This is a 1:24 scale model of the Nike-Ajax, a U.S. Army ground-launched anti-aircraft missile. It had a solid-fuel motor and booster, a maximum speed of Mach 2.3, a range of 25 miles, and a conventional warhead. Targets were acquired by the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment network radars, whose computers commanded the launch and guided the missile to intercept the beam of a tracking radar. When the missile was close to its target, the computers sent a warhead detonation command. The Nike-Ajax was deployed by the U.S. Army from 1953 into the 1960s, and was also exported to several allied nations. The Army Ballistic Missile Agency built this model and donated it to NASM in 1961.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency, Redstone Arsenal
Dimensions
Other (missile): 43.2 × 7.6 × 7.6cm (17 × 3 × 3 in.)
Materials
Aluminum
Steel
Paint
Adhesive
Inventory Number
A19610063000
Credit Line
Gift of U.S. Army Ordnance Missile Command
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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