The stage was intended to boost lift capacity for U.S. military launches in the 1960s. The S-V would ultimately fly as the third stage on early launches of the Saturn I. Convair delivered two S-V stages in February 1961 with one being flown on SA-1 attached to an also inert S-IV, the second was used for dynamic testing of the complete Saturn I before being later flown.
The stage was designed to enhance lift capacity for U.S. military launches in the 1960s. The S-V would ultimately serve as the third stage on early launches of the Saturn I. Convair delivered two S-V stages in February 1961, with one being flown on SA-1 attached to an also inert S-IV, and the second used for dynamic testing of the complete Saturn I before being later flown.