Science: V-2's Rival

The famous German V2, designed in 1939, still holds the altitude record for single-stage rockets: 114 miles.* This week the U.S. Navy showed pictures of the Viking, designed to top the V2. The Viking is slimmer and lighter (10,000 Ibs.) than the V-2 (see cut). In the picture, the complicated structure to the left of the rising rocket is a "gantry": a staging from which technicians can reach all parts of the rocket as it stands on its launching platform. When the rocket is ready for launching, the gantry is moved away.

The Viking's...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!