The United States military completed their first successful airlift of a mobile nuclear reactor, marking a milestone in efforts to have a secure, independent energy source for military purposes. The transportation of the reactor from California to Utah is part of the also larger program testing new nuclear technologies and reducing dependence on weak power grids.
The operation marked the first airlift of a military operation; three C-17 Globemaster III (C-17) military transport aircraft were used to complete the airlift in the unpowered condition of transporting the reactor parts using three separate aircraft from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
Once the reactor has been airborne, the next step will be to move the reactor to the Utah San Rafael Energy Laboratory for extensive test operations to certify and evaluate the reactor. According to officials, this airlift demonstrates historic logistics, and such an achievement helps illustrate where these types of reactors will safely operate in a real-world military operation.
“As it relates to the logistics, certification and handling of micro-reactors, this demonstration further adds to our knowledge so we can develop a military capability that is operationally ready,” stated Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The Pentagon Pursues Mobile Nuclear Reactors
The Pentagon, having an interest in mobile nuclear reactors (or “microreactors”), has identified traditional power grid dependence as a vulnerability. The military bases are normally reliant on their local electric grids, which may be disrupted by natural or biological disaster, accidental or deliberate physical destruction, or by the actions of an enemy nation during war.
Mobile nuclear reactors will provide self-contained, predictable power directly to military installations; as such, they will be more secure than other forms of energy generation.
In contrast to traditional, large nuclear power plants, which have extensive supporting infrastructure, microreactors are small enough to be transported using standard air, truck, or sea transport systems. Some of the most advanced designs of today can be installed on heavy-duty vehicles.
Consequently, the military will be able to generate electricity within remote locations, combat zones, and disaster stricken areas without dependence upon any external power systems.
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Part of a broader nuclear expansion strategy
As part of a broader program to expand nuclear power across the United States, the airlift program will complement President Donald Trump’s nuclear power expansion initiative as part of a “nuclear renaissance.” He and his team outlined a plan to increase long-term nuclear energy generation to add hundreds of gigawatts of new electricity generation capacity.
Pentagon officials believe that the use of transportable nuclear reactors will contribute to enhancing energy resilience and to strengthening national security.
The U.S. DOD stated in an official news release that the successful transport was meant to highlight the Department of Defense’s “agility and innovative methodologies” in addressing energy issues while supporting U.S. independence militarily.
Next Steps
The Ward 250 reactor will continue with it’s technical testing and regulatory process in order to achieve compliance with all safety and operationally established standards.
If successful, the microreactors could eventually power military bases, overseas installations, and critical infrastructure facilities.
Additionally, the test also represents a significant step towards the development of portable nuclear energy, which could be used by both military and civilian applications for future electricity generation.
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