COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TYPE PERSONNEL CARRYING BALLOON

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 05416084
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2022
• Document Release Date: February 15, 2017
• Case Number: F-2008-00941
• Publication Date: February 1, 1956

Approved for Release: 2016/10/24 C05416084
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Office of Logistics/Procurement Division/Contract Branch
ATTENTION
SUBJECT
Completion of Development of a New Type Personnel
Carrying Balloon
1. Early development work on personnel carrying balloons resulted in
a vehicle of 16,000 cubic foot gas capacity that was capable of carrying
two men and equipment to altitudes believed to be suitable for personnel
infiltration type operations. This vehicle was called the Balloon, Personnel,
302P. Specifications and drawings were supplied to Logistics and a quantity
of these balloons were purchased. Research and Development work sponsored
by other government services has resulted in improved balloon design and
from this work a new type personnel balloon incorporating this design has
been developed by TSS and specifications and drawings have been completed.
2. The nomenclautre for the new type personnel balloon is Balloon,
Personnel, 343P. Specifications and drawings have been delivered to
OL/PD/CB/PS. The 343P Balloon has the same size and operating character-
istics as the 302P but the new design affords a much greater factor of
safety. It is highly recommended that the 343P balloon replace the 302P
in all future procurement orders.
3. The 343P personnel balloon has been manufactured in limited
quantities by General Mills Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota and General Mills
is recommended for any future procurement of this balloon by the Office
of Logistics. The cost of the 343P should not be greater than the 302P
balloon and it is expected that a small reduction in cost should be
effected.
4. It is requested that when a stock number is assigned to the
Balloon, Personnel, 343P, TSS/Engineering Division and TSS/Admin/Logistics
Branch be informed of it. If there is any question regarding performance,
specification and drawings orther details of the 343P, TSS/Engineering
Division will be glad to assist in any way.
ror
DD/P/TSS/hD
Distribution:
Orig Ef 1 - Addressee
1 - OL/PD/CB/FS
1 - OL/PD/CB/IS
1 - SR-1
1 - PP/MT
Chief
TSS/Engineering Division
1 - Om/AB/
1 - TSS/Admin LB
1 - Balloon, Pers. Genii
1 - ED Chrono
Approved for Release: 2016/10/24 C05416084