The following image, published by Code One on its Facebook page, shows configuration SA-2S, an SR-71 Blackbird replacement concept that was studied by Convair in the early ’60s.
According to Code One, the rocket-like aircraft was designed to be 87.5 feet long and 16.7 feet tall. The wingspan was 35.0 feet and the wings swept for high-speed flight: wingspan was 60.3 feet with the wings extended for low-speed flight.
The aircraft had a takeoff weight of 92,000 pounds, a cruise speed of Mach 5 and 95,000 feet of ceiling; fuel weight was 37,600 pounds.
Several turbojets and booster rockets, some under development, were studied as alternative powerplants to improve performance.
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Unfortunately, along with several other supersonic and hypersonic designs, SA-2S remained on the drawing board since the success of the Lockheed A-12 and SR-71 programs made alternatives unnecessary.
Image credit: Code One
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