Regulus tells the nearly-forgotten story of the development and deployment of the Cold War's ultimate weapon: the nuclear missile submarine. While today the mighty Trident SSBNs form the backbone of our nation's nuclear deterrent, in 1946 such weapons were only a distant dream. This is the story of the first generation submarine deterrent force, told by the people who developed, tested and deployed it . . . and changed history in the process. Summary: In 1946, the U.S. Navy began top secret test 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 declassified, digitally remastered footage, much of it seen here for the first time.
Before Polaris, before Trident, Regulus was the United States' seaborne deterrent shield. Now, for the first time, the Regulus story can be told!
