Development of a High Temperature (1500 F) Nuclear Radiation Resistant Pneumatic Power System for Flight Vehicles

This paper discusses the progress of a program initiated by the Aeronautical Systems Div. of the United States Air Force to develop pneumatic power transmission systems capable of withstanding severe environmental conditions. The factors leading to the selection of the hypothetical vehicle for which hardware is being procured and tested are reviewed. The reasons for selecting the closed loop high pressure pneumatic system are outlined. Individual component design philosophy is discussed. Results of the testing to date are presented.