High Intensity Tactical Power Sources for the 1990 Army.
Abstract
The report presents the results of a study concerning possible high intensity (hundreds of kilowatts to multi-megawatts) tactical electric power sources for utilization by the US Army during the 1990 time frame. The study considers plausible methods of electrical power generation presently under conceptual or physical study which may become feasible as high intensity power sources. These considerations include present state of the art of candidate systems, possible future improvements, apparent technological gaps and barriers to development, estimates of anticipated specific weights, costs and power levels, and trade-off advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions are presented in the form of comparative tables of specific weights, fuel requirements, energy and power output capabilities, and fixed costs. From these tables, it may be seen that a variety of electrical power sources would be required to satisfy diverse requirements, but an attempt is made to categorize possible high intensity power sources into their areas of optimum utilization. Finally, subject to the assumption that a variety of high intensity power sources will be required for the 1990 Army, recommendations are made for increased future Army research effort in the areas of magnetohydrodynamics, nuclear fission and fusion reactors, superconductivity, and direct mass conversion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0865063