Flight International online news 09:00GMT: Launch vehicle manufacturer SpaceX has unveiled its new launch vehicle, the Falcon 9, an evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) class vehicle.
Falcon 9 with 5.2m (17ft) fairing
With up to a 17 ft (5.2 m) diameter fairing, Falcon 9 is capable of launching approximately 21,000 lbs (9,500 kg) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in its medium configuration and 55,000 lbs (25,000 kg) to LEO in its heavy configuration, a lift capacity greater than any other launch vehicle.
SpaceX initially intended to follow its first vehicle development, Falcon 1, with the intermediate class Falcon 5 launch vehicle. However, in response to customer requirements for low cost enhanced launch capability, SpaceX accelerated development of an EELV-class vehicle, upgrading Falcon 5 to Falcon 9.
The company has sold Falcon 9 to a US government customer and still plans to make Falcon 5 available in late 2007.
Falcon 9 uses similar engines, electronics, guidance & control and separation systems to Falcon 1. However, in the case of Falcon 9 there are nine Merlin engines clustered together. 
Falcon 9's cluster of nine engines
Falcon 5 and Falcon 9 will be the world’s first launch vehicles where all stages are designed for reuse. The Falcon 1 has a reusable first stage, but an expendable upper stage. SpaceX has launch sites at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Marshall Islands, allowing for direct launch into any orbital inclination.
ROSS BENTLEY/LONDON
Source: Flight International