Shown here is a cutaway model of the first and second stages of the U.S. Navy's Poseidon (C-3) solid propellant, submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The simulated propellant is visible.

Transferred from the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Program Office.

Developed and built by Lockheed, the two-stage Poseidon, with a range of 3,300 miles (5,400 kilometers) began to replace Polaris, the Navy's first generation SLBM, in 1973. The Navy designed the Poseidon to carry up to sixteen independently targeted nuclear warheads, the first SLBM to incorporate that capability. Each ballistic missile submarine carried sixteen Poseidon SLBMs.

Transferred from the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Program Office.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type MODELS-Propulsion Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Missile and Space Corporation
 Dimensions Length, overall, when both first and second motors are joined, 20.5 inches; diameter, 5.25 inches; height, 3 inches
 Materials Aluminum
 Inventory Number A19731668009 Credit Line Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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