Length: approximately 31 feet
Range: at least 8,700 miles, possibly tens of thousands of miles
Direct-cycle nuclear turbojet
Reactor core
Compressor
Turbine
3
1
2
The heated, compressed air spins a turbine that drives the compressor at the front of the engine. The hot air exits the back of the engine, propelling the missile.
Air enters the engine through an inlet. A rotating compressor increases the pressure of the incoming air before it enters the reactor.
The compressed air enters the nuclear reactor. As air comes in direct contact with fuel elements in the reactor core, it heats up.
Direct-cycle nuclear turbojet
Reactor core
Turbine
Compressor
3
1
2
The heated, compressed air spins a turbine that drives the compressor at the front of the engine. The hot air exits the back of the engine, propelling the missile.
Air enters the engine through an inlet. A rotating compressor increases the pressure of the incoming air before it enters the reactor.
The compressed air enters the nuclear reactor. As air comes in direct contact with fuel elements in the reactor core, it heats up.
Direct-cycle nuclear turbojet
Reactor core
Compressor
Turbine
3
1
2
Air enters the engine through an inlet. A rotating compressor increases the pressure of the incoming air before it enters the reactor.
1
The compressed air enters the nuclear reactor. As air comes in direct contact with fuel elements in the reactor core, it heats up.
2
The heated, compressed air spins a turbine that drives the compressor at the front of the engine. The hot air exits the back of the engine, propelling the missile.
3