Approved for Release: 2013/06/25
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Secret NOFORN
Chapter 6
273
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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
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Comparison of Lockheed and Convair Designs
Lockheed A-12
Convair KINGFISH
Speed
Mach 3.2
Mach 3.2
Range (total)
4,120 nm
3,400 nm
Range (at altitude)
3,800 nm
3,400 nm
Cruising Altitude
Start
84,500 ft.
85,000 ft.
Midrange
91,000 ft.
88,000 ft.
End
97,600 ft.
94,000 ft.
Cost summary (for 12 aircraft without engines)
$96.6 million
$121.6 million
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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
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¹⁵ *OSA History*, chap. 20, pp. 18-19 (TS Codeword).
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Secret
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Approved for Release: 2013/06/25