Object Details
Manufacturer
United States Navy, Naval Air Material Center
Summary
This is a wind tunnel model of the Little Joe surface-to-air missile of World War II. The U.S. Navy conceived this missile in 1944 for use against Japanese suicide Kamikaze attacks on Navy ships. The sustainer motor was a standard solid propellant Aerojet General JATO (Jet-Assisted-Take-Off) unit of 1,000 lbs thrust for eight seconds. The boosters were to be four wrap-around 3-inch solid propellant Cordite rocket motors, each of 1,000 lbs of thrust for 1.25 seconds. However, when the war ceased, about fifteen of the missiles had been built and were continuing tests. There was no further need for the weapon and the project was cancelled.
This object was found in the Smithsonian collections but was likely transferred by the U.S. Navy unit at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Credit Line
Found in collection
Inventory Number
A19660025000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MODELS-Wind Tunnel
Materials
Wood,
Paint
Copper Alloy
Steel
Putty
Overall, wood, but with aluminum braces along trailing edges of the four front and four rear stabilizer fins; steel rod through center of model and steel support for rod.
Dimensions
Approximate: 119.4 x 59.1 x 60.3cm (47 x 23 1/4 x 23 3/4 in.)
Storage (aluminum pallet and frame with fabric dust cover): 121.9 × 121.9 × 147.3cm, 127kg (48 × 48 × 58 in., 280lb.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19660025000