Resuscitating the Atomic Airplane: Flying on a Wing and an Isotope

Scientific American ^ | 12/5/08 | Karen A. Frenkel

[Wardenclyffe]

Should there be nuclear-powered planes to save the environment? Engineers reconsider a Cold War–era proposal scrapped decades ago

More than 50 years ago, aerospace engineers spent over $1 billion—in 1950s money—designing atomic-powered airplanes in the hope that such superfast jets could remain aloft for 15,000 miles (21,150 kilometers) at a time. They expected one pound (half a kilogram) of nuclear material would eliminate the need for refueling stops. An intriguing concept, but nuclear aircraft were grounded before the end of the Cold War due to, among other things, concerns about passenger and crew exposure to radiation. As airlines grapple with the high cost of petroleum and the growing demand for a cleaner form of fuel, might it be time to take another look at nuclear?

Between 1946 and 1961 the U.S. Air Force and the Atomic Energy Commission oversaw the Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion (ANP) program. But ANP engineers and management were mired in debate over reactor technologies, how best to transfer nuclear power to a conventional engine, and the best material to shield the crew from radiation. Ultimately, they retrofitted the Convair B-36, a hybrid prop/jet-engine bomber weighing more than 400,000 pounds* (181,435 kilograms) and with a wingspan of 230 feet (70 meters), to house an air-cooled reactor in the aft bomb bay. Up front, the plane was outfitted with a 12-ton lead-and-rubber-shielded crew compartment. The atomic version of Convair's plane, called "Peacemaker," made 47 test flights over Texas and New Mexico between July 1955 and March 1957.

But by the end of the decade, advances in conventional aircraft and engine design outmoded the atom-powered B-36 and the public became concerned about the dangers of a nuclear reactor flying overhead.

Recently, however, the search for cleaner fuels has once again raised the specter of such airships.

[Wardenclyffe]

NUCLEAR-POWERED CONVAIR NB-36H "PEACEMAKER": Depicted here is a view of the Convair NB-36H Peacemaker experimental aircraft and a Boeing B-50 Superfortress chase plane during research and development taking place at the Convair plant at Forth Worth, Tex. The NB-36H was modified to carry a three-megawatt, air-cooled nuclear reactor in its bomb bay. This was the only known airborne reactor experiment undertaken by the U.S. with an operational nuclear reactor on board. Image courtesy of U.S. Defenseimagery.mil photo no. DF-SC-83-09332

[sig226]

I would rather they run them on vegetable oil than plutonium. Vegetable oil isn’t radioactive, nor is it toxic.

[BILL_C]

there were several stories I heard at Prototype of a nuclear powered airplane experiment in the Idaho Desert from Navy Nuclear Power training days. I believe I was told it only flew once or twice, a radcon nightmare if I remember correctly.

[Kirkwood]

I’m waiting for the liberals to say we need electric airplanes that are plugged in every night.

[Wardenclyffe]

I think in terms of cost and range they are promising, but I agree on the dangers, esp. if one is hijacked. There would have to be some serious redundant safety features involved.

[JoeProBono]

[ConservativeByChoice]

Reminds me of my favorite Zippo from Dad’s collection... General Electric Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion.

[SunkenCiv]

Ultimately, they retrofitted the Convair B-36, a hybrid prop/jet-engine bomber weighing more than 400,000 pounds* (181,435 kilograms) and with a wingspan of 230 feet (70 meters), to house an air-cooled reactor in the aft bomb bay. Up front, the plane was outfitted with a 12-ton lead-and-rubber-shielded crew compartment. The atomic version of Convair's plane, called "Peacemaker," made 47 test flights over Texas and New Mexico between July 1955 and March 1957.

[Pan_Yan]

I heard similar stories while I was at Alice 1n Wonderland.

[parsifal]

Never knew there was such a thing. Knew they were trying atom bomb powered rockets for space.

parsy, who says live and learn