The first recorded test launch of America's first nuclear capable missile, the M31 Honest John took place on June 29, 1951 at the White Sands Testing Grounds in New Mexico.
Let's celebrate HoJo month with a newly discovered image. I purchased this from a private collector in England. It's a 6X4.5 medium-format film, shot on black & white stock. It is an original negative from the Douglas Aircraft Company (European Office) and is serial No. 242.3.1.
No other markings on the negative or the envelope. Judging from the test stand, wind monitoring equipment, and surrounding terrain, I believe this photograph of an M31 launch was taken at the White Sands Missile Range. The paint scheme is unusual. It's the white "test round" scheme, but the fins all appear to be painted black with some white area between them for roll indication. The familiar roll pattern in visible on the nose cone. The photograph has considerable motion blur, indicating that the shutter speed was set too low.
This error seems unlikely in advanced stages of testing, so my guess is that this photograph is an early test, probably in 1951-52. It's always fun to discover new images of this missile. Happy HoJo Month!
Let's celebrate HoJo month with a newly discovered image. I purchased this from a private collector in England. It's a 6X4.5 medium-format film, shot on black & white stock. It is an original negative from the Douglas Aircraft Company (European Office) and is serial No. 242.3.1.
No other markings on the negative or the envelope. Judging from the test stand, wind monitoring equipment, and surrounding terrain, I believe this photograph of an M31 launch was taken at the White Sands Missile Range. The paint scheme is unusual. It's the white "test round" scheme, but the fins all appear to be painted black with some white area between them for roll indication. The familiar roll pattern in visible on the nose cone. The photograph has considerable motion blur, indicating that the shutter speed was set too low.
This error seems unlikely in advanced stages of testing, so my guess is that this photograph is an early test, probably in 1951-52. It's always fun to discover new images of this missile. Happy HoJo Month!
