Sonic to Stand Off – The Evolution of the British Nuclear Deterrent
Overview
From V‑bombers to Trident, a declassified history of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. Covers the V‑Force, the Blue Steel standoff weapon, Polaris submarines, and the modern Trident posture, with aircraft, missiles, bases, and doctrine explained in plain language and grounded in primary documentation.
At a Glance
- Category: Military History
- Pages: 224
- Publication Year: 2024
- ISBN: 9780957344341
- Condition: New
- In Stock: Yes
- Price: £13.95
- Weight: 324g
- Era: Cold War (1945-1991), Post-WWII
- Aircraft / Systems: Strategic Bombers, Fighter-Bombers, Nuclear Delivery Systems
- Geographic Focus: Britain, Europe
- Research Themes: Nuclear Strategy, British Defence Policy, Cold War Aviation, Strategic Deterrence, Military Technology
- Academic Use: Royal United Services Institute, King's College London…
- Sources: Technical Analysis, Primary Sources, Archival Research
Scope and Coverage
Era
- Cold War (1945-1991)
- Post-WWII
Aircraft and Systems
- Strategic Bombers
- Fighter-Bombers
- Nuclear Delivery Systems
Geographic Focus
- Britain
- Europe
Research Themes
- Nuclear Strategy
- British Defence Policy
- Cold War Aviation
- Strategic Deterrence
- Military Technology
Source Types
- Technical Analysis
- Primary Sources
- Archival Research
Research and Sources
Source types: Technical Analysis, Primary Sources, Archival Research.
Primary sources include declassified Cabinet Office papers, Air Ministry records, and personal testimonies from nuclear deterrent operations personnel. Special access was granted to previously restricted technical documentation.
Used by: Royal United Services Institute, King's College London, Imperial War Museum.
Technical Specifications
Table of Contents
- Foreword and Acknowledgments
- Chapter 1: The Genesis of British Nuclear Strategy (1945-1952)
- Chapter 2: From Sonic to Supersonic - Early Nuclear Delivery Systems
- Chapter 3: The V-Force Era - Vulcan, Victor, and Valiant
- Chapter 4: Blue Steel and the Standoff Revolution
- Chapter 5: Polaris and the Submarine Deterrent
- Chapter 6: Trident and Modern Nuclear Strategy
- Chapter 7: NATO Integration and Nuclear Sharing
- Chapter 8: Technology Transfer and International Cooperation
- Chapter 9: The Future of British Nuclear Deterrence
- Appendices: Aircraft Specifications and Weapon Systems
- Bibliography and Classified Sources
- Index
Author’s Note
This book draws upon recently declassified Ministry of Defence documents and extensive interviews with former RAF personnel involved in Britain's nuclear deterrent operations. The research reveals previously unknown details about weapon system development and strategic planning during the Cold War.