The surface to
air missile defense system the US used from 1955-1974. Nike surface to
air missile system was named after the winged goddess of victory in Greek mythology.
Two versions of this system defended the
U.
S. and other places from hostile aircraft, the Nike
Ajax, and the Nike Hercules. Their primary purpose was to destroy any Soviet strategic/supersonic/longrange bombers like the Tu-95 Bear, or the Tu-160 Blackjack, or Tu-22M Backfire that ever came into US territory. There was never a need to use these nuclear tipped missiles, thank God.