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Test Model Of Skybolt Missiles
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Test Model Of Skybolt Missiles
Wichita, Kansas: 1959. Test models of Douglas Aircraft Skybolt missiles nestle under a B-52 wing at Boeing Aircrafts Wichita Division. They were to be hypersonic air to surface ballistic missiles with nuclear capability, but were eventually scrapped in favor of the newly developed submarine based Polaris missile in 1962, by Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defense under President John Kennedy
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Media ID 9738159
© Underwood Archives/UIG
1950s 1959 1960s Air Force Aircraft Airplanes Aviation B And W Boeing Bomber Cold War Defense Kansas Military Missiles Models Monochromatic Monochrome People In The Background Rockets Single Man Testing Weapons B 52 Douglas Aircraft Tests Wichita
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photo print, taken in Wichita, Kansas in 1959, we are transported back to a pivotal moment in history during the height of the Cold War. Nestled under the imposing wing of a B-52 bomber at Boeing Aircraft's Wichita Division, we see test models of Douglas Aircraft Skybolt missiles. These hypersonic air-to-surface ballistic missiles were designed with nuclear capability and intended to be a formidable weapon for the United States Air Force. However, fate had other plans for these cutting-edge missiles. In 1962, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara made the decision to scrap them in favor of the newly developed submarine-based Polaris missile system. This marked a significant shift in military strategy and technology during this era. The image captures not only the historic significance of these abandoned weapons but also provides us with an intimate glimpse into the world of military testing and development. The monochromatic tones add depth and nostalgia to this scene while people can be seen bustling about in the background, reminding us that behind every technological advancement lies countless hours of hard work by dedicated individuals. This photograph is a testament to both innovation and adaptation as it immortalizes an important chapter in aviation history when dreams took flight but ultimately gave way to progress.
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