Regulus: The First Nuclear Missile Submarines
The Untold Story of the Development and Deployment of the Missile Submarine
In 1946, the U.S. Navy began top secret tests with modified German V-1 "buzz bombs." The goal? To develop a submarine-launched, nuclear guided missile. The tests would lead to the development of the Regulus, a nuclear capable, air breathing cruise missile that flew like a jet aircraft.
Tested in secrecy at Edwards Air Force Base, Regulus would be deployed aboard five "SSGs" - guided missile submarines. They would undertake the first missile deterrent patrols in the history of the Navy... and the Cold War!
Patrolling the stormy waters of the Northern Pacific, the Regulus crews endured long patrols - often with the Soviet Navy in depth charge range.
This is the story of the Regulus and the men who made the guided missile submarine a reality. Featuring recently declassifiedm digitally remastered footage, much of it seen here for the first time.
Member Reviews
pretty neat - dokrob
Provides some detail, but in my opinion not enough. Would have liked to see some more in depth analysis of the progression from V-1 to true guided nuclear missile capable submarines.
Would recommend it if your really into 1950s missile technology. If not, maybe not for you.Lacking accuracy, but interesting - Resonant
This is an interesting little documentary on the short-lived Regulus missile program. It had many details of interest to engineers, such as how the watertight missile storage pod on the foredeck of the submarines contained a rotating rack, which the crew could turn to easily slide out each missile. However, the carelessness in terminology (i.e. at 4:01 referring to the V-1 as a TACTICAL missile) and incorrect details (i.e. at 9:05 referring to a JP-5 fuel fire in 1948, although JP-5 wasn't developed until 1952) was irritating. It's an interesting introduction to the program, but do not rely on the accuracy of its contents.
Member Reviews
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pretty neat - dokrob
Provides some detail, but in my opinion not enough. Would have liked to see some more in depth analysis of the progression from V-1 to true guided nuclear missile capable submarines.
Would recommend it if your really into 1950s missile technology. ...Lacking accuracy, but interesting - Resonant
This is an interesting little documentary on the short-lived Regulus missile program. It had many details of interest to engineers, such as how the watertight missile storage pod on the foredeck of the submarines contained a rotating rack, which the crew ...