👉 The Cleveland missiles, also known as the "Cleveland-1" or "C-1," were a series of medium-range surface-to-air missiles developed by the United States during the Cold War. These missiles were designed to counter Soviet surface-to-air missile threats and were primarily used by the U.S. Air Force. The Cleveland missiles featured a unique design with a long, slender body and a distinctive "Cleveland" shape, hence their name. They were capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,000 pounds and could reach targets at altitudes up to 70 kilometers. The missiles employed a combination of radar-guided and infrared-seeking technologies, allowing them to engage fast-moving targets effectively. Despite their advanced capabilities, the Cleveland missiles were not widely deployed and saw limited operational use, primarily due to budget constraints and evolving missile technology.