NASA nuclear-powered ACV freighter

[Triton]

Kascak, A. F.; Rom, F. E. The Potential of Nuclear Power for High-Speed Ocean-Going Air-Cushion Vehicles NASA Lewis Research Center September 1, 1969

Abstract:

Nuclear power plants based on nuclear aircraft technology to power ocean-going air cushion vehicles.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19690026345_1969026345.pdf


Rom, F. E. Airbreathing Nuclear Propulsion, A New Look NASA Lewis Research Center
January 1, 1971

Abstract:

Potential feasibility of safe, practical, and economical air breathing nuclear propulsion system for aircraft and air cushion vehicles.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19710016048_1971016048.pdf


Masser, C. C.; Rom, F. E. Nuclear Powered Air Cushion Vehicles for Transoceanic Commerce NASA Lewis Research Center May 1, 1971

Abstract:

Characteristics and cost analysis of nuclear powered air cushion vehicles for oceanic commercial operations.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19710016307_1971016307.pdf


Anderson, J. L.; Finnegan, P. M. Air Cushion Vehicles: A Briefing NASA Lewis Research Center October 1, 1971

Abstract:

Experience and characteristics; the powering, uses, and implications of large air cushion vehicles (ACV); and the conceptual design and operation of a nuclear powered ACV freighter and supporting facilities are described.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19720011364_1972011364.pdf


Rom, F. E. Airbreathing Nuclear propulsion: A New Look NASA Lewis Research Center
December 1, 1971

Abstract:

Nuclear-powered air-cushion vehicles using lightweight aircraft-type nuclear powerplants show promise of carrying transoceanic cargo at cost-per-metric-ton-kilometer (cost-per-ton-n mi) rates comparable to railroad rates. These rates are independent of the distance traveled. Cargo rates for nonstop distances of 4000 n mi are expected to be less than one-half those for similar fossil-fueled air-cushion vehicles. For 6000-n mi nonstop distances, the rates are expected to be less than one-sixth as much. There are no fundamental technical reasons why subsonic nuclear aircraft cannot be made to fly successfully if the gross weight is over 1 million lb. Public safety of airborne nuclear powerplants is receiving the greatest attention in low-level experimental and analytical investigations. Idealized model containment vessels which have been impacted on reinforced concrete showed no leaks after impact at velocities to 400 mph. The experiments indicate feasibility of impacting at speeds over 600 mph with no leaks.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19720004955_1972004955.pdf


Artist's concept of a 5,000 ton nuclear-powered ocean-going air cushion vehicle (ACV) freighter.

 

[Grey Havoc]

None of the NTRS links are back up, no suprise.