Nuclear Ramjets: What are they?
Project Pluto tested two nuclear ramjet engines Tory II A and Tory II C. Ramjets are a type of engine which use their immense speed to pressurize air coming into the inlet of their engines. In the case of the shit vehicle, the air would be heated to apocalyptic temperatures in the combustion chambers and be expelled for thrust. Because the ramjets needed high speed to operate, the SLAM would be accelerated initially by rockets.
Tory II-C was tested by forcing 1.2 million pounds of air through the engine aperture at 943 degrees Fahrenheit and 316 psi. This simulated the operating conditions of the engine in flight. These tests were conducted at Jackass Flats, at the Nevada Test Station by Lawrence Radiation Laboratory.
I've attached a link to a PDF from the program written by the head, Ted Merkle, assessing the capability of nuclear propulsion.
