Thor: Anatomy of a Weapon System examines the technical aspects of
the Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile system as based in
the UK during the period 1958 to 1963. Thor has a unique part to
play in our Cold War heritage; it was the first operational
ballistic missile system deployed in the western world and the only
venture by the Royal Air Force into such a weapon system. This book
describes the missile, its construction, systems and subsystems and
the associated ground support equipment in detail. The guidance
system, the "brain" of the missile, and as a result, the most
complex of the missile's systems, is conveniently spread across two
chapters, separating the airborne elements from the ground based
components. The missile guidance description includes an
illustrated sub section devoted to the basic principles governing
the all - important gyroscopes, vital for controlled flight and
navigation. Ballistics and how the properties of the earth affect
the missile's flight to its target are also discussed. The ground
based guidance chapter describes in detail, with accompanying
drawings, the set up and alignment of the guidance system for the
required target and the use of the "mysterious" theodolites.
Explanations are in "plain English" and any associated mathematics
is kept simple and, where possible, avoided altogether. Thor's
liquid propellants are subject to inspection with an explanation of
how these fuels are produced, stored on site, loaded and their
associated ever - present dangers. Chapters are dedicated to the
development of the re-entry vehicle (the nose cone), which gave
Thor its characteristic blunt profile and to Thor's raison d'etre;
the awesome 1.44-megaton warhead; its principles of operation and
its terrifying effects. The launch countdown process is
comprehensively covered in a series of easy to follow flow
diagrams, accompanied by detailed drawings and descriptions of the
launch control consoles and equipment. The launch sites are
themselves examined, with a description of the surveys required,
typical layout, locations, construction and security arrangements.
Detailed drawings of the site buildings, made by the author, and
believed not to be available elsewhere, complete the book which
contains photographs, some from the author's collection, believed
to be previously unpublished.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(4)
(2)
(3)
