Rocketry: Difference between revisions

==== Britain's Transcontinental Rocket Project ====

After Russia’s successful nuclear bomb test in 1954, the British government sought to enhance its methods of nuclear weapons delivery. The Ministry of Defense, recognizing the potential of Dr. McGregor's work in rocketry, invited him in October 1954 to explore the feasibility of rocket-based delivery. During these discussions, McGregor presented various models and calculations, showing the potential of rockets. However, when it became clear that the Ministry's primary interest was in utilizing this technology for delivering nuclear weapons, McGregor withdrew from the discussions, expressing ethical concerns over the militarization of his research.

In response to this, the Ministry approached Dr. George Mawdsley of Imperial College London. Known for his anti-Russian views, Mawdsley saw this as an opportunity to challenge Russian military advancements and readily offered his help in the endeavor. As a result, in 1955, the British Transcontinental Rocket (TCR) Project was officially initiated under Mawdsley's leadership, with General Sir Edward Hargreaves and Defence Minister Charles Gibson overseeing the program, which was to be executed by the Royal Air Force.

 

 

==== Fully operational TCRs ====

By 1964, both Britain and Russia had successfully developed fully operational Transcontinental Rockets. In May of that year, the British Royal Air Force tested the GT7 rocket, the first fully complete model in the Globetrotter series, launched from a static site and powered by liquid propulsion. Soon after, Russia test launched its counterpart, the Pegas-5.

 

==== Fully-operational TARs ====

By 1968, both Britain and Russia had fully operational TARs. The British TAR, named GT22 Albion, was first deployed in a high-security base in Cyprus, while the Russian equivalent, the Hranitel-H10, was stationed in a newly constructed facility in the Ural Mountains.

 

== Impact ==