HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT — The future of military energy took flight this week as a C-17 Globemaster III successfully transported a fully functional, portable nuclear reactor across state lines. The mission, a cornerstone of the Department of Defense’s Project Janus, demonstrated that 5 megawatts of power can now be moved with the same speed and ease as a standard armored vehicle.

The Ward250: A Powerhouse in a Box
The reactor, dubbed the Ward250, was developed by Valar Atomics. Unlike the massive containment domes of traditional nuclear plants, the Ward250 is a Micro-Modular Reactor (MMR) designed to fit within the dimensions of a standard shipping configuration.

Power Output: 5 Megawatts (MW)—enough to power approximately 5,000 homes or a large, high-tech military installation.
Fueling: The reactor uses TRISO fuel pebbles, which are inherently safe and resistant to melting even under extreme conditions.
Mobility: It is designed for “plug-and-play” operation, allowing it to be operational within hours of landing.
Project Janus: Testing the Logistics of the Future
The flight from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah was not just a delivery; it was a tactical exercise. Project Janus aims to solve the “tether of fuel” problem—the dangerous and expensive reliance on diesel convoys to power remote bases or disaster relief zones.

“This isn’t just about the Air Force; it’s about disaster response,” said a spokesperson for the project. “In the wake of a catastrophic hurricane or earthquake, the Ward250 could provide an entire city’s emergency services with power for years without needing a single drop of fuel.”

Safety and Security
Transporting nuclear material by air traditionally carries high regulatory hurdles. However, the Ward250’s design includes multiple layers of redundant shielding and a “dead-man” switch that ensures the reactor remains sub-critical during transport, making it safe for both the flight crew and the landing zone.