Nike Missile Battery BR-15
Westhaven, Connecticut
Historical Overview:
A typical three-magazine
Nike Ajax missile installation, site BR-15 became operational during 1956. It was
the easternmost Nike missile installation within the Army's Bridgeport Defense Area.
The Control Area atop March Hill provided a clear
and unobstructed "view" for the site's three radars. The Administrative Area for the battery
as well as the headquarters for the Army battalion manning this (and other sites in the area)
were also located here. The Launcher Area containing the missiles was situated a short
distance to the east of March Hill.
The Westhaven Nike missile battery was one of the first Nike sites within the Bridgeport
Defense Area to be inactivated. It closed during the autumn of 1961 following the
inactivation of two other Nike Ajax sites at Fairfield and Shelton.
Site Data:
Years of Operation:
Weapons System(s):
Missile Magazines:
Launchers:
Missile Load:
Radar Equipment:
Operating Units:
To be added.
Present Status:
The Launcher Area was demolished and lies beneath a shopping center parking lot and roadways.
The Control Area atop March Hill remains partly intact. It is currently the site of the Orange
Air National Guard Station.
1956 - 1961
Nike Ajax missile system
1 Type "B" and 2 Type "C" underground storage magazines.
12 Ajax type launchers.
30 Nike Ajax (10 missiles per magazine).
Nike Ajax system consisting of two tracking radars and one surveillance (Acquisition) radar.
Site Curator: Donald E. Bender
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright 2000 by Donald E. Bender. All Rights Reserved.