[kfury]

So with a top speed of 2,300-3,000 mph and a range of 1,000 miles, it could sustain top speed for what, 20-25 minutes, assuming no fuel required to achieve altitude or for landing?

It's hard to imagine the mission profile such a vehicle would fit.

...other than doing a short-range, high-speed insertion of a bomb delivered from high altitude. In the 1950s. Oh, nevermind.

[njharman]

Interceptors (a type of craft made obsolete buy long range surface-to-air missles)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Me_163