Nike Hercules Missile - US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL
N 34° 42.607 W 086° 39.369
16S E 531487 N 3840950
A Nike Hercules missile on static display outside of the Main Exhibit Building at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville AL
Waymark Code: WMWXTW
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 10/27/2017
Views: 2
There are dozens of rockets, missiles, missile launchers, and other aircraft on static display outside of the Main Exhibit Building at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.
The waymarked Nike Hercules missile is located near the other missiles and the Space Shot ride.
An interpretive sign reads as follows:
"US ARMY NIKE HERCULES
The Nike Hercules was a second-generation of the Nike family of missiles. It was a high-altitude surface to surface missile with the capability of intercepting tactical missiles and high-performance jets.
First deployed in 1958, the Nike Hercules had a range of 80 miles. It was subsequently deployed in Western Europe and the Far East. The launcher for this missile could be mobilized, making it possible to carry the Hercules into the field.
In August 1960, a Nike Hercules tracked and destroyed another incoming Nike Hercules at White Sands Missile Range. This marked the first known intercept of a Mach-3 missile by a missile. The following month, a Nike Hercules shot down another Nike Hercules missile at an altitude of 19 miles, the highest known missile kill.
The Nike Hercules is no longer in the Army’s inventory.
Length: 27 ft
Weight: 5000 lbs
Range: 80 mi
Velocity 2200 mph
Thrust: 10,000 lbs
Prime Contractor: Western Electric Company"
Type of Aircraft: (make/model): Nike Hercules
Construction:: original aircraft
Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville AL
inside / outside: outside
Access restrictions:
Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Tail Number: (S/N): Not listed
Other Information:: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of aircraft (required - will be interesting to see if the aircraft is ever repainted or progress if being restored)
Photo of serial number (required unless there is not one or it is a replica)
Photo(s) of any artwork on the aircraft (optional but interesting)
Tell why you are visiting this waymark along with any other interesting facts or personal experiences about the aircraft not already mentioned.