Nike Missiles
A Cold War Relic Could Play a Role in Debate over Missile Defense

The Nike-Hercules missile. Photo courtesy Bill Evans

Dec. 28, 2001 -- President Bush aims to develop a missile defense shield to defend against 21st century threats. But some experts say the same limitations that killed a Cold War surface-to-air missile system could pose problems to new programs.

Long before Nike was a sneaker company, the Greek Goddess of victory lent her name to a missile. The first Nike missile was conceived at the end of World War II, a conflict in which German jets left U.S. defense planners at a loss. Conventional anti-aircraft guns were inadequate against the fast-moving warplanes. In response, the military turned to another emerging German technology -- defensive missiles.

Nike-Ajax missiles in firing position. Photo courtesy Bill Evans

The first successful Nike test was in 1951. By 1955, missile sites could be found near a dozen major American cities and defense installations. The first-generation missiles, known as Nike Ajax, were liquid-fueled, with a range of just 20 miles. By the late 1950s, the Army developed a new set of the missiles, known as Nike Hercules, with greater range -- and the potential to carry nuclear warheads.

The Nike program was phased out by the mid 1970s, rendered obsolete by intercontinental ballistic missiles. But though gone it is not forgotten, as nostalgic Cold War veterans have sought to keep the system alive in their hearts, their minds -- and on their computers.

Bill Evans tended the analog computer for the system and he maintains a Web site devoted to the Nike Missile program as it existed in suburban Maryland, where he was posted. There are several other Web sites devoted to former Nike batteries across the country. And just outside San Francisco, a former Nike installation has been turned into a museum, where visitors can see disarmed missiles being elevated into launch position.

But what can the Nike system tell us about building a shield to take on today's threats? A lot, says one analyst.

Defense missile expert John Rheinlander helped draft the 1974 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty with the Soviet Union, which barred defensive missile systems. He opposes the Bush administration's decision to withdraw from that treaty in order to test a missile shield. Rheinlander points to the defunct Nike program as an example of how such systems are too costly and easily thwarted.

 Browse for other NPR stories about missile defense.

Other Resources

• Tour Bill Evans'
   Nike surface-to-air missile sites in Maryland and Virginia.

• See videos, maps and more on
   Nike Historical Society's Web site.

• Visit the PBS Online NewsHour
    Missile Defense Politics Site.

• Check out the Defense Department's
   Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.