Large Nuclear-Powered Subsonic Aircraft for Transoceanic Commerce

Large subsonic aircraft, greater than 905 metric tons (1000 tons) gross weight, have the
potential f o r hauling transoceanic cargo at rates in the range of $0.006 to $0.036 per
metric ton-kilometer ( $0.01 to $O.OG/ton-n mi) at speeds of 740 to 925 kilometers per
hour (400 to 500 knots). It theoretically would take a fleet of 500 such aircraft to handle
1 percent of the forecast world ocean trade in 1980. F o r gross weights of 3620 metric
tons (4000 tons) the cargo rate would be reduced to less than $0.012 per metric ton-
kilometer ( $0.02/ton-n mi). It theoretically would take a fleet of over 1000 such aircraft
to carry 8 percent of the world transoceanic trade projected for 1980 o r 4 percent of the
projected trade in 1995. Aircraft with a gross weight of 3620 metric tons (4000 tons) using
compact lightweight nuclear reactors show better performance than chemical aircraft for
ranges greater than 5565 kilometers (3000 n mi). Nuclear aircraft performance is less
sensitive than that of chemical aircraft to the operating and cost assumptions used. Rela-
tively large variations in any of the important assumptions have a relatively small effect
on nuclear aircraft performance.