Model, Missile, Atlas E, 1:48

This is a 1:48 scale model of the Atlas, a U.S. Air Force intercontinental ballistic missile. The second of three operational versions of the missile, the Atlas E had a liquid-fuel engine, an all-inertial guidance system, a single nuclear warhead, and a range of about 6,500 nautical miles. Stored horizontally in a semi-hard coffin-type launcher, the Atlas E was deployed with the Strategic Air Command from 1960-1965. Subsequently, a number of modified Atlas Es were used as boosters to launch a variety of civilian and military payloads into space. This model was built by General Dynamics and donated by Keith Flint to the Museum in 1977.