The
Nike Ajax was the world's first operational surface-to-air
guided missile system. The first unguided Nike missile was
fired in 1946 and the first successful interception in 1951.
The first operational site was activated in 1954.
The last Nike Ajax on U.S. soil was retired in
1963, replaced by the Nike Hercules.
Specifications
Designations
Type: Anti-aircraft missile
Engines: Booster: one 55,000 lb (246 kN)
thrust Allegheny Ballistics Lab M5 solid-fueled rocket.
Sustainer: one 2,600 lb (11.6 kN) Bell liquid-fueled rocket
