characteristics, although the Lockheed design's specifications were slightly better in each category. The Lockheed design was also preferable in terms of overall cost. In the vital area of vulnerability to radar detection, however, the Convair design was superior. Its smaller size and internally mounted engines gave it a smaller radar cross section than the Lockheed A-12. $ ^{15} $
Secret NOFORN
Chapter 6
Lockheed A-12 Convair KINGFISH
Speed Mach 3.2 Mach 3.2
Range(total) 4120nm 3400nm
Range(at altitude) 3800nm 3400nm
Cruising Altitude
Start 84500ft. 85000ft.
Midrange 91000ft. 88000ft.
End 97600ft. 94000ft.
Cost summary(for12 aircraft without engines) $96.6 million $121.6 million
Some of the CIA representatives initially favored the Convair KINGFISH design because of its smaller radar cross section, but they were eventually convinced to support the Lockheed design by the Air Force members of the panel, who believed that Convair's cost overruns and production delays on the B-58 project might be repeated in this new project. In contrast, Lockheed had produced the U-2 under budget and on time. Another factor favoring the A-12 was security. Lockheed had experience in running a highly secure facility (the Skunk Works) in which all of the key employees were already cleared by the Agency.
Despite its vote in favor of the Lockheed proposal, the selection panel remained concerned about the A-12's vulnerability to radar detection and therefore required Lockheed to prove its concept for reducing the A-12's radar cross section by 1 January 1960. On 14 September 1959, the CIA awarded a four-month contract to Lockheed