Project E was a Cold War arrangement under which the United States provided the United Kingdom with nuclear weapons for the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was later expanded to provide warheads to the British Army, and there was a maritime version known as Project N that provided nuclear depth bombs. US personnel retained custody of the weapons, and handled their storage, maintenance and readiness. The first bombers equipped with Project E weapons were Canberras (example pictured). Due to the operational restrictions, and the loss of independence of the British nuclear deterrent, Project E bombs were phased out in the strategic role in 1962, although they still equipped tactical bombers, and were used on the Thor missiles operated by the RAF from 1959 to 1963 under Project Emily. The British Army acquired Project E warheads for its Corporal, Honest John and Lance missiles, and its artillery pieces. The last Project E weapons were withdrawn from service in 1992.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_E

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1655:

Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens discovered Titan, the largest natural satellite of the planet Saturn. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_%28moon%29

1807:

The Slave Trade Act became law, abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slave_Trade_Act_1807

1949:

The Soviet Union began mass deportations of more than 90,000 people from the Baltic states to Siberia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Priboi

1975:

King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was shot and killed by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faisal_bin_Musaid

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

adytum: 1. (Ancient Greece, religion) The innermost sanctuary or shrine in an ancient temple, from where oracles were given. 2. (by extension) A private chamber; a sanctum. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/adytum

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Discussion is an exchange of knowledge; argument an exchange of ignorance.   --Robert Quillen https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Robert_Quillen