Where were the Nike missiles used?
They were placed to protect strategic and tactical sites within the US. As a last-line of defense from air attack, they were positioned to protect cities as well as military installations. The missile was deployed first at Fort Meade, Maryland during December 1953. A further 240 launch sites were built up to 1962.
When were the Nike missile sites built?
1959
The NIKE missile site was built in 1959. It was one of four bases constructed during the “Cold War” era to defend the Twin Cities from possible enemy aircraft attacks. A communications facility associated with the missile site is located about one mile northwest of the site.
Are there any missile silos in Wisconsin?
Tucked into Waukesha, just west of Milwaukee, lies the remains of a former Nike missile site. There were actual missile launching pads as well as ground radar equipment here meant to help protect the Midwest in the event the Russians began bombing America. There were eight different sites all around Wisconsin.
Who built the Nike missiles?
Nike Hercules
| MIM-14 Nike Hercules | |
|---|---|
| Nike Hercules missile | |
| Type | Surface-to-air missile |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Western Electric Bell Laboratories Douglas Aircraft Company |
How many missile silos are in Wisconsin?
There were eight in total: one in Waukesha, River Hills, Franklin, Lannon, Cudahy, Muskego, and two in Milwaukee itself. Map detailing the eight Nike Ajax anti-aircraft missile sites built in the surrounding Milwaukee area.
Where are the Nike missiles located in the world?
This article lists sites in the United States, most responsible to Army Air Defense Command; however, the Army also deployed Nike missiles to Europe as part of the NATO alliance, with sites being operated by both American and European military forces. U.S. Army Nike sites were also operational in South Korea, Japan and were sold to Taiwan.
Where are the missile launch sites in Wisconsin?
In the October of 1959, the United States Army constructed these launch sites, as well as some barracks for the men who manned the missiles, in rolling farmlands near Farmington, Isanti-East Bethel, St. Bonifacius and Roberts, Wisconsin.
When did Nike missile defense of Thule end?
Each battery had 4 magazines and each magazine 2 missile elevators. 4th Battalion 55th Artillery ceased operations in May 1965, thus ending the Nike missile defense of Thule airbase. The sites are disused for many years now but the remains are still clearly visible.
What do the numbers on a Nike missile mean?
The “Missile type” code indicates the numbers and types of missiles and other installation details. For example, “2AK/18L-H” means the site contained two Nike Ajax magazines (A), located above ground (K), with eight launchers (8L) being converted to Nike Hercules (H).