Atlas A engine detail
The A series Atlas missiles were the first. Thier purpose was to prove Karel Bossart's revolutionary "steel balloon" airframe of the Atlas. This series had no center sustainer engine, and no booster seperation during flight. This test program proved the viability of Bossart's design. This photo clearly shows the lack of center sustainer engine on these early test vehicles.
Atlas A engine detail
The A series Atlas missiles were the first. Thier purpose was to prove Karel Bossart's revolutionary "steel balloon" airframe of the Atlas. This series had no center sustainer engine, and no booster seperation during flight. This test program proved the viability of Bossart's design. This photo clearly shows the lack of center sustainer engine on these early test vehicles.