U.S. PGM-11 Redstone Missile

U.S. PGM-11 Redstone Missile. . The Redstone was America's first large ballistic missile during the Cold War. Introduced in 1958, the Programmed Guided Missile-11 Redstone was the American version of the famous German V-2 Rocket used in World War II. In the early 1950s, the U.S. Army was seeking a ballistic missile that could outrange conventional artillery. Named for Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, where it was developed, the Redstone was designed by a team of German rocket engineers. Development of the Redstone began in 1951 with the first test missile being launched in August 1953. While testing the Redstone, it proved to be reliable and accurate with 35 of the 38 missiles hitting the target. Production began of the new missile by Chrysler and their first missile flew July 1956. Redstone entered service in June 1958 and was the first missile to carry a live nuclear warhead, which detonated in a test over the Pacific Ocean in 1958. A modified Redstone was used to carry the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, Jr., into space on May 5, 1961. The Redstone was gradually replaced by the Pershing missile with the process being completed by late 1964. , Diameter - 5.83 ft. - 1.8 m , Length - 64 ft. 4 in. - 21.1 mm , Weight - 61,300 lb. - 27,800 kg , Range - 57 to 201 miles - 92 to 323 km , Warhead - 500 kT Nuclear , CCN# 117321