The length was necessitated by the expected weight of the nuclear-powered aircraft.
Without the need to refuel a nuclear-powered aircraft would have greatly extended range compared to conventional designs.
There have been two experiments with nuclear-powered aircraft, the Tupolev Tu-119 and the Convair X-6.
By 1960 the Air Force had decided not to pursue nuclear-powered aircraft, and the federal government canceled $70 million in "high-altitude testing contracts" with Curtiss-Wright.
A nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, yes.
The development of nuclear-powered submarines and ships, and experiments to develop a nuclear-powered aircraft at that time kept the idea alive.
There was considerable interest in the use of nuclear-powered aircraft in the bomber role from the mid-1940s.
He also began an experiment into nuclear-powered aircraft.
Early in the 1950's, Dr. Watson was one of the first scientists to publicly discuss harnessing nuclear energy for projects like nuclear-powered aircraft and space satellites.
She was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth United States naval vessel to bear the name.