Convair B8G Space Shuttle Booster – concept for General Dynamics . Roy Gjertson . Early 1970’s . Gjertson was well known for his technical illustrations & space/aviation art .

In this early proposal, the Space Shuttle was intended to be a two-stage fully reusable system. The massive booster stage seen here would launch vertically, carry a smaller orbiter on its back . Once staging had occurred this booster would fly back and land . The jets increase it's cross range capability .