Honest John 762mm Missile M31 / M50
Canadian Forces Petawawa, Ontario

The Honest John was a long-range artillery rocket capable of carrying an atomic or high explosive warhead. It used a solid propellant and was a free-flight rocket as opposed to a guided missile. It was first fired in 1951 and was deployed in 1954 as an interim system in the United States Army.

This was the first US tactical nuclear weapon. It was replaced by the improved (M50) Honest John in 1961 which reduced the system's weight, shortened its length, and increased its range.

This rocket is located outside the Museum in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. It is shown on the trailer used to transport the rockets to the launcher.

General Characteristics M31

Rocket length: 27 feet
Rocket diameter: 287mm (30 inches)
Rocket weight : 5,800 pounds
Range : 12 miles

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Information obtained from DHH National Inventory of Canadian Memorials