The flying crowbar

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Air and Space Smithsonian; (USA)

OSTI ID:7049026

Herken, G

A development history is presented for Project Pluto, a joint USAF-AEC program conducted from 1957 to 1964 to create a 'supersonic low-altitude missile' (SLAM). The SLAM, which was to employ a lightweight nuclear reactor designated 'Tory' to furnish heat for an otherwise rather conventional ramjet powerplant, was projected to be capable of cruising deep into enemy territory at treetop level with a payload of several nuclear bombs that could be dropped over predetermined targets. While no SLAM was ever flight-tested, a highly successful ground test was conducted in May, 1964 with the third of the Tory nuclear reactor variants; 513 MW and the equivalent of 35,000 lb of thrust were generated.

• OSTI ID: 7049026
• Journal Information: Air and Space Smithsonian; (USA), Journal Name: Air and Space Smithsonian; (USA) Vol. 5; ISSN ASPSE; ISSN 0886-2257
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220800 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Propulsion Reactors
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450400* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear & Radiological Warfare-- (1990-)
ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MISSILES
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PROPULSION REACTORS
RAMJET ENGINES
REACTORS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
WARFARE
WEAPONS