The Nike Ajax was the world's first operational air defense supersonic guided missile. Designed to intercept high-altitude aircraft, the vehicle consisted of a solid propellant booster and a liquid-fueled upper stage. The first Nike Ajax flew at White Sands Proving Ground (Now White Sands Missile Range), New Mexico in 1951, and was operational from 1953 to 1964. In 1952 a Nike knocked a droned B-17 out of the sky for the first time from Launch Complex 33. The more advanced Nike Hercules replaced the Ajax.
U.S. Army
Dimensions
Length: 34.8 feet (10.62 m)
Diameter: 1 foot (30.5 cm)
Weight: 2,455 pounds (1,114 kg)
Range: 25 miles (40 km)
Thrust: 1st stage - 59,000 pounds (260,190 newtons)
2nd stage - 2,600 pounds (11,466 newtons)
Propellant: Missile - Liquid, Booster - Solid
First Firing: 1948