Russian YouTuber and engineer Alex Burkan has once again captured global attention as he continues his quest to perfect the Iron Man suit he has been building since 2018. Often hailed as the real-life Tony Stark, Burkan recently shared blueprints for a new hydrogen reactor designed to power the suit, addressing previous energy deficiencies.
New Hydrogen Reactor Blueprints
In a recent video on his social media channels, where he describes himself as an "Engineer, building Hydrogen Iron Man suit," Burkan detailed the development of a new hydrogen reactor. This device is intended to mimic the arc reactor from the Iron Man comics and movies. "Remember, the hydrogen reactor in my suit is an electrolyser that, under the influence of electric current, decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen. That is rocket fuel and oxidiser in one bottle," Burkan explained. He further noted that the resulting gas can power various hydrogen gadgets, from torches to repulsors, Iron Man's signature weapon.
Who Is Alex Burkan?
Alex Burkan, a Russian engineer, gained fame for his ambitious project of building a functional Iron Man suit from scratch. Over six years, he constructed the armor using scrap metal and tools in his garage, taking a hands-on approach unlike the fictional billionaire Tony Stark. To date, he has successfully created plasma thrusters and sensors for the suit. His YouTube channel, 'Alex Lab,' which documents his journey, has amassed 1.78 million subscribers. What began as simple sketches has evolved into a remarkable blend of technology and engineering that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Previous Achievements
Burkan, a huge fan of sci-fi movies, has accomplished similar feats before. In 2022, he created the world's first retractable lightsaber, producing a plasma blade over one meter long and reaching temperatures exceeding 2,800 degrees Celsius, capable of cutting through steel. "All my life I was a great Star Wars fan and the lightsaber was my most-wanted gadget," he said. The key component was an electrolyser that generates hydrogen and oxygen and compresses the gas without a mechanical compressor. After numerous experiments, he adapted the burner to form the desired shape and length, then miniaturized it to fit the handle. The final product was the Starkiller lightsaber from the game 'The Force Unleashed.'
Given his track record, many believe that Burkan will eventually achieve his goal of flying in a red and gold Iron Man suit, soaring high in the sky.
