In response to Mr, Whitman's question as to what was the Commi. gsion's
Aircraft
Nuclear
Propul~
sion
Program
problem on the ANP program, Mr. Nichols said that the Reactor Subcommittee
of the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy had recommended that
the ANP program be accelerated.
He explained the new cruise concept |
involving the design of aireraft operating on chemical fuel for takeoff
and Lariding, on nuclear fuel for unlimited cruise; and on both chemical |
and nuclear fuel for sprints at Mach 2 over targets!
he Air Force, heoo
said, tends to Look on this as making then independent of overseas bases,
The proposed extra effort during Fiseal Year 1955 amounts to about
" $64 million.
Dr. Rabi remarked that such use would require large amounts of fissionable materials, and inquired whether there was a firm military
requirement for airplanes of this type.
Mr. Nichols said that the Air
Force was firming up a requirement, but that the National Security Council
would have the problem.
Mr. Zuckert noted that the report of the Boeing ©
Aircraft Company was highly favorable.
Mr. Whitman noted‘that heavy water was now priced at $27 per pound,
He wondered whether the Commission could sell heavy water at a lower price
Price
of Heavy
Water
when production needs had been met, and when industrial reactors came into |
being.
Dr. Smyth pointed out that there would be a continuing need for
some deuterium.
Mr. Nichols remarked that the Savannah River plant was
being amortized over a long time, He told the Committee that the Commission was still studying this problem, but that if he were in the industrial
reactor business he would consider heavy water to be in the $20 to $30
per pound price rangs.