Nike Hercules Evolution

The evolution of the Air Defense Artillery has often occurred in conjunction with major conflicts throughout America’s history. From the Second World War to the present day, America’s Air Defense Artillery Soldiers have answered the call to serve and protect the people of the United States. Furthermore, Air Defense Artillery Noncommissioned Officers have provided the expertise, drive, knowledge, and fortitude necessary to ensure America’s safety from the threats from above. Major advancements made available through lessons learned from previous conflicts and perceived future threats have given rise to the Air Defense branch and the equipment they operate today. Ultimately, one must view the Air Defense branch’s evolution through the

According to B. Raichle (2012), “The Nike-Ajax missile system was recognized as being woefully inadequate to stop massive waves of Soviet bombers loaded with nuclear weapons targeted to destroy United States cities, thus the Nike Hercules missile system was developed” (The Nike Hercules section, para. 1). Not only did the Nike Hercules have a greater altitude capability, range, and speed, its acquisition radar could see over 100 miles out. What made the Nike Hercules so significant is that it was able to carry nuclear weapons. This would allow a greater number of bombers to be taken out with fewer missiles. According to Raichle (2012), “The technical specifications of the Nike Hercules system were impressive, even by 21st century standards” (The Nike Hercules section, para. 2). With Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) development and the need for a mobile missile system, the Nike Hercules Cold War deterrent was coming to an

The system has a total of eight launching stations with four PAC-2 missile systems and guidance enhanced missiles. The PATRIOT also uses an upgraded program adding the new PAC-3 missile which is used to destroy tactical ballistic missiles armed with weapons of mass destruction. A maximum of 16 PAC-3 missiles can be loaded. According to AMCOM (n.d.), “The PATRIOT Missile System is currently used in various countries throughout the world and can be used concurrently with the more recent Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System” (para. 5). As a result of the more advanced missile systems of other countries, the U.S. Army decided to engineer a missile system which could be used to destroy missiles in space. Like the PATRIOT, The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Missile System is employed for use to intercept short range and medium range ballistic missiles. It also has the capability to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles. The missile system was developed by Lockheed Martin and 48 systems were delivered to the U.S.