I was clicking through Youtube on a cold evening during the holidays. I just want to share it with you all. I always knew the world was crazy during the cold war... but a nuclear powered ramjet cruise missile the size of a locomotive? It's a good documentary, considering it's from the Discovery Channel, or Discovery Wings - lots of info, and pictures of how it is actually built and how it works.

 

It's in 5 parts (total of about 43 minutes): Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.

 

There's also a short wikipedia page about it.

 

And just to have something to discuss - does anyone think that a nuclear missile that cannot leave the atmosphere makes sense? I think it's a completely stupid idea, and a great decision that they never actually launched a prototype.

I guess we have to have something to spend money on, apparently there are no other more pressing needs.

Well... it was abandoned somewhere in the 60's. I think you should use the past tense when talking about this

But indeed... in those days, a billion more or less for defense was no issue.

 

Hmm... actually, it still isn't.

Like I said we gotta find some way of spending the money, otherwise someone might think you don't actually need it and give you less next time.

Aircraft reactor engines were built as well.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_Reactor_Experiment

 

 

If you ever find yourself in and around Idaho Falls, Idaho you can visit this site. As you drive down the highway there is a sign that says "Historical Site Ahead." They are just sitting there and you can climb all over them if you want. A little further down the road you can visit EBR-I. I think they have a park ranger there, but they mostly let you roam around as you like both inside and out.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBR-I