MGR-1B (M50) Improved Honest John Nuclear Rocket with M-386 Launcher Truck
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Honest John was a simple, free-flight rocket, as opposed to a guided missile. It was the first post-World War II American rocket to become operational. It carried an atomic or a high explosive warhead.
Of all U.S. nuclear weapons of the 1950s, Honest John was the easiest to operate. Its three parts (warhead, motor, fins) were assembled and mounted on a six-wheel launcher by a crew of six men with a crane. The rocket was then ready for aiming and firing. However, it was no more accurate than conventional artillery rounds and more influenced by winds.
It was deployed in Europe in 1954. In 1961, the Improved Honest John (M50) replaced the earlier model with lighter and higher thrust rocket motor and square-tipped fins for improved stability. Double the range and increased accuracy compared to the original version.
MGR-1B (M50) Improved Honest John Nuclear Rocket with M-386 Launcher Truck
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Honest John was a simple, free-flight rocket, as opposed to a guided missile. It was the first post-World War II American rocket to become operational. It carried an atomic or a high explosive warhead.
Of all U.S. nuclear weapons of the 1950s, Honest John was the easiest to operate. Its three parts (warhead, motor, fins) were assembled and mounted on a six-wheel launcher by a crew of six men with a crane. The rocket was then ready for aiming and firing. However, it was no more accurate than conventional artillery rounds and more influenced by winds.
It was deployed in Europe in 1954. In 1961, the Improved Honest John (M50) replaced the earlier model with lighter and higher thrust rocket motor and square-tipped fins for improved stability. Double the range and increased accuracy compared to the original version.