field, Dayton, Ohio" (42).
Two comments are in order. The first is that Junkers-Dessau is
associated with a possible German saucer project designated
"Schildkroete" which will be discussed later. The second comment
is that Dr. Neugebauer was not brought to the USA to build
diesel-powered aircraft. Diesel engines are much heavier than
piston type aero-engines of those times. Dr. Neugebauer's
relevant expertise is, in reality, his knowledge of the effects
of heavy engines on aircraft performance and economy.
Nowhere in this report are the words "atomic rocket" mentioned
but the implications are clear. As touched upon above, an atomic
rocket's weight distribution would be somewhat different from
that of a conventional rocket or aircraft. The nuclear reactor
would be weighty but the fuel load would be lighter because no
oxidizer, such as liquid oxygen, would be necessary. Also, the
power output would be somewhat greater than an ordinary liquid
fuel chemical rocket. The three variables as opposed to the
already known figures for piston, jet or chemical rocket engines
are greater engine weight, lesser fuel weight, and greater power
output. A new equation was necessary if atomic rockets were to
be fitted into an aircraft design calling for a certain speed,
payload or range. It was Dr. Neugebauer's job to do this
computation.
The following is a paragraph from the introduction of this report
(43). It seems to say nothing but state the obvious until one
thinks "atomic engine":
"Power-plant weight is a factor which affects flight performance;
the greater the weight, the greater is that portion of the
airplane and the drag which is affected by the power plant. In
contrast to the effect of fuel consumption, the effect of powerplant weight cannot be easily determined. For example, it cannot
be easily determined whether a certain reduction of fuel
consumption is still advantageous if it involves an increase in
power plant weight. This report aims to facilitate insight into
these and similar questions."
Without ever mentioning the word "atomic", Dr. Neugebauer did the
mathematical computations necessary to establish the feasibility
of an atomic powered aircraft. Thanks to the work of Mr. Wilson,
we know that at least advanced planning was undertaken with the
goal of building an atomic powered flying saucer. There is no
doubt that the Americans would not have involved captured German
scientists in this project unless it was absolutely necessary to
do so. The reason it was necessary was the same reason which
other German scientists were employed in America's ballistic
missile program. It was because both groups of German scientists
has previous experience. Both groups worked on very similar
projects in Germany during the war. These scientists and their
projects were far ahead of the Americans in both these areas.
The input of these scientists was absolutely essential if these
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