During December 1953, for rea-sons that are not entirely clear, Lockheed's Kelly Johnson began exploring the feasibility of modifying the XF-104 interceptor into a high-altitude reconnaissance platform. In March 1954 Johnson published a report describing a proposed CL-282 high-altitude aircraft with the basic fuselage of the XF-104A and a new high aspect ratio wing that spanned 70.66 feet. The fuselage had been shortened 62 inches to 44 feet by removing a straight section ahead of the air intakes, and the F-104's tee-tail was retained. An unusual feature was the omission of landing gear. Like the wartime Me 163 Komet, a special ground cart was provided for takeoff, and landing was accomplished on a reinforced belly, much like civilian sailplanes.
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