Missile MIM-14 Nike Hercules

The MIM-14 Nike Hercules originated as an upgrade to the MIM-3 Nike Ajax system. The project addressed requirements for a weapon capable of destroying formations of high-altitude supersonic aircraft. While initially intended to share components with its predecessor, the design evolved into a larger two-stage system utilizing solid-fuel propulsion. Deployment of the system commenced in 1958.

The missile utilizes a two-stage solid-fuel configuration. The first stage consists of a cluster of four rocket boosters, while the second stage employs a solid-fueled sustainer motor. Guidance is provided via a command system where ground-based computers calculate intercept points based on data from ground radars. Target acquisition is performed by the Low Power Acquisition Radar (LOPAR) or the High Power Acquisition Radar (HIPAR). Tracking is managed by the Target Tracking Radar (TTR) and Missile Tracking Radar (MTR). To counter electronic interference, the system incorporates a Target Ranging Radar (TRR) which utilizes frequency agility to maintain range data during jamming.

The missile carries either conventional or nuclear payloads. Conventional options include the T-45 high-explosive blast-fragmentation warhead. Nuclear options initially included the W7 warhead and were later updated to the W31, which offered multiple yield selections including 2 kt, 20 kt, and 30 kt variants. The system functions primarily in a surface-to-air role but possesses a secondary surface-to-surface capability. It also demonstrated the ability to intercept short-range ballistic missiles in test environments.

The system was widely deployed across the United States and within NATO member nations. Operating countries included Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey. In the United States, the missile was stationed at numerous bases before deactivation began in the 1970s. US forces in Europe continued to operate the system until replacement by the MIM-104 Patriot in the 1980s. The final US-operated units were deactivated in 1988.

The MIM-14 was never used in combat. Two accidental launch incidents occurred during its service life. In 1959, a missile accidentally ignited at Naha Air Base, Okinawa, resulting in two fatalities. In 1998, a missile inadvertently launched from a site near Inchon, South Korea, and exploded over reclaimed land, causing property damage from debris. The last recorded launch of a Nike Hercules occurred during a 2006 exercise in Italy.