Reading level:
MIM-3 Nike Ajax
Western Electric · Surface-to-Air · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)
The Nike Ajax was an American guided surface-to-air missile (SAM) developed by Bell Labs for the United States Army. The world's first operational guided surface-to-air missile, the Nike Ajax was designed to attack conventional bomber aircraft flying at high subsonic speeds and altitudes above 50,000 feet (15 km). Nike entered service in 1954 and was initially deployed within the United States to defend against Soviet bomber attacks, though it was later deployed overseas to protect US military bases, and was also sold to various allied militaries. Some examples remained in use until the 1970s.
Specifications
- Category
- Missiles
- Sub-Category
- SAM
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Early Jet (1946–1969)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Western Electric
- Co-Manufacturer
- Douglas Aircraft
- Operator
- USA
- Primary Role
- Surface-to-Air
- Status
- Retired
- Service Entry
- 1954
- Produced
- 1300
- Propulsion
- Rocket
- Engine
- Aerojet General solid-fuel booster + liquid sustainer
- Thrust / Power
- 2,600 lbf
- Launch
- Ground-launched
- Length (ft)
- 21
- Wingspan (ft)
- 3.3
- Empty Weight (lb)
- 1100
- MTOW (lb)
- 2455
- Payload (lb)
- 137
- Endurance (hr)
- 0.02
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 70000
- Range (mi)
- 30
- Max Speed (mph)
- 1764
- Max Speed (Mach)
- 2.3
- Armament
- Blast-fragmentation (3 warheads)