Ramlaen

Mars Opposition Missions Using Nuclear Thermal Propulsion https://sci-hub.se/https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/6.2020-3850

A little more info about Ultra Safe's REP spacecraft. https://usnc.com/ultra-safe-nuclear-selected-by-diu-for-high-delta-v-nuclear-small-spacecraft-prototype/ https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/niac/2021_Phase_I/Extrasolar_Object_Interceptor_and_Sample_Return/ "USNC-Tech is proposing a compact 20 kWe, 500 kg dry mass, radioisotope-electric-propulsion spacecraft design powered by a novel Chargeable Atomic Battery (CAB) that is capable of ∆Vs on the order of 100 km/s with a power system specific mass of 5-8 kg/kWe. A spacecraft powered by this technology will be able to catch up to an extrasolar object, collect a sample, and return to earth within a 10-year timeframe. The data collected from samples and data from interstellar objects has the potential to fundamentally change our view of the universe and our place in it." "The core innovation of this spacecraft architecture that makes this amazing mission possible is the CAB, which has a power density of over 30 times that of Pu-238. The CAB is easier and cheaper to manufacture than Pu-238 and the safety case is greatly enhanced by the CAB's encapsulation of radioactive materials within a robust carbide matrix. This technology is superior to fission systems for this application because fission systems need a critical mass whereas radioisotope systems can be much smaller and fit on smaller launch systems reducing cost and complexity." https://custom.cvent.com/216E523D934443CA9F514B796474A210/files/d0b0d3fd032a41c9828d0a3cd8b27177.pdf https://www.enpulsion.com/news/feep-first-successful-in-orbit-demonstration-of-a-feep-thruster/

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/british-army-rules-out-jltv-acquisition/

It might be hyperbolic but it is the truth of the situation, Ukraine and Russia are not the only participants of the current war.

If Russia was just fighting what Ukraine had (or was just fighting Ukraine for that matter) the war would have been over in the now infamous 72 hour claims.

https://spacenews.com/diu-selects-nuclear-powered-spacecraft-designs-for-2027-demonstrations/ "The Defense Innovation Unit announced May 17 it selected Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. and Avalanche to develop small nuclear-powered spacecraft for in-space demonstrations planned for 2027." "Avalanche Energy has developed a device called an “Orbitron,” which utilizes electrostatic fields to trap fusion ions in conjunction with a magnetron electron confinement scheme to overcome charge density limits. The resulting fusion burn then produces the energetic particles that generate either heat or electricity, which can power a high-efficiency propulsion system. Compared to other fusion concepts, Orbitron devices are promising for space applications as they may be scaled down in size and enable their use as both a propulsion and power source."

Hero 120 on an LAV for the USMC.

trollface.jpg

https://sam.gov/opp/af490b568d2a438498afa1e80bce63e5/view

Lets not kid ourselves, Poland is not going to buy K2 at this point unless it is the only option.

https://usnc.com/nasa-selects-ultra-safe-nuclear-for-ultra-high-temperature-testing-facility-sbir/ "division of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), announces it has been selected by NASA to receive a Phase II SBIR contract to develop a proposed ultra-high temperature material testing facility. The specialized equipment could provide an essential terrestrial environment for testing the performance of materials planned for use in space-based nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems. The demanding requirements for NTP systems necessitate development of breakthrough refractory and ceramic materials capable of performing in extremely high temperatures. Phase II of the SBIR will enable USNC-Tech to construct and operate a system capable of conducting sophisticated tests to verify the performances of key materials in a prototypical environment."

Well it's a choice of buying the best fighter available in both performance and value or supporting local industry which may or may not make something comperable in 20 years assuming another Typhoon/Rafale split doesn't happen.