Convair NB-36H
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Pfffft
Convair NB-36H
I have read the occasional article in the past on this nuclear powered aircraft, however all the articles seemed a bit thin on the ground content wise. Does anyone know of any good books, websites or other assorted sources where I could read a bit more deeply into this particular aircraft?
What interests me most is how the propulsion system actually worked, how it was controlled, how effective it was, etc?
Can anyone help?
ASI
What interests me most is how the propulsion system actually worked, how it was controlled, how effective it was, etc?
Can anyone help?
ASI
Gnome de PPRuNe
Joined: Jan 2002
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 15,198
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From: Too close to Croydon for comfort
IIRC Aeroplane Monthly published an in-depth article on the B-36 a few months back, which included coverage of the NB-36H. I don't think the engines were actually powered by the reactor, rather it was powered up in flight to assess the practicalities... but I may well be wrong!
The crew stations were rather well shielded as I recall...
Strewth, an accident would have been more than slightly embarrasing!
The crew stations were rather well shielded as I recall...
Strewth, an accident would have been more than slightly embarrasing!
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 3,394
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From: near an aeroplane
The NB-36H was never powered by the reactor it carried. The aircraft used the normal (as far as that will apply to a B-36) powerplants as installed, while the nuclear reactor was powerer up in flight to assess handling, measure the effects etc.
GE once designed a nuclear powered jet engine, which was a huge double engine (two compressors, turbines) with one reactor instead of the combustion process in a normal jet engine cycle. They built the prototype up to a point but never finished or ran the beast.
GE once designed a nuclear powered jet engine, which was a huge double engine (two compressors, turbines) with one reactor instead of the combustion process in a normal jet engine cycle. They built the prototype up to a point but never finished or ran the beast.
