Brenda Marie Rivers
BWX Technologies has begun developing microreactors that can support Department of Defense applications such as military base operations, deep-space missions and directed energy weapons, USNI News reported Tuesday.
In a conference call with analysts, BWX CEO Rex Geveden said the company has funded research and development efforts for the trailer-sized nuclear reactors to support its goal of entering high or low-rate production.
He noted that the DoD is interested in acquiring a demonstration reactor and that there is “a great deal of interest†from government entities, including the U.S. Army.
In addition to microreactors, BWX is also working on a potential fuel source for the transportable reactors as well as other similar systems.
The Lynchburg, Va.-based firm currently works with the U.S. Navy to build and integrate reactors onto the service’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.
