1D-Inspiration: Cold War (1969-91)

The resurgence of the Cold War in the 1980s was unsettling for many. ICBMs were siloed in my home state of Nebraska, as well as in nearby Kansas, Wyoming, and South Dakota. The new MX missile, later named Peacekeeper, was not only making national news but was also in my backyard. This proximity further impressed upon me the importance of military service in the defense of the United States.

This collection features select Cold War weapons from the United States and the Soviet Union that made headlines during the 1980s resurgence of the Cold War. The Soviet threat was a major factor in my decision to join the US Air Force later in life. Most of the Soviet missiles listed were still in service during my time in the US Air Force. On the US side, I have only included missiles that I did not personally experience while on active duty. While stationed at Cape Canaveral Air Station, I participated in test launches of the US Navy's UGM-96 Trident C4 and the UK Royal Navy's UGM-27 Polaris A3. The aircraft selected are those featured in major news stories of the 1980s.

UNITED STATES
Missiles
- LGM-25C Titan II (US Air Force)
- Pershing II (US Army)
- UGM-73 Poseidon C3 (US Navy)
- LGM-118 Peacekeeper (US Air Force)
- LGM-30G Minuteman III (US Air Force)

SOVIET UNION
Missiles
- SS-4 Sandal (Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces)
- SS-13 Savage (Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces)
- SS-N-17 Snipe (Soviet Navy)
- SS-17 Spanker (Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces)
- SS-N-8 Sawfly (Soviet Navy)
- SS-18 Satan (Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces)
- SS-N-18 Stingray (Soviet Navy)
- SS-19 Stiletto (Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces)
Aircraft
- Su-15TM Flagon-F (Soviet Air Defense Forces)