Plane of the Day: NB-36H

The Convair NB-36H was a fascinating plane born out of the dream of nuclear-powered flight. If a plane could fly with nuclear power, it could stay in the air for years (assuming provisions for the crew and possibly coolant fluid is readily available). A team of scientists form the US-based aviation firm Convair eventually produced a prototype, the NB-36H. It was essentially a B-36 bomber outfitted with a massive nuclear reactor. However, due to safety concerns and the sheer weight of the reactor, the plane only made one flight on conventional power. Nevertheless, it was a truly amazing and unique aircraft that's very interesting to learn about.

Specifications

 Country of Origin: United States

Max Speed: 240 mph (386 km/h) (Limited by test role)

Armament: N/A

Range: Not calculated

Max Takeoff Weight: 357,500 lbs (162,160 kg)

Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,192 m)

Powerplant: 6x Pratt & Whitney R-4360-53 Wasp Major radial piston engines (outboard), 4x General Electric J47 turbojet engines (inboard, two per pod), 1x General Electric Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion (ANP) Project heat transfer reactor (onboard, unshielded for propulsion, used for research)

Length: 162 ft 1 in (49.4 m)

Wingspan: 230 ft 0 in (70.1 m)

Height: 46 ft 9 in (14.26 m)

Crew: 5