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Nike-Ajax

Nike-Ajax Missile

 

The Nike-Ajax was the first U.S. operational surface-to-air missile. It included a powerful solid-fuel booster and a second (sustainer) stage, which used a liquid-fuel engine. Nike missile batteries were stationed at many U.S. cities and were America’s primary defensive weapon throughout the early Cold War.

 

Nike-Ajax development began in 1945, and the missile became operational in 1953. Production ceased in 1958 with the transition to the newer, more powerful, all solid-fuel Nike-Hercules missile.

 

Length:

10.4 m (34 ft 10 in)

 

Range:

40 km (25 mi)

 

Thrust:

217,963 N (49,000 lb), booster

11,565 N (2,600 lb), sustainer

 

Propellants:

solid booster nitric acid and aniline, sustainer

 

Manufacturer:

Douglas Aircraft Co.

 

For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Nike#Nike_Ajax

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Uploaded on December 2, 2008
Taken on December 1, 2008