Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Will Drones Go Nuclear?

Will Drones Go Nuclear?

U.S. scientists have undertaken research into a new generation of drones that would be nuclear-powered, in the hopes of allowing them to be able to fly for months in remote areas, according to a report in The Guardian today. “The blueprints for the new drones, which have been developed by Sandia National Laboratories – the U.S. government's principal nuclear research and development agency – and defense contractor Northrop Grumman, were designed to increase flying time ‘from days to months’ while making more power available for operating equipment, according to a project summary published by Sandia,” the paper reported. The ramping up of drone strikes has been one of the more controversial elements of the Obama administration’s foreign policy, and the idea of adding a nuclear element to the program is only likely to further stoke controversy. Indeed, the report notes that the work has been halted for now over concerns that public ... Read More...

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