A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched

Friday 21 January 2011 01:00 GMT

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On 21 January 1954 the world's first nuclear submarine, America's USS Nautilus, was launched, sparking a revolution in underwater reconnaissance.

Christened by Mamie Eisenhower, the President’s wife, and former US President Harry S. Truman, it was launched into the Thames River in Connecticut.

The vessel was 300ft long, capable of circling the globe under water several times before refuelling and armed with nuclear missiles.

Watch this British Pathé newsreel for footage of the launch:

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A Day That Shook The World: First nuclear submarine launched