Nuclear aircraft that failed to fly. Photo

1

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото These projects were never implemented.

Introduced in 40-ies of the atomic bomb gave rise to the temptation to end all wars with just a few targeted strikes in the industrial centers of the enemy. But as usually it was well protected areas in the rear, opposing during the cold war, the parties threw all their forces to search for a reliable means of delivery “of Spetsgruppa”.

The choice was made between ballistic missiles and long range aviation. Eventually, in the late 40’s and the scales tipped to the bombers. The next decade was the “Golden age” of aviation. Huge funding contributed to the emergence of the most fantastic aircraft, but the most incredible to this day seem to be the projects of supersonic bombers with nuclear rocket launchers, developed in the USSR.

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото

M-60
Bomber M-60 was supposed to be the first in the USSR aircraft operating on an atomic engine. It was created adapted for a nuclear reactor blueprints of its predecessor the M-50. Developed the aircraft had to reach the speed of 3200 km/h, and weighs over 250 tons.

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото

Special engine
Turbojet engine with a nuclear reactor (TRD) is based on a conventional turbojet engine (TRD). But unlike the turbojet engine, thrust nuclear engine provides heated air passing through the reactor, and not emitted during the combustion of kerosene hot gases.

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото

Design feature
Looking at the layouts and thumbnails of all the atomic planes of the time, you will notice one important detail: there is no cabin for the crew. For protection against radiation the crew of the nuclear aircraft housed in a sealed lead capsule. A lack of visual overview replaced the optical periscope, television and radar screens.

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото

Offline control
To perform takeoffs and landings with periscope – no easy task. When the engineers realized it, there was a logical idea to make the aircraft unmanned. This decision also allowed us to reduce the weight of the bomber. However, for strategic reasons the project the air force is not approved.

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото

Nuclear seaplane M-60M
However, under the M-60M parallel to the designed supersonic aircraft with a nuclear engine, capable of landing on water. Such seaplanes were placed in special self-propelled docks at the bases on the coast. In March 1957, the project was canceled, as the aircraft nuclear engine emitted a strong radiation background in the places of deployment and adjacent waters.

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото

M-30
The rejection of the project M-60 does not mean the cessation of work in this direction. And in 1959, the aircraft designers to start developing a new jet aircraft. This time the thrust of its engines provides a new nuclear power plant “closed” type. By 1960, preliminary draft M-30 was ready. The new engine has reduced radioactive release, and the new aircraft became possible to install a cabin for the crew. It was believed that not later than 1966, the M-30 will rise into the air.

Ядерные самолеты, которым так и не удалось взлететь. Фото

The funeral of a nuclear aircraft
But in 1960, Khrushchev at a meeting on prospects of development of strategic weapons systems has decided that it is still called the gravedigger of the aircraft. After separated and indecisive reports of aircraft, they were asked to take some orders at rocket themes. All development aircraft nuclear engine was frozen. Fortunately or unfortunately, to find out what would be our world if the last aircraft still made up of their beginnings, now is not possible.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here