Atlas V Phase 3A

EELV Phase 3A

Mission Profile

Atlas V Phase 3A was an intermediate evolved configuration of the Atlas V studied under the U.S. Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program around the year 2000, representing a growth step beyond the initial Atlas V baseline toward heavier payload capability. Measuring approximately 58.3 meters tall with a 3.8-meter core diameter, the Phase 3A concept was intended to bridge the gap between the initial operational Atlas V variants and future heavier configurations in the planned EELV roadmap. The concept was ultimately not developed as a distinct operational vehicle, as the standard Atlas V's modular solid rocket booster options provided sufficient performance flexibility for the range of payloads it was required to serve.