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Top Ten Missiles
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No. 4 - Nike-Ajax

The Nike-Ajax was the world's first operational, guided, surface-to-air missile system.

Development of the system began right after World War II, just as tensions were mounting between the U.S. and Soviet Union. The Nike-Ajax was designed to protect U.S. soil from the threat of high-flying Soviet bombers. And the Nike was up to the task; it had a range of 25-30 miles and a top speed of Mach 2.3. It could reach an altitude of 70,000 feet.

It was fast-tracked through production and deployed all over the United States, guarding key urban, military and industrial locations.

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