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An English Electric Thunderbird surface-to-air guided missil
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An English Electric Thunderbird surface-to-air guided missil
An English Electric Thunderbird surface-to-air guided missile being transferred from the launcher-loading trolley to the launcher, September 1958. Date: 1958
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Media ID 18387237
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
1958 Ballistic Ballistics Electric Guided Launcher Missile Missiles Rocket Rockets Surface To Air Thunderbird Transferred Trolley
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Transferring the Thunderbird: A Moment in the History of British Air Defence, September 1958" This evocative black-and-white photograph captures a pivotal moment in the history of British air defence technology. The image shows an English Electric Thunderbird surface-to-air guided missile being carefully transferred from the launcher-loading trolley to the launcher. The date is September 1958, marking a significant advancement in the country's military capabilities. The Thunderbird missile system was a crucial component of the UK's air defence strategy during the Cold War era. It was designed to intercept and destroy incoming aerial threats, such as bombers and missiles, using advanced ballistic and rocket technology. The system's successor, the Redoubt, would later become a key component of the UK's air defence network during the 1960s and 1970s. In this photograph, we see the intricate process of loading the Thunderbird missile onto the launcher. The precision and care taken by the military personnel involved underscore the importance of this technology and the critical role it played in safeguarding the nation's security. The contrast between the sleek, metallic surface of the missile and the rough, textured ground adds to the image's visual appeal and historical significance. This photograph is an invaluable record of a bygone era in military history, offering a unique glimpse into the development and deployment of cutting-edge air defence technology. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that innovation and engineering expertise have played in shaping the UK's defence capabilities and protecting its people.
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