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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Nuclear Powered Aircraft

Here’s something I didn’t know.  The US and Russian governments worked on nuclear powered aircraft in the 50’s.

Comments

Yes, it was a novel concept the only problem was that darn radiation.  In the end the reactor and required shielding weight were substantially higher then was feasible for a bomber.

Because of this shielding was designed as two stage, stronger to protect the crew and weaker around the reactor but that meant the plane was fairly radioactive.  If I remember correctly there was also the concern that the use of a direct drive system necessary for weight concerns in place of a two stage systems could spread radiation through the exhaust in certain conditions.

Here is a page on the programs:
http://www.nuclear.com/history/Nuclear_airplanes.html

The soviets had a program as well but considering their safety record on submarines and land based reactors it’s a good thing that didn’t pan out.
http://www.aviation-history.com/articles/nuke-bombers.htm
David

LifeTrek on June 18, 2008 at 01:53 pm
Avatar for piper

Did they work on them as a team, or against each other?

piper on June 18, 2008 at 07:48 pm
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