Editing SSM-N-8 Regulus (section)

==== Design ====
The contract required the missile to have a range of {{convert|500|nmi|km}} at Mach 0.85, a {{convert|3000|lb|kg|adj=on}} warhead, and a [[circular error probable]] (margin of error) of {{convert|25|nmi|km}}.<ref name=":1" />{{Rp|page=114}} Regulus was designed to be {{convert|30|ft|m}} long, {{convert|10|ft|m}} in wingspan, {{convert|4|ft|m}} in diameter, and would weigh between {{convert|10000|and|12000|lb|kg}}. The missile somewhat resembled the contemporary [[Republic F-84 Thunderjet|F-84 Thunderjet]] fighter aircraft, but without a cockpit, and test versions were equipped with landing gear so that they could be recovered and re-used.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> After launch, Regulus would be guided toward its target by control stations, typically by submarines or surface ships equipped with guidance equipment. It could also be flown remotely by chase aircraft.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> (Later, with the "Trounce" system (Tactical Radar Omnidirectional Underwater Navigational Control Equipment), one submarine could guide it).<ref>Friedman, p. 178</ref> Army-Navy competition complicated both the Matador's and the Regulus' developments. The missiles looked alike and used the same engine. They had nearly identical performances, schedules, and costs. Under pressure to reduce defense spending, the [[United States Department of Defense]] ordered the Navy to determine if Matador could be adapted for their use. The Navy concluded that the Navy's Regulus could perform the Navy mission better.<ref>David K. Stumpf, ''Regulus: America's First Nuclear Submarine Missile'', Turner Publishing Company, 1996. pp 21-22</ref>

Regulus had some advantages over Matador. It required only two guidance stations while Matador required three.<ref>Friedman, p. 263</ref> It could also be launched quicker, as Matador's boosters had to be fitted while the missile was on the launcher while Regulus was stowed with its boosters attached. Finally, Chance Vought built a recoverable version of the missile, designated '''KDU-1''' and also used as a target drone, so that even though a Regulus test vehicle was more expensive to build, Regulus was cheaper to use over a series of tests. The Navy program continued, and the first Regulus flew in March 1951.

Due to its size and regulations concerning [[oversize load]]s on highways, Chance Vought collaborated with a firm that specialized in trucking oversize loads to develop a special tractor trailer combination which could move a Regulus I missile.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=1t4DAAAAMBAJ&dq=1954+Popular+Mechanics+January&pg=PA128 Build Special Trailer To Move Bulky Missile."] ''Popular Mechanics'', June 1954, p. 128.</ref>