ORIGINAL: rorywquin
Did anybody see the programme on the History Channel about the SR53 ? It was a dual propulsion (rocket & turbine) jet that was destined to become the Nato interceptor. Got shelved because NATO & Germany were somehow convinced (Lockheed paid millions in bribes) that the inferior Starfighter would do a better job.
I recall seeing the programme but I don't think it was the SR53...wasn't it another duel propulsion job that only ever reached the mock-up stage? As you said, Lockheed's 'persuasion' of the German government to buy F-104s put the nail in the coffin. Here's a picture of the SR 53 I took at RIAT in 2003 - I 'did' the whole aeroplane ( a relatively small machine) so if anybody ever gets serious about building one, let me know and I'll get you the pics.
Cheers,
Dick
England