Thought I'd jump in before my bike ride this morning and after my passionate pleas for transport etc. of the PATRIOT units. This source shows NIKE-AJAX first battery became operational on
May 30, 1954.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/systems/nike-ajax.htm
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NIKE-HERCULES was a further development of the N-AJAX that came into service on June 30, 1958. It should be pointed out that the Air Force opposed this system. They got their system built as well designated the BORMARC but in less numbers (sites) then the Armys N-HERC.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/sy...e-hercules.htm
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BORMARC was the Air Forces missile of choice that came with a conventional or nuke warhead (IM-99A/CIM-10A) operational from September 1959 - December 1964. It was replaced by the all nuke B version (IM-99B/CIM-10B) starting in June 1961 until retired in April 1972. This missile (B version.) was also deployed to Canada.
http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-10.html and
http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/bomarc.html
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Gotta go have to work tonight as well hope all have a great day!
Regards,
Pat