or ZEL was tested for the USAF in 1958 in another effort to disperse aircraft away from vulnerable airfields.
A 130,000lb solid propellant booster was strapped under the rear of the plane. The plane was attached to a ramp. The pilot than opened up the throttle to afterburner and fired the rocket. Within 4 secs 275 knots was reached.
19 of the 20 manned launches were successful but the programme went no further.