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.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Wind Tunnel
Manufacturer
United States Navy, Naval Air Material Center
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.)
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.
Inventory Number
A19660025000
Credit Line
Found in collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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