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2024-04-19 08:55:02
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 | Project Nike
entry by inloc
8/21/2019 1:54 AM
| A post thread dedicated to various Nike installations I’ve visited. Expanded as I visit more.
A brief history:
Following WWII, it became readily apparent that the United States would not be attacked by Battleships. Instead, the new enemy - primarily the Soviet Union - was likely to attack (if such an attack ever came) with aircraft. To defend against such an attack, the United States constructed a missile defense network. Originally tipped with conventional warheads (during the era of Ajax missiles), some sites were later converted to nuclear (during the era of Hercules missiles). The sites were intended as a last resort, in the event that other methods to stop an attack (such as intercept by the Navy or Air Force) offshore failed. Collateral damage from the detonation of nuclear warheads over the United States was considered – while unfortunate – justified in such a scenario (in order to prevent the larger metro and defense areas from being destroyed). Almost all of the former Nike sites were decommissioned and destroyed (as missile sites) following their obsolescence, though some have remained as museums (most notably SF-88L, NY-56L, and HM-69L). During their operation, soldiers working at Nike Missile installations were active around the clock, living on-site in the event of an attack.
Types of sites:
Launch sites
Launch sites are typically large areas with underground magazines, 2-3 elevators, and several small structures used for construction, fueling, and maintenance of the missiles. Sites in certain regions (such as the Southwest and Florida) were not housed underground and were instead stored in above ground housings. At sites where Hercules missiles were stored, significantly more security was typically employed. Being alone near one of the missiles was impossible; standing orders were to shoot first and ask questions later.
While not strictly an exploration trip, taking the opportunity to visit one of the restored Nike sites is well worth it, as it provides an interesting historical context into their use. I found the elevator’s operation to be particularly interesting; I’ve posted a video of it here (warning: starts loud).
IFC Sites
Integrated Fire Control (IFC) sites usually consisted of 3 separate radar arrays (required for accurate targeting of the Ajax missiles). They usually consist of several small structures. No underground structures are typically present at IFC sites.
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