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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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