is being carried out jointly by the Federal Government, the National Advisory Committee ot Aeronautics, the Army, Air Force and private industry. The Oakridge atomic energy establishment. several chemical companies and ten aircraft companies ate working under the direction of the Fair-

I child. Engine and Ah plane Company, (which is the main contractor to the I Army Air Force. Research workers I are investigating all possible applica. ilions of nuclear energy io aircraft propulsion, including closed and open cycle turbines, turbojets, ramjets, and rocket devices. Scientists are also studying the development of a r* frames to carry atomic plants. It is understood that the basi c of a ‘design for applying atomic energy t~ the various types of engines has been established, but the work has not yet reached the drawing board stage It is (considered certain that the first auto

mic.powered plane will be ilown without a pilot because the weight of a shield to protect the pilot from deadly radiation would make any piloted plane useless. It is thoughl that power might be used in guided missies, or drones guided by a mother plane. The range and speed of an atomicpowered aircraft would be almost limitless. One kilogramme of plutonium or uranium 235, potentially can generate 30,000,000 horse-power. This would give almost any speed des’red to the limit of the strength of the materials used in aircraft.