The young inventor explained further that the submarine had an atomic pile containing Swifto-nium, the radioactive isotope which the Swifts had discovered in South America. In order to protect the occupants of the jetmarine from the deadly radiation, the whole power plant had been encased in a three-inch thickness of Tomasite. This was a strong, durable plastic named after the young inventor and his father. Heat-resistant, it absorbed gamma rays much more efficiently than lead shields which are ordinarily used.
“Sounds terrific,” Bud reflected. “Go on.”
Tom said that the submarine, except for its transparent nose, was double-hulled.
“As I see it,” Bud interrupted, “the construction of this sub is just like sticking a cigar into one end of an egg and leaving a little of it protruding.”
“Right. Only the part of the cigar that you can see is as clear as glass,” Tom replied. “The nose is molded of transparent Tomasite.”
The outer hull was also painted with Tomasite, 10 TOM SWIFT AND HIS JETMARINE
to prevent reflection of sound waves. Thus, the jetmarine could not be detected by sonar devices.
“This is wonderful, genius boy,” said Bud, grinning. “But you still haven’t told me what makes the jetmarine go.”
Tom laughed. “I haven’t? Well, the intense heat from the atomic pile will create steam to drive a turbine, which in turn will activate a pump. This will force out a jet of sea water so fast that it will cause propulsion.
“What’s holding me up now is the speed control,” Tom went on. “And also I still haven’t ? foolproof way of keeping the water intakes from fouling.”