Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This liquid propellant rocket engine of the Nike-Ajax, built by the Aerojet General Corporatoin, is the U.S.'s first operational surface-to-air missile. The missile used a solid propellant booster and liquid propellant second stage. The liquid sustainer engine produced 2,600 pounds of thrust for about 20 seconds. It used red fuming nitric acid and JP-4, a type of jet fuel, as its propellants. It was a very simple system with no moving parts for ease in operation and high reliability.

The propellants were forced into the combustion chamber by compressed air. Development of the engine was begun in late 1945 by Aerojet-General and the missile became operational in 1953 and remained in service until 1963. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1968 by the Aerojet General Corp.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Rocket Engines Manufacturer Aerojet General Corp.
 Dimensions Overall: 8 3/4 in. wide x 1 ft. 10 in. long x 6 1/2 in. diameter, 22 lb. (22.23 x 55.88 x 16.51cm, 10kg)
 Materials Stainless steel; aluminum caps on two inlet lines; black inside of nozzle, probably a ceramic, heat-resistant liner.
 Inventory Number A19680547000 Credit Line Gift of Aerojet General Corp. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.