"The potential of closed-cycle gas turbines for producing a highly efficient nuclear power plant is discussed. Such turbines are being developed for three applications: the HTRE program (Heat Transfer Reactor Experiment) for nuclear aircraft propulsion, the MGCR program (Marine Gas Cooled Reactor) for nuclear marine propulsion, and the ML-1 (Mobile Low-Power Gas-Cooled Nuclear Power Plant) for nuclear electric power generation in an Army mobile power plant as part of the Army Gas-Cooled Reactor Systems Program (AGCRSP). Some characteristics of several non-nuclear gas turbines as well as gas turbine prime movers of 18 U.S. gas-cooled nuclear power plant projects were examined. Turbine and compressor performance, performance improvement, full-load and part load operation, maintenance, component life, and reliability are discussed. Consideration is given to factors affecting structural integrity of turbomachinery, such as choice of proper materials, vibrations, cooling, and construction features. The material reported is based on information obtained in part from the 155 references included and in part from the data requested from some 60 manufacturers."