US Strategic and Defensive Missile Systems 1950-2004

Osprey Fortress #36

by Mark Berhow, Chris Taylor (Illustrator)

For 40 years following the end of World War II, the Western democratic governments and the Eastern Bloc Communist powers were locked in the ideological, political, and economic struggle of the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet Union developed missile systems capable of delivering conventional and nuclear explosives against enemy massed bomber formations in the air, and of delivering retaliatory nuclear payloads against ground targets located on distant continents. The missile systems played both a defensive role, and a potential offensive role, which was parlayed to the public as deterrence against attack by the rival bloc. This title provides a detailed overview of the fixed-launch-site strategic missile systems of the United States.

Genres: History, Aviation, Military Fiction, Military History, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2005

Reviews

[Ian Parke]

A very enjoyable read, but from a slightly biased perspective. Having recently visited the Nike Site, SF-88 in the Marin Headlands north of San Fransico whilst on vacation from England I wanted to know more about the development and history of what I had just had the privilege of witnessing. Hence, this book seemed to provide that explanation. A readable book but with perhaps too much detail for a casual reader I would it interesting and a history of what I suspect many people of that era in the 1950’s were unaware. I was until we stumbled across SF-88

[David Baker]

While a tad dry (the missile systems described, thankfully, were never used in combat), this is an excellent read covering a very broad topic that is rarely considered even in military history courses. It would make a good starting point as a reference tool but is best used as an introduction to the means and the methods used by the U.S. to counter strategic nuclear threats from potential foes, especially the former USSR.

[Gil Burket]

As others have noted, within 64 pages this is a very quick overview of the subject. But it provides a good outline of US defensive missile development. It is a good quick reference for trying to remember what was developed and when. I recommend it as an introduction to the topic.

[Grant]

A short but thorough introduction to the US's ICBM and anti-air and anti-missile missiles of the Cold War. Berhow covers the technology, organization, basing, and operations with many useful photos and illustrations (though some could have been printed larger to make them more readable).

[Craig Tyler]

Another great Osprey book. Great resource for facts and figures, but also a decent history and narrative.

[Russ Schafer]

Interesting read. Great pics and charts. Nice condensed history.