From Polaris to Trident: The Development of Us Fleet Ballistic Missile Technology (Paperback)

Graham Spinardi

ISBN 10: 052105401X / ISBN 13: 9780521054010

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2008

About this Item

Paperback. This book provides a complete history of the US Fleet Ballistic Missile programme from its inception in the 1950s and the development of Polaris to the deployment of Trident II in 1990. Writing in an accessible yet scholarly manner, Graham Spinardi bases his historical documentation of FBM development on interviews with many of the key participants. His study confronts a central issue: is technology simply a tool used to achieve the goals of society, or is it an autonomous force in shaping that society? FBM accuracy evolved from the city-busting retaliatory capability of Polaris to the silo-busting 'first strike' potential of Trident. Is this a case of technology 'driving' the arms race, or simply the intended product of political decisions? The book provides a comprehensive survey of the literature looking at the role of technology in the arms race, and seeks to explain technological development using a 'sociology of technology' approach. This book provides a historical account of one of the key weapons developments of the nuclear age. By examining the United States Fleet Ballistic Missile program from Polaris in the 1950s to Trident II in the 1990s, Graham Spinardi is able to examine in detail the complex relationship between the advance of technology and the pace of the arms race. Did technology "drive" the arms race or were these weapons simply the product of political decisions? His account, drawing on interviews with many of the key participants, is the most complete currently available. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780521054010

Bibliographic Details

Title: From Polaris to Trident: The Development of ...

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Publication Date: 2008

Binding: Paperback

Condition: new

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

This book provides a complete history of the US Fleet Ballistic Missile programme from its inception in the 1950s and the development of Polaris to the deployment of Trident II in 1990. Writing in an accessible yet scholarly manner, Graham Spinardi bases his historical documentation of FBM development on interviews with many of the key participants. His study confronts a central issue: is technology simply a tool used to achieve the goals of society, or is it an autonomous force in shaping that society? FBM accuracy evolved from the city-busting retaliatory capability of Polaris to the silo-busting 'first strike' potential of Trident. Is this a case of technology 'driving' the arms race, or simply the intended product of political decisions? The book provides a comprehensive survey of the literature looking at the role of technology in the arms race, and seeks to explain technological development using a 'sociology of technology' approach.

Review:

'... it is an intriguing account of the political background, aims and technology of the fleet ballistic missile system ... [It] is clear and anyone interested in ballistic missile politics and technology will find it fascinating.' Journal of Naval Engineering

'It is quite simply, the most carefully researched, scholarly and objective account I have read on the FBM program.' Rear Admiral Robert H. Wertheim

'Since World War II the western world has become adept at designing and managing extremely large and complex technological projects that greatly influence the course of contemporary history. Graham Spinardi's history of the Fleet Ballistic Missile Project provides a pioneering, detailed and engaging history of creativity massively organized.' Tom Hughes, University of Pennsylvania