USS Long Beach Preliminary Studies

[Antonio]

If a bigger version is needed I can post the rest of the image I attached in 2009...the book is still on my bookshelf ;-)

 

[Tzoli]

That would be nice. The drawings clearly shows the final Long Beach with some differences like a Regulus II rather a Regulus I of the preliminaries or Polaris as envisoned for her when laid down, not to mention the octogonal Bridge which is only a feature of the preliminaries. I do like to know the last designs offered to the board before choosing which one to build!

 

[Tzoli]

Following is the Q variant which clearly shows the typical cost saving measures as it is basically the E version shortened and the forward Terrier launcher got replaced by two twin Tartars.
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-Q-1-862248088

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,7m
Displacement: 10.710ton (Standard), 11.700tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)

 

[Tzoli]

Next is a further cost reduced scheme, R-1 with only a Talos and Tartar launcher next to the usual ASW torpedo tubes and RAT launcher:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-R-1-862434227

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,7m
Displacement: 10.640ton (Standard), 11.590tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
1x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
3x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
5x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)

 

[Antonio]

Here it is

 

[Tzoli]

Thank you!
Interesting, it seems to lack the second pair of Terrier Guidance radars and no storage space for the Regulus II? Apart from the missing SPS-32/33 radars it looks interesting in this WW2 camo scheme!

 

[Tzoli]

So far the smallest design to carry the SPS-32/33 set:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-S-1-862628458

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 170,7 (pp) 176,78m (oa) x 17,68 x 6,5m
Displacement: 8.850ton (Standard), 9.590tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
1x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
3x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)

 

[Antonio]

Interesting, it seems to lack the second pair of Terrier Guidance radars and no storage space for the Regulus II? Apart from the missing SPS-32/33 radars it looks interesting in this WW2 camo scheme!

Edited in 1961, the text in the book is most divulgative than authoritative. Since he illustrated an intermediate configuration, I shouldn't take a 100% accuracy for granted. The camouflage is "wartime supposition" according to the author's own words. I think we should better take it with a grain of salt.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1193880.The_Ship
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Björn_Landström

 

[Grey Havoc]

The S-1 could well have served as the basis for a dedicated high-end convoy escort. Great drawings as always, Tzoli!

 

[Tzoli]

There will be an even smaller one a 170,7m long but that will be a CONAG style I presume 40.000shp Nuclear and 40.000shp Gas Turbine. Maybe the first proposal in the USN with Gas Turbine propulsion?

 

[Tzoli]

Continue of the line or more like the ABC, design T-1, a Terrier double Tartar variant:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-T-1-862828064

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 176,78 (pp) 182,88m (oa) x 17,98 x 6,5m
Displacement: 9.150ton (Standard), 9.890tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
7x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)

 

[Tzoli]

The preliminary table shows that the Long Beach was envisioned (after a decision) to carry Regulus I missiles, though some artist impressions shows Regulus II. Now Long Beach as finished was stated to have foundations for Polaris missiles. My question is was Long Beach as laid down had space allocated for Regulus II launcher and storage which was later changed to Polaris when the Regulus program terminated? And what does this Polaris foundation means structurally?

Note that what appears to be Terriers on each side of the bridge structure!

And am I guessing correctly that Long Beach laid down with Regulus II in mind but shortly after construction started this was changed to Polaris?

 

[Moose]

The preliminary table shows that the Long Beach was envisioned (after a decision) to carry Regulus I missiles, though some artist impressions shows Regulus II. Now Long Beach as finished was stated to have foundations for Polaris missiles. My question is was Long Beach as laid down had space allocated for Regulus II launcher and storage which was later changed to Polaris when the Regulus program terminated? And what does this Polaris foundation means structurally?

Note that what appears to be Terriers on each side of the bridge structure!

And am I guessing correctly that Long Beach laid down with Regulus II in mind but shortly after construction started this was changed to Polaris?

There was never a change to Polaris in construction terms, the weapon was proposed but never implemented. The space for Regulus was left unused during construction, as the Navy had already ceased buying the missile and were moving to Polaris on their subs, but I've never seen any indication of actual work done to prepare her for the A-1. They were considering various options to be implemented in a refit when President Kennedy made the decision for them.

 

[isayyo2]

Something for everyone to enjoy!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAKrXevkJOw

A mini Japanese documentary of the Long Beach in 80s, shows some great interior vies of the Bridge, Galley, and Hospital. I'm presuming the Long Beach was with the 7th Fleet for its last decade of service?

 

[Tzoli]

Nice find, will halp with a bit of the modernized/refitted Long Beach, I see they completly removed the Talos Launcher even it's loader doors as well!

 

[Tzoli]

The largest proposal and the first to be armed with Regulus missiles, U-1:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-U-1-863199426

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 219,46 (pp) 228,6m (oa) x 22,55 x 7,53m
Displacement: 18.280ton (Standard), 20.000tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
4x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
8x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking Radars
4x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking Radars
4x SPW-2 - Talos guidance Radars
2x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radars
4x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)

 

[Tzoli]

Trying to search on the net for new info on Long Beach The modeller Company Revell (I always thought it was Ravel! ) shows a Regulus II equipped Long Beach in place of the ASROC and no ASW equipment at all:
https://www.oldmodelkits.com/jpegs/jpegs2/Revell H368-169 LongBex+.JPGhttps://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TGS61dlat8U/THOWEQrWnPI/AAAAAAAAC1w/pQesYjupwXs/s1600/USS+LB+01+2010.jpg
I the rubber boats stowage location aren't the best as I think the Regulus would burn them to a crisp when fired! Not to mention you need a crane to put the Regulus II on it's launcher from below it's the Hanger. I know it's a Modeller Company's drawing, still it is rare to find such artist impressions.

 

[Tzoli]

Following design is V-1, the Regulus variant of P-1:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-V-1-863410037

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 202,4 (pp) 210m (oa) x 21,18 x 6,83m
Displacement: 12.760ton (Standard), 13.970tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)

 

[Tzoli]

Next is Design W-1 the Regulus version of Q-1:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-W-1-863603744

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,74m
Displacement: 10.770ton (Standard), 11.810tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking Radars
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking Radars
2x SPW-2 - Talos guidance Radars
2x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)

 

[Tzoli]

On the reconstructed cruisers both the Talos and Terrier missile stowage had deck loading doors for reloading, one for each arm. Now on Long Beach the drawings show only a single door for the Talos but none for the Terriers and later Standards. How was the Long Beach forward missile stowage reloaded? Via the loading hatches behind the launchers?
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...iew_of_USS_Long_Beach_(CGN-9),_circa_1990.jpg

 

[Tzoli]

Next is Design X-1 the Regulus companion of R-1:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-X-1-863786427

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,7m
Displacement: 10.690ton (Standard), 11.700tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
1x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
3x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
5x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
1x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radar
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)

 

[Tzoli]

I've found two other artist impressions of the Regulus armed Long Beach, one is with a single the other with three!!! launchers!
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/5756663662_5065d26e59_b.jpg

https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5756121311_244323f63a_b.jpg

 

[Tzoli]

And now proposal Y-1 the Regulus armed S-1 design:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-Y-1-863946290

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 170,7 (pp) 176,78m (oa) x 17,98 x 6,55m
Displacement: 9.010ton (Standard), 9.800tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 56km/h (30knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
1x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
3x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radar
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)

 

[Tzoli]

The first non fully nuclear proposal, the CONAG version of W-1, the design Z-1:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-Z-1-864141157

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,74m
Displacement: 9.076ton (Standard), 10.900tons (Full load)
Engines: CONAG - Combined Nuclear and Gas propulsion: 40.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 40.000shp Pratt & Whitney J75 (Probably) Gas Turines 2 shafts
Speed: 56km/h (30knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking Radars
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking Radars
2x SPW-2 - Talos guidance Radars
2x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)

 

[Dilandu]

2x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,

Hmmm? There is only one launcher & one dual set of radars.

4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking Radars

Are you sure they aren't AN/SPW-2? Because they looks just like AN/SPW-2 missile guidance radars.

 

[Dilandu]

On the reconstructed cruisers both the Talos and Terrier missile stowage had deck loading doors for reloading, one for each arm. Now on Long Beach the drawings show only a single door for the Talos but none for the Terriers and later Standards. How was the Long Beach forward missile stowage reloaded? Via the loading hatches behind the launchers?

As far as I know - yes. The Terrier Mk-9 GMLS, installed on "Providence"-class cruisers, were similar to Talos; the missiles were held on the individual trays:


The Mk-10 system, used on Long Beach, used rotating rings system, so it could be loaded through the launcher doors.

 

[Tzoli]

Made an error on the text regarding the Talos launchers number.
No they are SPG-51's, forward of the bridge superstructure, the SPW-2's are the small ones above and below the SPG-49's aft.
Since I've asked that question I was provided with a photo showing the Terrier reload doors just next to the 2nd Terrier launcher:
Or I guess they should be the magazine reload doors.

https://imgur.com/hlKa940

View: https://i.imgur.com/hlKa940.jpg

 

[Dilandu]

No they are SPG-51's, forward of the bridge superstructure, the SPW-2's are the small ones above and below the SPG-49's aft.

My bad, I misunderstood about what radars are you writing.

 

[Tzoli]

The last known Preliminary design of the USS Long Beach the Design AA-1, a shorter CONAG variant of Y-1:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/Long-Beach-Preliminary-Scheme-AA-1-864326975

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 164,6 (pp) 170,7m (oa) x 16,76 x 6,31m
Displacement: 6.979ton (Standard), 8.128tons (Full load)
Engines: CONAG - Combined Nuclear and Gas propulsion: 40.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 40.000shp Pratt & Whitney J75 (Probably) Gas Turines 2 shafts
Speed: 56km/h (30knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
1x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
3x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking Radars
3x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
1x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radar
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)

 

[Tzoli]

My imagination of how USS Long Beach originally ordered and laid down with the Regulus II Launcher
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-as-Laid-Down-864512380

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 210,4 (wl) x 219,9 (oa) x 22,3 x 7,3m
Displacement: Unknown
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 56km/h (30knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
1x1 RGM-15 Regulus II CruM,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System

 

[Tzoli]

And now the Polaris armed version based on the limited info I was able to gather:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-Polaris-Armed-Proposal-864704681

The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 210,4 (wl) x 219,9 (oa) x 22,3 x 7,3m
Displacement: Unknown
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 56km/h (30knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
1x8 RUR-5 ASROC Launcher,
8x1 RGM-27 Polaris IRBM
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-55 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System

 

[Tzoli]

Now Compare these to the Long Beach as Commissioned in 1961:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-as-Commissioned-864898518

And as fully fitted in 1962/63:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-Fully-Equipped-865083762

As looked like in 1966:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-as-looked-like-in-1966-1010926130

As looked like in 1969:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-as-looked-like-in-1969-1011373748

In 1973:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-as-looked-like-in-1973-1011673117

In 1979 before the major refit / NTU programme:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-as-looked-like-in-1979-1012493578

These are to my knowledge are the most accurate drawings of Long Beach based on the photos I've seen and studied.

 

[Tzoli]

This is her almost final look after the 1980's modernization:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-as-looked-like-in-1980-1012720789

And in her final configuration around 1983:
https://www.deviantart.com/tzoli/art/USS-Long-Beach-As-Modernised-865266210

 

[TomS]

Cruiser of Tommorow
"SALU" nuclear powered guided missile cruiser concept art.
ALL HANDS MAGAZINE
1956 JUNE Page 35
http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/department_arch1956.html

New link for this (the photo in Post #6 is by far the best quality version I've seen of this):

https://media.defense.gov/2019/Apr/27/2002122174/-1/-1/1/ah195606.pdf
And a smidge more info here (slide 41):

https://lynceans.org/wp-content/upl...Power-1939-2018_Part-2B_USA_surface-ships.pdf

Concept for a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, designed to be equally effective against sea, air, land or underwater (SALU) targets. Funding was included in the Navy’s FY 1957 new construction program. Source: 58thedition of Jane’s Fighting Ships / US Navy All Hands magazine, June 1956, p. 35.

Slides 42 and 43 also have some "interesting" drawings of Long Beach from a London newspaper, clearly drawn by someone who had only heard a vague description. Love the inclusion of a Limbo mortar for the "ASW Weapon."

 

[Tzoli]

Is that a vertical loading system for the Regulus?

 

[TomS]

Is that a vertical loading system for the Regulus?

Pay it absolutely no mind. It's a fiction drawn by someone with no knowledge of the actual ship.

 

[Tzoli]

I know but it's interesting none the less how artists tried to figure out a new type of vessel's look.
Reminds me of how the USN thought of the Nelsons were to be battleship carriers with flight deck aft XD

 

[Colonial-Marine]

Here it isView attachment 644995

Looks a lot more pretty than the way the real ship turned out.

I've read that the Long Beach was the last cruiser to use a true cruiser hull. But what differences does that mean from say the later Virginia class CGNs which were based off the preceding frigate/destroyer leaders designs but still reasonably large ships at over 10,000 tons. Did Long Beach have belt armor?

 

[Tzoli]

I do not agree on the look but that is my opinion.
Normal armour? No. Armour around the Reactor housing? Likely.
As for the hull, Long Beach has a sleek long cruiser hull where the hull starts to arch towards the nose from the middle of the hull while the Virginia and other destroyer types starts this arch much closer to the nose say from the 3/4th or 3/5th of the hull

 

[Yellow Palace]

As for the hull, Long Beach has a sleek long cruiser hull where the hull starts to arch towards the nose from the middle of the hull while the Virginia and other destroyer types starts this arch much closer to the nose say from the 3/4th or 3/5th of the hull

What makes a 'cruiser' hull rather than a 'destroyer' hull isn't the sheerline, but the structural arrangement. Cruiser hulls were much more heavily built, generally with four-shaft rather than two-shaft powerplants; a cruiser also had significantly greater self-maintenance capability, larger stores, and improved crew amenities.