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Country: USA
Type: SLBM
Introduction: 1960 |
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The Polaris A-1 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) was developed by the US Navy to complement the limited number of nuclear armed medium-range ballistic missile systems deployed in parts of Europe. As those systems lacked the range to attack major Soviet targets, Polaris was developed to increase the level of nuclear deterrence. The primary advantages of ballistic missile submarines as a launch platform was their ability to launch submerged, which offered improved survivability for the submarine while also being able to move shorter ranged systems within range. Entering service with the US Navy in 1960, the Polaris A-1 was withdrawn from operational deployment in 1965 as improved systems became available.
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| General Information |
| Developed by |
USA |
| Deployed by |
USA |
| Development Year |
1957 |
| Deployment Year |
1960 |
| Retirement Year |
1965 |
| Platform |
George Washington class, Ethan Allen class |
| Launcher |
vertical tubes |
| Number manufactured |
163 |
| Number deployed |
80 |
| Contractor |
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Inc. |
| Dimensions and Performance |
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Length |
8.69 m |
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Body Diameter |
1.37 m |
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Launch Weight |
13000 kg |
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Range |
2200 km |
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Speed |
12900 km/h |
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Altitude |
640 km |
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Accuracy |
900m CEP |
| Components |
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Propulsion |
2-stage solid-fueled rocket motor |
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Engine |
1st stage: Aerojet General solid-fueled rocket, 2nd stage: Aerojet General solid-fueled rocket |
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Payload |
single warhead Mk-1 RV |
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Warhead |
W-47 thermonuclear (W-47-Y1:600 kT, W-47-Y2/3:800kT) |
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Guidance |
inertial navigation system |
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