Are there any nuclear powered warships?

Sevmorput, a Soviet and later Russian LASH carrier with icebreaking capability, has operated successfully on the Northern Sea Route since it was commissioned in 1988. As of 2021, it is the only nuclear-powered merchant ship in service. Civilian nuclear ships suffer from the costs of specialized infrastructure.

Do submarines have nuclear engines?

A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor, but not necessarily nuclear-armed. Nuclear submarines have considerable performance advantages over “conventional” (typically diesel-electric) submarines.

What happened to the aircraft nuclear propulsion program?

The Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion program was terminated by President Kennedy after his annual budget message to Congress in 1961. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory researched and developed nuclear aircraft engines. Two shielded reactors powered two General Electric J87 turbojet engines to nearly full thrust.

What are the advantages of nuclear-powered airplanes?

The advantages of nuclear-powered airplanes mirrored those of nuclear submarines. Nuclear submarines did not need to surface for fuel, and nuclear airplanes would not need to land.

What is the Russian Navy doing with pump jet/proulsor technology?

The Russian Navy is experimenting with pump jet/proulsor technology. In the photo, above, the Russian Navy B-871 Alrosa is the only Kilo-class sub that uses a pump jet propulsion system instead of a conventional propeller. The US Navy has reached the limits of noise reduction with mechanical system propulsion.

Why didn’t the United States have nuclear-powered bomber aircraft during the Cold War?

During the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union researched nuclear-powered bomber aircraft, the greater endurance of which could enhance nuclear deterrence, but neither country created any such operational aircraft.