AACB Class 1

American winged orbital launch vehicle. In 1965-1966 NASA and the Department of Defense jointly studied two-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicles as a follow-on to existing expendable launchers. Following review of the three classes of alternative approaches, it was recommended that the immediate goal of the United States should be development of a partially reusable 'Class I' launch vehicle, which could be available by 1975 and would be competitive with existing expendable boosters. A fully reusable vehicle should only be pursued at a later date.

LEO Payload: 8,000 kg (17,600 lb). Development Cost $: 2,000.000 million. Launch Price $: 14.000 million in 1966 dollars in 1966 dollars.