Object Details
Manufacturer
Douglas Aircraft Company
Summary
The Little John was a short-ranged (4.5-23 mile), surface-to-surface U.S. Army missile and much lighter and mobile than its larger predecessor, the Honest John. The solid-fuel Little John was developed at the Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama.
Both the missile and its launcher were portable enough to be transportable by helicopter or other aircraft. The system was evaluated in 1958 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, although some shortcomings were found and the Little John did not become operational until 1961. It remained operational for only a brief period. The missile was transferred from the U.S. Army to the Smithsonian in 1986.
Alternate Name
Little John Missile and Launcher
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Army
Inventory Number
A19860231000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Materials
Steel
Rubber
Paint
Natural Fabric
Dimensions
Overall (rocket): 14 ft. 6 in. long x 1 ft. 1/2 in. diameter x 2 ft. 9 in. wing span, 800 lb. (441.96 x 31.75 x 83.82cm, 362.9kg)
Other (launcher): 6 ft. tall x 4 ft. 10 in. wide x 4 ft. 8 in. long, 1350 lb. (182.88 x 147.32 x 142.24cm, 612.4kg)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Rockets & Missiles
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19860231000