[quote=The-Shoveler]I am still hoping Skunkworks comes through on their fusion reactor (if it was anyone else but skunkworks I would not).
But that said, utility companies are starting to panic over rooftop solar (and companies like WalMart) cutting into their revenue.[/quote]
having some connections with individuals who worked on black projects associated w/ skunk works back in the day as well as having an interest in aviation designs like the SR71 and also being very interested in the subject of physics IMHO what was accomplished by “Kelly” Johnson
IMHO aircraft/powerplant design is childs play compared to figuring out and building a working fusion reactor
the not so trivial problem with fusion, is understand and building a device that can contain very high temperatures
in the SR71 for example the device design needed to deal with temperatures something on the order of 3000 degrees max WHEREAS a controlled fusion reaction device needs to consider a device that has a reaction temperature something on the order of a million degrees!
not too long ago there was a news of a new german fusion rector that uses unique geometry (time to build a basic device about 20 years)
NOW consider the geometry/time/effort of using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to figure out the materials and shape of a turbine blade in a new GE engine high-by-pass turbofan (its taken about 20 years for design)
SO if skunk works can come up with a new small portable fusion reactor (and bring it to market) I’m guessing that would mean there really is some truth to aliens helping out our engineers at area 51
