] The US Air Force is examining the feasibility of a
] nuclear-powered version of an unmanned aircraft. The USAF
] hopes that such a vehicle will be able to "loiter" in the
] air for months without refuelling, striking at will when
] a target comes into its sights.
]
]
] With a nuclear drive a Global Hawk could fly for months
] without landing (Image: GETTY NEWSERVICE)]
] But the idea is bound to raise serious concerns about the
] wisdom of flying radioactive material in a combat
] aircraft. If shot down, for instance, would an
] anti-aircraft gunner in effect be detonating a dirty bomb