 The IRBM WS-315A missile system had a range of and was developed by the Douglas Aircraft Corporation during 1955-56.Deployment with RAF Bomber Command began in December 1958 before being phased out with the advent of the manned V-bombers in 1963.In 2011, just ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Thor missile site at Harrington was given Grade II listed status as an example of Cold War architecture.