THE U-2 FLEW ABOVE 100,000 FEET

The U-2 flew above 100,000 ft according to the May 31, 1960 issue of "Aviation Week." How could this be the case? How could a plane with the dimensions and weight of the U2 cruise at that altitude just using chemical means? Unless the plane is carrying oxygen on board it would not be able to fly at that height and would have a limited range. A nuclear powered plane would not have this problem and the radiation problems are solved by shadow shielding by going above 70,000 ft. Below this altitude atmospheric scattering exposed the pilots to radiation.

The plane outlined in the REPORT ON REVIEW OF MANNED AIRCRAFT NUCLEAR PROPULSION PROGRAM ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE would be able to fly at that height because there is no need for oxygen. A nuclear powered plane could take off using only nuclear power carrying chemical fuel / reaction mass that would only be used when the atmosphere was too thin. The chemical fuel would be forced through the reactor propelling the plane forward.