The US Patent and Trademark Office has approved a new propulsion concept submitted by Boeing that uses laser beams to vaporise nuclear material within thrusters.

The laser-powered engine is expected to be used on future rockets, missiles and spacecraft.

Boeing engineers, including Robert Budica, James Herzberg and Frank Chandler, filed an application with the agency in October 2012.

Current aircraft are equipped with multiple turbofan engines, which generate thrust using fans and turbines that compress air and ignite fuel.

"Hot gases produced during the fusion reaction will be pushed out of a nozzle at the back of the engine to propel the aircraft.quot;

In its patent, Boeing said that the proposed propulsion system will include a propellant, a laser and a thrust member.

The patent stated: "At least one laser is positioned to vaporise the propellant with at least one laser-beam into a thrust producing flow."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Hot gases produced during the fusion reaction will be pushed out of a nozzle at the back of the engine to propel the aircraft.

Neutrons created by the nuclear reaction will react with a fissionable material-coated shield around the fusion chamber that generates huge amount of heat.

Using a heat exchanger system, the heat will be used to drive a turbine that will generate electricity for lasers.

Although the concept is capable of transforming the propulsion systems it is still in patent stage.

Boeing has not revealed any plans regarding the proposed engine concept and it is unclear whether the product will be developed further.