In Tim Cahill's Pass the Butterworms, the author talks about a trip he took to the North Pole in the Yamal, a Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker. Completed in 1992, the Arktika class ship was meant to keep the northern seas open for Soviet ships. Instead, it carries well to do travelers willing to shell out $21,000 to $28,000 for a chance to reach the North Pole in style.
Two nuclear reactors on board carrying 245 uranium rods produce 75,000 horsepower. That's enough power to supply electricity to 18,750 homes. The reactors are water cooled and have to be cooled with really cold water. It can never go to the Antarctic because it has to cross the equator, where the water is just too warm for the reactors.
The coolest feature has to be the Kamov Ka-32C coaxial (two rotors rotating in opposite directions) rotored helicopter used for ferrying passengers and recon missions.
Below is a cool short film of a trip aboard the Yamal. The videographer has a unique sense in his selection of music and traveling companions.
CKY
You said:"It can never go to the Antarctic because it has to cross the equator, where the water is just too warm for the reactors"
ReplyDeleteWell, that's not entirely true. What if it could get tugged across the equator with the reactors powered down? Surely they can then start it up on it's own once the water's cool enough.