[Z-28]

I do know that the NACA (now the NASA) flew a B-36 bomber (the HUGH bomber with 6 pusher props and 4 jets in two wing-mounted pods near the wing tips) with a full-size nuclear reactor on board in some kind of secret research in the 1950s. I read it was some kind of nuclear propulsion experiment. Never have read anything more.

[XBob]

127-"I do know that the NACA (now the NASA) flew a B-36 bomber (the HUGH bomber with 6 pusher props and 4 jets in two wing-mounted pods near the wing tips) with a full-size nuclear reactor on board in some kind of secret research in the 1950s. I read it was some kind of nuclear propulsion experiment. Never have read anything more."

I remember what you are talking about. There were also some preliminary designs for super jumbo transports (600 ft wing spans) and bombers, which could fly on nuclear power plants for months.

However, it may have been after 3-mile Island, I don't remember exactly when, perhaps in the 50's or 60's, but someone finally figured out that the planes might 'crash'. So the whole idea was dropped.

[XBob]

127 It seems to me that they did get the powerplant to fit the aircraft, but they never flew with it on board and activated, and definitely never flew with it as a power unit. Long time memories, from when I was a kid.