Convair NX-2 Camal

[archipeppe]

One of the most interesting subjects ever, the Convair NX-2 "Camal" was introduced in late '50s like a "atomic bomber", otherwise like atomic powered bomber as answer to hypotetical Soviet nuclear bomber (never materialized anyway).


The project had several twists during its history ranging from pure nuclear powered (through 4 GE XNJ-140) to mixed propulsion.
At first glance the aircraft appears more like a research and testbed vehicle rather than the prototype or even a demonstrator of future bomber. Its denomination "NX-2" is clearly off from the official USAF bomber number and tells more about experimentation (Nuclear eXperimental 2??, if so it should be intended like a successor of the X-6 or NX-1.....).


No bombs or payload bays showed by the drawings available and the four airmen crew hosted in a heavily shielded cockpit (like the NB-36H). Curiosily its configuration (canard + swept wing with huge winglets) seems to last a legacy into the various Burt Rutan light aircraft project of a decade later (Very Eze and other types).

 

[foiling]

I love these drawings of the Convair NX-2, Archipeppe. A fabulous aircraft, beautifully rendered. Big thanks.

 

[archipeppe]

I love these drawings of the Convair NX-2, Archipeppe. A fabulous aircraft, beautifully rendered. Big thanks.

Thanks Foiling I can always count on your appreciation.

 

[Stargazer]

One of my favorite unbuilts, beautifully rendered as usual. Congrats!

 

[Michel Van]

again cool art work, archipeppe

question on Convair NX-2 Camal
had it used Boron fuel for chemical take off and landing ?
(also had Boron fuel serve as radiation shield between crew and reactor.)

 

[Rlewis]

My imagination is running wild! nice job ;D

 

[archipeppe]

Many thank dear Sirs!!


Regarding Boron question, I don't know it.
The only one could answer to such question would be Scott Lowther (our Orionblamblam).

 

[pedrospe]

Brilliant work, thanks a lot for sharing.




best regards


pedro

 

[Rlewis]

That is very nice, I had not ever seen something like that

 

[TrincaBeast]

One of the most interesting subjects ever, the Convair NX-2 "Camal" was introduced in late '50s like a "atomic bomber", otherwise like atomic powered bomber as answer to hypotetical Soviet nuclear bomber (never materialized anyway).


The project had several twists during its history ranging from pure nuclear powered (through 4 GE XNJ-140) to mixed propulsion.
At first glance the aircraft appears more like a research and testbed vehicle rather than the prototype or even a demonstrator of future bomber. Its denomination "NX-2" is clearly off from the official USAF bomber number and tells more about experimentation (Nuclear eXperimental 2??, if so it should be intended like a successor of the X-6 or NX-1.....).


No bombs or payload bays showed by the drawings available and the four airmen crew hosted in a heavily shielded cockpit (like the NB-36H). Curiosily its configuration (canard + swept wing with huge winglets) seems to last a legacy into the various Burt Rutan light aircraft project of a decade later (Very Eze and other types).

If you were curious about the Payload bays and hardpoints, please refer to this drawing below