During the Cold War, the Soviet Union constructed the Tupolev Tu-95LAL, an experimental strategic bomber equipped with a fully active nuclear reactor. This video explores the extreme aerospace engineering and deadly radiation risks behind this flying laboratory. Discover how shadow shielding attempted to protect the flight crew and why the advent of ICBMs ultimately caused this ambitious nuclear aviation project to be abandoned. Learn the complete history of this terrifying military aircraft.

Source: Russia’s 180 – TON FLYING REACTOR — Inside the Radioactive Bomber Tu – 95 LAL