Reading level:
A kid-friendly version of this page isn’t written yet — you’re seeing the regular version below. Back to the gallery to find an aircraft with a Kids version.

Convair NB-36

Experimental · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Convair NB-36 — Experimental
Open in interactive gallery →See aircraft like this on the live radar →

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. Nicknamed "The Crusader", it was created for the Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion program, to show the feasibility of a nuclear-powered bomber. Its development ended with the cancellation of the ANP program in March 1961.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Experimental
Domain
Civil
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Engine
4× turbojets
Thrust / Power
5,200 lbf (23.1 kN) each
Length (ft)
162
Wingspan (ft)
230
MTOW (lb)
357500
Service Ceiling (ft)
40000
Max Speed (mph)
420