The Convair NB-36H was an experimental aircraft that carried a nuclear reactor to test its protective radiation shielding for the crew, but did not use it to power the aircraft.

The NB-36H was a modified Convair B-36 Peacekeeper that was used as a testbed for an American nuclear powered bomber.

Dec 23, 2021 · While nations like Russia continue to struggle with fielding nuclear-propulsion in missiles, the United States was already testing a nuclear-powered bomber all the way back in 1955, in the form of...

In total, the NB-36 Crusader spent some 215 hours in the skies over New Mexico and Texas and flew for a total of 89 hours with the nuclear reactor at full burn, proving without a doubt that a bomber could fly while running producing nuclear energy onboard.

The Convair NB-36H was a bomber that carried a nuclear reactor. It was also known as the "Crusader". [1] It was built from a B-36 that had been damaged by a tornado. It was created for the Nuclear Powered Aircraft program, or the NPA, …

Jan 2, 2022 · NB-36 Crusader: A 10 Minute Explainer – Nuclear propulsion has once again been thrust into the limelight in recent years, thanks primarily to Russia’s long-troubled 9M730 Burevestnik, or Skyfall, missile, but the concept behind nuclear-powered flight is nothing new.

Jul 20, 2024 · The NB-36 was built to test the shielding requirements of an airborne nuclear reactor and to determine the effects of radiation on aircraft systems. Convair NB-36H 51-5712. (U.S. Air Force 230502-F-ZS999-1002)

May 13, 2021 · While nations like Russia continue to struggle with fielding nuclear-propulsion in missiles, the United States was already testing a nuclear-powered bomber all the way back in 1955, in the form of...

To serve as an airborne reactor testbed, Convair rebuilt a B-36 in 1955 as a special model called the NB-36H Crusader. The aircraft was equipped with massive shielding and air-cooling ducting ( arrows ) to support a small nuclear reactor in the aft fuselage.

Mar 1, 2025 · A Convair NB-36H Peacemaker test flight with a Boeing B-50 Superfortress chase plane. This plane was modified to carry a three megawatt, air-cooled nuclear reactor in its bomb bay. Image: U.S. Air Force