Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories, known for supplying drones to the U.S. military, and Northrop Grumman have drawn up some interesting new blueprints. The documents outline plans for a new, nuclear-powered drone that could fly for months without ever having to land and refuel. The new drone plans take on some of the main problems of the past, as the Guardian reports:
The highly sensitive research into what is termed “ultra-persistence technologies” set out to solve three problems associated with drones: insufficient “hang time” over a potential target; lack of power for running sophisticated surveillance and weapons systems; and lack of communications capacity.
Sandia admits that no nuclear drones have ever been built. It has completed a test phase of research that only involved computer modeling. Both partner companies are hesitant to move forward with the plan fearing the public’s reaction.
Ghost planes loaded with nuclear fuel hovering in the skies above us? Seems like an airtight plan. Nothing to worry about. Move along.
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