Nike-Ajax "Surface-to-Air Guided Missile" was developed in the late 1940's and early 1950's as a defense against an enemy-manned bomber attack after extensive research and development. First generation missile was deployed throughout the continental United States and in overseas areas. Nike-Ajax succumbed to advanced technology in 1964, when it was replaced by the second-generation missile system, the Nike-Hercules MIM-3/3A Missle
Nike Ajax: A two-stage, liquid-fueled missile 21 feet/6.4 metres long built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. Guided by a radar system designed by Bell Laboratories, it could intercept aircraft flying as high as 70,000 feet/21,000 metres, within a range of 30 miles.
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4th AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY
The 4th Field Artillery Battalion (organized in 1907) consolidated, reorganized, and redesignated 1 September 1958 as the 4th Artillery, a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System. The 4th Artillery Regiment (less former 4th Field Artillery Battalion) was again reorganized and redesignated 1 September 1971 as the 4th Air Defense Artillery, a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System (former 4th Field Artillery Battalion concurrently reorganized and redesignated as the 4th Field Artillery Regiment).
A battalion of the regiment, the 1st, later redesignated the 4th Missile Battalion (Nike-Hercules), 4th Artillery, 26th Artillery Group (Air Defense) had its headquarters at Fort Lawton, Washington in the 1960s and early 1970s while operating Nike-Hercules missiles as part of the
U.S. Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM).
Specifications
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Nike Ajax
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Nike Hercules
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Designation |
MIM-3A |
MIM-14B |
Weight gross |
2,259 pounds |
10,711 pounds |
Length |
392 inches |
478 inches |
Cost (1958) |
$19,300 |
$55,200 |
Warheads |
3 High Explosive |
1 High Explosive or 1 Nuclear |
Range |
30.7 miles |
96.3 miles |
Altitude |
60,000 feet |
100,000 feet |
Speed |
Mach 2.3 |
Mach 3.65 |
Flight time |
1 minute |
2 minutes |
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