Early US Navy Submarine-Lunched Tactical Nuclear Cruise Missile
Early Nuclear Cruise Missile
On loan from the United States Navy
Type: Unmanned Nuclear Delivery System
The Regulus cruise missile was deployed in the U.S. submarine fleet in the post-World War II era. Developed for the U.S. Navy in 1948, the Regulus went into service in 1953. Soon overshadowed by the famous Polaris and Trident sub-launched missiles, the Regulus was the original nuclear deterrent in the early days of the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis.
The USS Tunny led the Regulus-armed submarine fleet. The USS Tunny was the nation’s first nuclear warhead armed patrol submarine. The Regulus cruise missile and its control systems paved the way for our current Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The museum’s missile is on an aircraft carrier launching cart.
Manufacturer: Chance Vought Aircraft
Powerplant:
Engine Type : Allison J33-A-14 Turbojet with 4,600 lbs. Thrust
Dimensions:
Wing span: 21 feet
Length: 41 feet 6 inches
Height: 7 feet 6 inches
Weight: 13,685 lbs. (Gross)
Performance:
Supersonic with 33,000 lbs. thrust booster rockets
Range : 500 nautical miles
Armament:
40-50 kiloton 3,000 lbs. warhead
1-2 megaton 2,800 lbs. thermonuclear warhead
Production: 514
