SM-65A Atlas

The Convair SM-65A Atlas, or Atlas A, also designated X-11 was the first full-scale prototype of the Atlas missile, which first flew on 11 June 1957. Unlike later versions of the Atlas missile, the Atlas A did not feature the stage and a half design. Instead, the booster engines were fixed in place, and the sustainer engine was omitted. The propulsion system produced a mere 135,000 pounds of thrust compared with the 360,000 pounds of the fully operational Atlas D.

SM-65A Atlas

The Convair SM-65A Atlas, or Atlas A, also designated X-11 was the first full-scale prototype of the Atlas missile, which first flew on 11 June 1957. Unlike later versions of the Atlas missile, the Atlas A did not feature the stage and a half design. Instead, the booster engines were fixed in place, and the sustainer engine was omitted. The propulsion system produced a mere 135,000 pounds of thrust compared with the 360,000 pounds of the fully operational Atlas D.