U.S. Navy Museum | Cold War Gallery

Home > Virtual Tour > North Hall > Cold War Buildup of the Fleet > Missile Development

The development of jet aircraft by the Soviet Union, and the resulting decline in anti-aircraft gunnery effectiveness, encouraged the Navy to develop surface-to-air (SAM) and air-to-air (AAM) missiles for use against fast enemy bombers and anti-ship cruise missiles. New data processing computers, solid fuel technology, and radar and infrared guidance allowed the Navy to deploy anti-air missiles on ships and aircraft beginning in the 1950s.

Virtual Walkthrough

Central Hall

Global Mission: Overseas Presence

Global Mission: Cold War Buildup of the Fleet

Global Mission: Sea Control

Global Mission: Sea Control

Navy in the Nuclear Age: Covert Submarine Operations

They Made a Difference

Navy in the Nuclear Age: Technology for the Nuclear Age

Navy in the Nuclear Age: Technology for the Nuclear Age

War and Conflict: Crises and Confrontations

Victory in the Cold War

Service and Sacrifice

Hot Wars of the Cold War: The Fight for Korea

Hot Wars of the Cold War: Vietnam War Afloat and Ashore

Ready Room Theater

Naval Historical Foundation
1306 Dahlgren Avenue, SE
Washington Navy Yard
Washington, DC 20374-5055

Cold War Gallery Hours
M-F: 9am - 5pm
CLOSED WEEKENDS