Actually, the Streak Eagle didn't ever fly vertically for more than a
transition. The profile, as I remember (the x's are numbers I don't
remember), was to takeoff, do an Immelman at IAS x, accelerate in level
flight to Mach x, then pull to a zoom at x degrees (or maybe at an angle
attack).

This was indeed the profile for the higher records: 25K and 30K (35K too?)
meters. IIRC, the intermediates (around 12-15K) were accomplished more or
less straight up.

Each profile (I think they started at 3K meters ... roughly 10,000 feet)
was approached as a separate problem. Fuel required was calculated and the
aircraft was held in position in full A/B with an pyro-release fitting. Hit
the magic fuel number and away you go. Airborne and clean up with level
accel to optimum airspeed and then do a programmed pull up to optimum climb
angle.

The higher altitudes required a target mach number before pulling up for the
zoom to altitude (approximately 60 degrees nose up_). A/B's blow out in the
65K range. Engine shut-down is a function of minimum fuel flow (The J-79
overtemped in the low 70's ... don't have a clue for the F-101) but done
shortly thereafter. It's dark up there.

R / John