{"type":"programs","slug":"1965-project-isinglass","title":"Project ISINGLASS","url":"https://disclosdex.com/programs/1965-project-isinglass","description":"McDonnell Aircraft developed Mach 22 rocket-powered reconnaissance aircraft for CIA to replace A-12 OXCART program","date":"1965-01-01T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["Craft"],"updated":"2025-06-13T13:26:43.000Z","connectionCount":0,"content":{"markdown":"## Origins and Context\n\nProject ISINGLASS emerged in 1965 when McDonnell Aircraft approached the CIA with a revolutionary reconnaissance platform concept.[^1] The program aimed to develop a successor to the A-12 OXCART capable of conducting high-altitude reconnaissance over denied territories.\n\n## Program Structure\n\nMcDonnell Aircraft self-funded initial development with $10 million. The CIA provided technical expertise from the OXCART program, particularly regarding high-speed camera window design.[^2] The Air Force supported development of the XLR-129 rocket engine under General Bernard Schriever's direction.[^3]\n\n## Technical Specifications\n\nThe aircraft design incorporated advanced metallurgical capabilities demonstrated through a third-scale cross-section. The XLR-129 engine produced 250,000 pounds of thrust using liquid hydrogen and oxygen propellants at 3,000 psi chamber pressure.[^4]\n\nKey specifications included:\n\n- B-52 air-launch at 25,000 feet\n- Mach 22 maximum velocity\n- 200,000 feet operational altitude\n- 7,500 nautical mile range\n- One-foot ground resolution imaging\n- X-15-style skid landing system\n\n## Program Termination\n\nDespite promising simulations against Soviet air defenses including Galosh ABM and SA-5 SAM systems, ISINGLASS ended in 1967.[^5] The estimated $2.6 billion cost ($18 billion in 2010), lack of formal requirements, and concerns about Soviet misinterpretation led to cancellation.[^6]\n\n## Legacy\n\nThe program advanced near-orbital reconnaissance vehicle concepts and rocket engine technology. XLR-129 development influenced later programs, including Pratt & Whitney's Space Shuttle Main Engine proposal.[^7]\n\n[^1]: [CIA FOIA - Advanced Aircraft Program](https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document/cia-rdp90b00170r000200310001-8); [Day, D. - A Bat Outta Hell: The ISINGLASS Mach 22 Follow-on to OXCART](https://www.thespacereview.com/article/1602/1)\n\n[^2]: [Day, D. - A Bat Outta Hell: The ISINGLASS Mach 22 Follow-on to OXCART](https://www.thespacereview.com/article/1602/1)\n\n[^3]: [Day, D. - A Bat Outta Hell: The ISINGLASS Mach 22 Follow-on to OXCART](https://www.thespacereview.com/article/1602/1)\n\n[^4]: [National Space Society - The Space Shuttle Decision, Chapter 5](https://nss.org/the-space-shuttle-decision-chapter-5/); [Day, D. - A Bat Outta Hell: The ISINGLASS Mach 22 Follow-on to OXCART](https://www.thespacereview.com/article/1602/1)\n\n[^5]: [Day, D. - A Bat Outta Hell: The ISINGLASS Mach 22 Follow-on to OXCART](https://www.thespacereview.com/article/1602/1)\n\n[^6]: [Day, D. - A Bat Outta Hell: The ISINGLASS Mach 22 Follow-on to OXCART](https://www.thespacereview.com/article/1602/1)\n\n[^7]: [National Space Society - The Space Shuttle Decision, Chapter 5](https://nss.org/the-space-shuttle-decision-chapter-5/); [Day, D. - A Bat Outta Hell: The ISINGLASS Mach 22 Follow-on to OXCART](https://www.thespacereview.com/article/1602/1)","readingTime":"2 min read"},"relatedRecords":[],"citation":{"canonicalUrl":"https://disclosdex.com/programs/1965-project-isinglass","title":"Project ISINGLASS","publisher":"Disclosdex","retrievedFrom":"https://disclosdex.com/api/v1/programs/1965-project-isinglass","license":"CC-BY-4.0"}}