The idea of using nuclear power to fly a plane is not a new concept but is one that is not so easy to implement. Talk of fitting nuclear reactors onto planes has been a subject of interest for many since around the 1950’s, but no one has managed it yet. Having a plane fly you from England to New York in less than 3 hours at speeds of around 2,300mph sounds great, but is it a possibility or just another pipe dream?
One man who would like to see this idea take off is the Barcelona-based designer, Oscar Vinals. Oscar has designed what he believes could be the next best thing in the world of flying, following the final departure of the Concorde in 2003, and has named it the Flash Falcon. The concept designs of the aircraft portray it as being able to carry 250 passengers over two decks with a business class on the upper deck and spacious, super tourist class down below. The plane would also be fitted with the latest gadgets to ensure passengers have the best experience.
But, with all the great things the Flash Falcon has to offer, the problem lies in powering the plane by nuclear energy. Nuclear power has been a popular subject since for the last 60 years, but getting it to work in the way that it needs to, without any dangers, is the problem they are faced with. In the 1950’s nuclear reactors were developed to be used in ships, and within a few years made in compact enough to fit into a submarine, so the idea of using it on a plane is not as far fetched as one thinks.
People do tend to panic when they hear the words nuclear power, especially when they believe that they will be sitting right next to a reactor. However, the Flash Falcon’s incredible design uses nuclear fusion rather than nuclear fission, which creates more energy without creating the pollution, so would, in fact, be much better for the environment than current aircraft in use today. But, there is still the challenge of making a nuclear fusion reactor that is small enough and lights even to be feasible to be built in the aircraft in the first place.
Vinals’ design of the Flash Falcon includes using a fusion reactor to pump energy into six electric engines to power the aircraft. With a wingspan twice as wide as that of the Concorde, an airframe nearly 40 meters longer, and the ability to tilt its engines to help take off and land like a helicopter, this aircraft is a work of art and if does take off we will certainly be joining the queue for a seat. But, even Vinal is doubtful that we will see this idea come to light within this century, but perhaps an idea of a hybrid-powered plane is more likely. But, with technology advancing as fast as it is, who knows?
Story Via; BBC Future
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