Here are all the correct answers to Aircraft Quiz #68.

BACKGROUND-The initial French NORD 1500.01 GRIFFON was powered originally by a single Atar 101G-2 turbojet intended to explore ramjet propulsion above Mach 2 speed, then later powered by a single Atar 101F Turbojet. First flight was September 1955 with the single Atar 101F.

NORD then modified it by the addition of a NORD Ramjet with a far larger air intake. That 1500.02 GRIFFON was more successful accomplishing the speed goal. The two engine systems were mounted co-axially and could be run simultaneously. Performance was said to be "Impressive!" Various time to altitude records were set by the improved GRIFFON, which reached Mach 2.19 max speed in October 1960. A closed-circuit speed record was set by the GRIFFON II in the 100km (62-mile) event in February 1959 by test pilot Andre Turcat.

The two engines could be run separately or together, with the proviso the turbojet had to get to a speed where the ramjet could be started. So, takeoffs were with the turbojet. I cannot explain just how they provided coaxial thrust; hard to contemplate that!

A proposed GRIFFON III would needed to be of all-steel construction to withstand the friction-heating temperatures at higher mach numbers.

The GRIFFON was said to be "ahead of its time" with an under-slung intake and canard fore-planes. And yes, it was thirsty and endurance limited.

Answers.

1. France

2a. NORD, 2b. 1500.02 GRIFFON

3. 1957.

4a. Mach 2.19, 4b. October 1960.

5. Its top speed was limited more by heating considerations than by engine limits.

BONUS. Andre Turcat was the GRIFFON test pilot first flying it in 1957 and later was the pilot to make the very first French CONCORDE supersonic airliner flight.

Specifications-NORD GRIFFON 1500.02

Crew: One

Powerplants: One Atar 101F Turbojet engine and one Nord Ramjet engine.

Max speed: Mach 2.19

Max altitude: 59,600 ft

Wingspan: 51 ft 7 in

Length: 26 ft 7 in

Height: 15 ft 5 in

Weight; 15,983 lb

I thank all who pondered this tough quiz.