Nike Ajax Missle and Launcher - Alamogordo, NM
Posted by: linkys
N 32° 55.280 W 105° 55.300
13S E 413823 N 3642941
Nike Ajax missile on display in the The John P. Stapp Air & Space Park at the The New Mexico Museum of Space History.
Waymark Code: WM7PVM
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 11/19/2009
Views: 12
Project Nike was begun in 1944 to develop an anti-aircraft system to combat new jet aircraft capable of higher speeds and altitudes. The Nike system included tracking radar since a point and shoot system would not be able to keep up with high speed aircraft.
The first successful Nike test was in November 1951, and deployment started in 1953. During the 1950's, Nike missiles were organized into Defense Areas around population centers and potential strategic targets. With the deployment of ICBMs, the number of Nike installations was reduced in the 1960's.
The Nike Ajax missiles were replaced by the later Nike Hercules which were decommissioned under the 1972 SALT I treaty.
Nike Ajax
Length: 10.36 meters
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.25
Range: 40 km
Payload: 3 conventional warheads, no nuclear capability
Location restrictions: Open 7 days a week, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Exhibit is outside the Museum building and is free. Charge to enter the museum building.
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