Ep 2. The Atomic Bomber

The show Planes That Never Flew delves into the fascinating world of aircraft engineering, exploring concepts that never quite made it off the drawing board. In this episode, titled "The Atomic Bomber," we explore the story of a plane with a truly shocking purpose.

The episode begins by introducing us to the political and social climate of the early 1950s. The Cold War is in full swing, and tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union are at an all-time high. The fear of nuclear attack is pervasive, and the American government is looking for any advantage it can find to stay ahead of the threat.

Enter the Convair B-36. This massive plane, called the "Peacemaker," was designed to be the ultimate weapon in the United States' arsenal. With a wingspan of 230 feet and a length of 162 feet, it was the largest bomber ever built. It was designed to carry a nuclear bomb to any point on the planet, and what's more, it could be refueled mid-air, giving it an incredible range.

But the B-36 wasn't just large; it was also incredibly complex. The plane was powered by six piston engines and four jet engines, making it an engineering marvel. And while it was an impressive feat of technology, it was also incredibly expensive to produce and maintain.

Despite its cost, the B-36 was seen as a crucial investment in national security. But the government was already looking ahead to the next phase of bombers, and that's where the concept of the "Atomic Bomber" came in.

The Atomic Bomber was a plane that would be powered by nuclear energy. It was a radical concept that was met with both excitement and skepticism. On one hand, a nuclear-powered plane would be able to stay in the air for weeks at a time, greatly extending its range. On the other hand, it was an untested technology that could have catastrophic consequences if something went wrong.

The episode goes on to explore the different approaches that were taken in trying to make the Atomic Bomber a reality. The United States' Atomic Energy Commission launched a program called "Project Pluto" that sought to use nuclear power to create a supersonic ramjet engine. The idea was that the engine would be so powerful that the plane would be able to fly at incredible speeds without ever having to refuel.

But as the project progressed, it became clear that the challenges were simply too great. The radiation emitted by the engine was a serious safety concern, and even when the engine was working properly, it created a deafening roar that would have made communication within the plane impossible.

Despite these setbacks, the Atomic Bomber remained an alluring concept. Other countries, including the Soviet Union, began developing their own nuclear-powered planes. And some scientists still believe that nuclear power could be harnessed to create a truly revolutionary aircraft.

The episode concludes by looking at the legacy of the Atomic Bomber. While the idea may never have come to fruition, it remains a fascinating example of the lengths to which humans will go to achieve their goals. And while the concept may be relegated to the annals of history, it's a reminder of the importance of bold thinking and innovative engineering.