The M51 Skysweeper was an anti-aircraft gun deployed in the early 1950s by both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. It was the first such gun to combine a gun laying radar, analog computer (director) and an autoloader on a single carriage.
Skysweeper on 4 wheeled carriage at the United States Army Ordnance Museum.
Retired Japan Ground Self Defense Force Skysweeper JGSDF Shimoshidu base, Chiba.
The Nike Ajax was an American guided surface-to-air missile (SAM) developed by Bell Labs for the United States Army. The world's first operational guided surface-to-air missile, the Nike Ajax was designed to attack conventional bomber aircraft flying at high subsonic speeds and altitudes above 50,000 feet (15 km). Nike entered service in 1954 and was initially deployed within the United States to defend against potential Soviet bomber attacks, though it was later deployed overseas to protect US military bases, and was also sold to various allied militaries. Some examples remained in use until the 1970s.
A Nike Ajax in firing position.
MIM-3 Nike on a launcher
The early model Nike had eight JATO bottles in a cluster, demanding large fins for stability.
Test launch of the production model Nike Ajax missile with the new booster.
