NPIC SUPPORT IN BIRD CAMERA PROGRAM

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Animal Partners
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06637656
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: September 6, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 12, 2019
• Publication Date: March 25, 1976

Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06637656
6.2(d)
ORB -0397-76
25 March 1976'
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Research and Development
THROUGH: Chief, Operations Technology Division, ORB
SUBJECT: NPIC Support in Bird Camera Program
1. A Technical Collection Team (TACANA/TCT Task #1)
has been formed to demonstrate the operational utility of
�an AVIAN asset. As a part of this effort, a new bird camera
has been designed which weighs less than the old one and
which uses a 16mm film with motion compensation instead of
the gum size. Testing of this camera will continue through
June of this year at which time the final demonstration is
scheduled.
2. Initial tests by ORD with this camera surfaced four
problem areas:
a. Reliable slicing of 70mm film (3400 and 3414)
to the required 16mm format was difficult. Though the
OTS slicing machine was used, the personnel involved
were not familiar with its use.
b. Effects of humidity on the 3414 film and
possibly improper developing of the film.
c. A lack of facility for obtaining good-quality
enlargements of the negatives.
d. A lack of familiarity with available films
which can provide good resolution at low light levels.
DD/NPIC, recently briefed the DD/ST
ana suggested tnat nis people at NPIC could adviSe
these problem areas. At subsequent meetings with
(NPIC), it was.determined that NPIC could obtain a var ety
of film types directly from Kodak on the. 16mm format and the
required 2 1/2 mil thickness base, further advised
that there were special processing techniques and film types
which should be investigated to best provide high resolution,
n
Cl
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06637656
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06637656
SUBJECT: NPIC Support in Bird Camera Program
low light level capability similar to those now being used on
the, ITI44-"mc'vn Tgram. Discussions were also held with
(PSB/ISD/PSG), and his people have been
most heiptui in developing several rolls of film and providing
several good-quality photo enlargements which have been
extremely beneficial in evaluating the capability of this
system.
3. To help in this, program area, it is requested that
NPIC provide the following support on a noninterfering basis:
a. Provide a minimum of 500 feet of 16mm film
(2 1/2 mil base) of each of the following types: 3400,
3414, 5069, S0242, 50410, and any other types recommended
by NPIC for this program.
b. Develop two to three rolls of this film per
week as taken by the system. Make recommendations as
to what kinds of film should be used and any precautions
concerning handling requirements necessary for use in
the field.
c. Provide enlargement photographs of selected
negatives and give advice on the probable resolution
potential of this camera system.
4. The chairman of the TACANA/TCT is
OTS/OPS/SDB.
CC
Distribution:
0 - Addressee
1 -
1 - OTD/ORD
1 - OTD/ORD Chrono
1 - ORD Registry
OTS/OPS/SDB
Charles N. Adkins
Operations Technology, ORD
OTD/ORD/DD/SU/CNAdkins:kmc/2763
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06637656