Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

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.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company
 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)
 Materials Steel
Rubber
Paint
Natural Fabric
 Alternate Name Little John Missile and Launcher Inventory Number A19860231000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Army Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.