Chance Vought Regulus I Cruise Missile (1951)

Scale: 1/48
Initial Release: N/A
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity: 4

About the Design

First flown in 1951, the Chance Vought Regulus missile was designed as a nuclear cruise missile to be carried aboard U.S. Navy submarines, thus making subs part of America's strategic nuclear deterrent. The design of the Regulus I was about as basic as one can get: a hollow tube, tapered at the ends, with wings and tail.

Launched with the help of two solid-fuel boosters, the Regulus I was nearly identical to the Matador missile concurrently under development by the U.S. Army, although the Navy insisted that its version could be launched faster (It could be stowed with its booster rockets attached) and had a superior guidance system. (In fact, its guidance system was little better than that of Germany's primitive V-1.)

The Regulus officially entered military service in 1955, serving aboard both diesel- and nuclear-powered submarines as well as cruisers and aircraft carriers.

It was officially retired in 1964.

About the Kit

This is a 1:48-scale resin recast of the original Topping Manufacturers desktop model. Purchased and built in 2005, the models' original release date is unknown.

No box art is available.