In 1961, the Soviet Union conducted a top-secret test, which was no less confidential than the test explosion of the Tsar hydrogen bomb .
According to the Soviet Union's plan, the modified aircraft of the 119 model based on Figure 95 will have a nuclear power device and can fly around the earth for 80 laps in one supply.
Yes, you heard it right, the Soviet Union actually moved the nuclear engine to the plane and conducted dozens of test flight tests.
On the surface, this aircraft is no different from an ordinary aircraft, with an altitude of 12.5 meters, a length of 46.17 meters and a wingspan of 50.04 meters.
But at that time, both the United States and the Soviet Union encountered a problem, that is, the aircraft's endurance is limited, and it is difficult to form an advantage in the attack of deep targets.
There is no doubt that a nuclear-powered aircraft has become the best solution, and Figure 119 came into being.
It is reported that the design plan of Figure 119 at that time borrowed from the design ideas of the American B-36 nuclear-powered aircraft, and coupled with the strong industrial and technological strength of the Soviet Union, the production of the first Figure 119 was quickly completed.
Dare you sure? As early as 62 years ago, in 1961, the Soviet Union built the nuclear-powered aircraft and conducted 34 test flights.
What is strange is that Tupolev Design Bureau racked his brains and finally completed the test flight of the nuclear aircraft of the 119, but this model of aircraft was not in service.
nuclear-powered engine can greatly improve the aircraft's battery life, but after multiple tests, three problems were quickly discovered.
During the nuclear reaction process, a large amount of heat will be released. If the heat is not dissipated in time, the nuclear engine will melt quickly.
When the aircraft is flying at high altitude, it can use cold air to dissipate heat, but at low altitude, it becomes a big problem.
To solve the problem of cooling, Figure 119 installed 4 engines, 2 of which are nuclear-powered and used when flying at high altitudes, while the other two conventional-powered engines provide power to the aircraft at low altitudes.
heat dissipation problem was barely solved, but the researchers found that in order to move nuclear reactor onto the plane, even the position of the ammunition compartment was occupied, and there was no unnecessary place to carry other equipment.
Moreover, the nuclear reactor will also generate a large amount of radiation. Even if nuclear-powered aircraft are really mass-produced, few pilots are really willing to fly.
The Soviet Union successfully tested the nuclear-powered aircraft 119 62 years ago, but finally gave up for another reason.
Figure 119 After multiple test flights, although there is still a lot of room for improvement in nuclear radiation and reactor weight, the Soviet Union is still full of confidence in the development of nuclear-powered aircraft.
The reason why Figure 119 was developed at that time was largely to provide a vector for nuclear bomb , thereby improving the deterrence of nuclear weapon .
Who would have thought that another thing that happened in 1961 made the Soviet Union voluntarily give up its nuclear aircraft development plan.
In October 1961, the test launch of the R16 intercontinental missile developed by the Soviet Union was successful and passed the review quickly, meeting the conditions for actual combat service.
Compared with nuclear-powered aircraft, intercontinental missiles have strong maneuverability, high reliability and low cost. The key is that the technology is mature.
In 1963, the first batch of R16 intercontinental missiles were officially put into service, and the 119 nuclear-powered aircraft also officially withdrew from the stage of history.
There is no doubt that an aircraft with unlimited battery life is still a dream for mankind.
With the continuous improvement of technology, in your opinion, is it still necessary for humans to continue to develop nuclear-powered aircraft?
