Sorry for being so slow on the uptake . . .
Okay - name this aircraft.
It was one of four competetors for a contract that would produce the next generation of attack bombers. Only five prototypes were ever built, while 2 of the other competetors were built in some numbers. This plane's design and acceptance was hampered by a constantly changing set of design criteria from the government, and to a certain (perhaps large?) degree politics. It was an attractive design and overall a good performer, although its range was less than that of its competetors. It was a pioneer in a unique cooling and exhuast recovery system, which promised to bring additional performance.
The eventual winner of this competition round up being a hugely successful design (although it was cancelled at first.)
I predict a correct answer in minutes . . .
-Bret