Re:What’s harder to find than microchips? The equipment that...
by bell-cot on Saturday November 06, 2021 @11:05PM
(#29136191)
You can categorize fusion reactors and experimental / prototype aircraft similarly:
(1) "Our engines produce some thrust, and our wings produce some lift".
(2) "We managed to take off and land!"
(3) A working aircraft - seemingly performant, reliable, and economical enough that actual commercial airlines want to buy it.
(4) Like (3), but you've made a bunch of 'em, delivered 'em to airlines, and they're in regular real-word use...without said airlines suffering from buyer's remorse.
My understanding is that both Boom Supersonic, and everyone trying to invent a fusion reactor...are all still in category (1).
(1) "Our engines produce some thrust, and our wings produce some lift".
(2) "We managed to take off and land!"
(3) A working aircraft - seemingly performant, reliable, and economical enough that actual commercial airlines want to buy it.
(4) Like (3), but you've made a bunch of 'em, delivered 'em to airlines, and they're in regular real-word use...without said airlines suffering from buyer's remorse.
My understanding is that both Boom Supersonic, and everyone trying to invent a fusion reactor...are all still in category (1).