Atomic Skies: The NB-36H
A pioneering experimental aircraft that carried an operational nuclear reactor, pushing the boundaries of aviation during the Cold War.
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Project Overview
The Nuclear Frontier
The Convair NB-36H, nicknamed "The Crusader," was a unique experimental aircraft developed under the U.S. Air Force's Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion (ANP) program. Its primary mission was not to fly using nuclear power, but to test the feasibility of carrying an operational nuclear reactor aboard an aircraft and to study radiation shielding for the crew. This endeavor represented a significant step in the ambitious quest for nuclear-powered bombers during the intense Cold War era.
A Testbed for Technology
While the aircraft itself was a modified Convair B-36 bomber, the core innovation was the integration of a 1-megawatt air-cooled nuclear reactor. This reactor was designed to be easily loaded and unloaded, allowing for safe storage and maintenance. The NB-36H served as a crucial platform for gathering vital data on radiation levels, shielding effectiveness, and the operational challenges of managing a nuclear reactor in flight, paving the way for future nuclear applications in aerospace.
Programmatic Context
The ANP program evolved from earlier initiatives like Project NEPA (Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft). It aimed to develop a nuclear propulsion system capable of powering long-range jet bombers. The NB-36H was conceived as an early prototype to test the reactor and shielding systems before the development of the intended production aircraft, the Convair X-6. The program's ultimate cancellation in 1961 marked the end of this specific chapter in nuclear aviation history.
Design and Engineering
The Airframe and Reactor
The NB-36H was a conversion of a B-36 bomber, specifically serial number 51-5712, which had been damaged by a tornado. Instead of repairing it conventionally, Convair proposed its modification for the ANP program. The original crew and avionics section was replaced by a heavily shielded compartment weighing approximately 11 tons. This compartment housed a crew of five, including specialized nuclear engineers, and featured thick lead-glass windows (25-30 cm) to protect against radiation.
Shielding and Safety
A critical aspect of the NB-36H's design was its radiation shielding. The crew compartment was lined with lead and rubber to mitigate radiation exposure from the 1-megawatt air-cooled reactor. The reactor itself, weighing around 35,000 pounds (16,000 kg), was suspended in the bomb bay on a hook, allowing for relatively easy removal and secure storage in underground facilities when not in use for test flights. This design prioritized crew safety and the containment of radioactive materials.
Project Halitosis
To monitor the reactor's emissions, a sophisticated monitoring system known as "Project Halitosis" was implemented. This system was designed to measure radioactive gases released from the reactor during flight operations. The data collected was crucial for understanding the environmental impact and potential risks associated with operating a nuclear reactor in the atmosphere, informing future safety protocols and design considerations.
Historical Context
The ANP Program
The Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion (ANP) program, initiated by the U.S. Air Force, aimed to develop nuclear-powered aircraft. It built upon earlier efforts like Project NEPA. The program pursued two main engine concepts: a direct air cycle developed by General Electric and an indirect air cycle by Pratt & Whitney. The NB-36H was intended to be an early testbed for these concepts, demonstrating the viability of carrying a nuclear reactor.
Programmatic Shifts
The program faced evolving geopolitical and technological landscapes. While President Eisenhower maintained funding, he reportedly did not prioritize it. By the late 1950s, advancements in supersonic aviation and ballistic missile technology led many in Congress to question the necessity and cost-effectiveness of nuclear-powered aircraft. This shift in strategic thinking ultimately contributed to the program's demise.
Cancellation and Legacy
In March 1961, President John F. Kennedy officially canceled the ANP program, citing its remote prospects despite significant investment. The planned Convair X-6 prototype was never built. The NB-36H, having completed its test flights, was decommissioned and scrapped. Despite the cancellation, the research yielded valuable insights into liquid metal handling and fused salt technologies, which later benefited NASA's nuclear generator and reactor development.
Flight Operations
Test Flight Data
Between September 17, 1955, and March 1957, the NB-36H completed 47 test flights. These flights accumulated 215 hours of total flight time, with the reactor operating during 89 of those hours. The test flights were conducted primarily over the skies of New Mexico and Texas.
Safety Findings
The operational tests provided crucial data regarding radiation exposure. Findings indicated that the shielding employed was effective in protecting the crew from direct radiation from the reactor. However, a significant risk identified was the potential for radioactive contamination in the event of an aircraft accident, highlighting a major safety concern for operational nuclear aircraft.
Technical Specifications
Aircraft Data
The NB-36H was a formidable aircraft, adapted from the B-36 Peacemaker. Its specifications reflect its experimental nature and the integration of the nuclear reactor system.
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References
References
- Cortright, Vincent, "Dream of Atomic Powered Flight", Aviation History, March 1995
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