PROJECT AQUILINE BRIEFING STATEMENT

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Aquiline
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06774185
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: July 16, 2020
• Document Release Date: July 30, 2020

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AQUILINE BRIEFING STATEMENT
This memorandum pertains to an operation known as AQUILINE.
The number of people holding AQUILINE access approvals will be
held to an absolute minimum. AQUILINE access covers all aspects
of the operation.
AQUILINE is a restrictive access involving a small powered
glider capable of flying thousands of miles, emplacing devices,
interrogating previously emplaced devices, and performing
special reconnaissance or collection missions.
It will present bird-like radar, acoustic and visual signa-
tures designed to blend with the 'ad_iae1Qus signal environment..
Possessing a range in excess of it will be capable in
its advanced form of hovering.over.targets for as long as 120
days.
AQUILINE is specifically designed to protect:
1) The role of CIA in AQUILINE.
2) That the CIA is developing a small, bird-like
surreptitious vehicle with sufficiently small acoustic,
visible and radar cross-section to permit it to operate
in the natural physical signal environment of living
birds.
3) Details of initial, interim or final embodi-
ments of the vehicle design when presented or observed
in such a manner as to suggest the operational
characteristics or purpose of the device.
4) Details of any subsystem of the vehicle when
presented or observed in such a manner as to suggest an
association with or a capability peculiar to the
AQUILINE mission.
AQUILINE information will include mission analysis data
such as the location and nature of threat radar as well as
visual or acoustic sensors, the terrain over which flights
will be made, and targets of interest to the mission. This
mission analysis data will often involve COMINT as well as
end products derived from overhead reconnaissance. The
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clearances for COMINT and these end products will therefore
be prerequisites for access to AQUILINE information. The
particular restrictions imposed on persons holding these
clearances, which include the possibility of prosecution
by the U. S. Government, may also apply to violations con-
cerning AQUILINE information.
AQUILINE access is granted only by CIA. The determina-
tion that an individual possesses a need-to-know for access �
to AQUILINE information will be made by the'Director/ORD.
Participants who have a question concerning an individual's
status must verify the existence of his access prior to any
discussion of this sensitive information.
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AQUM.:JINE SECURITY BRIEF=
This brochure pertains to the.S2CRET activity_known as Project
AQUILINE. The word =ELUTE when used in-thie-Contia-is a covert
intelligence collection operation of the highest sensitivity. It
has as its objective the collection of electronic and photographic
ittelligesce through the use of a small bird-like unmanned powered
Older.
Project AQUILINE operates under the sponsorship and direction
of the Central Matealigence Avncy. Access to project sensitive in-
formation is restricted to an absolute minimum number of persons.
The success of the program depends in large measure on an effective
security program, thus the following principles have been established:
An AQUILINE acces eroval Is required before a person may
receive sensitive project information. Existing clearances, such
as TOP SECEET.or other special clearances, are not in themselves
sufficient for access to AQUILL1E.
A strict "need-to-know" principle is enforced. Access approvale
win not. be granted merely as a matter of courtesy or in deference
to rank or position. One only justification for access to AQUILINE
information is that a pernoa requires access to enable him to make
a positive contribution to the project.
AQUILINE clearances are granted by the Central intelligence
Agency. Request for clearances will be submitted in writing to Projeet
AQUIL/NE Headquarters throughchannele as designated by the responsible
AQUILINE security representative.
The AQUILINE clearance status of en individual must be verified
prior to any discussion relating to the Program. A master index of
all AQU/LlNE clearances is maiataine4 at Azauna Headquarters.
Prior to visiting participating industrial firms or operatioml
locations on AQUILINE bustness the clearance status of the visitor =net
be certified to the installation throegh AQUILINE Headquarters.
(1)
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Access to the end-nroduct der the. =LILT operation
is not authorized er le 4E access approval.
Teem are three categorieu of AQUILINE briefings. The most
comprehensive is that which is contained in this brochure. The lower
category briefings are provided to personnel of industrial suppliers
who have no need to know of.Central intelligence Agency sponsorship
or participation. They are briefed only to the extent necessary to
make possible their maximum contribution to the project effort.
All AQUILINE sensitive information umst be protected and
particularly:
(1) The role of the Central intelligence Agency in
AQUILIES.
,(2) That the Central intelligence Agency is developing a
smaIll bird-like surreptitious vehicle with sufficiently
small ficoustitriVITYETFand radar cross-section to permit
it to operate in the natural physical signal environment
of living birds.
(3) Details of the vehicle design when presented or observed
in such a manner as to suggest the true operational
purpose of the vehicle.
(4) Details of any subsystem when presented or observed in
such a manner as to suggest an association with or a
capability peculiar to the AQUILINE mission.
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SECURITY PLAN - PROJECT RECHARTER
.1. This plan represents the coordinated positions of the Office
of Special Activities and the Office of Research and Development,
Deputy Directorate for Science and Technology. These groundrules
are the established maximum security measures governing this TOP
SECRET project at Area 51 throughout the flight testing sequence,
training or related activities leading toward the operational deployment
of this aerial intelligence system. The Security Staff, Office of Special
Activities, is charged with assisting the Director of Special Activities
in maintaining a maximum security environment for the conduct of OSA
and specified DD/S&T activities; therefore, the successful implement-
ation of these policies will depend largely on the cooperation of CIA
elements, other supporting government agencies and the principal
contractors charged with the development of this highly sensitive covert
intelligence system.
2. It is collectively understood by all participants that program
transition toward operational readiness will necessitate close coordin-
ation and special cooperation with the Office of Logistics in view of
their paramount responsibilities in the field of contracting and related
- industrial security matters.
3. This plan will be reviewed periodically, updated and
procedures refined to meet future program needs, including special
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manpower requirements necessary to support the multi-purpose
specialized covert project objectives.
A. GENERAL GUIDELINES - PROJECT HEADQUARTERS
AND AREA 51
(1) Upon acceptance of this Security plan,
Project AQUILINE will be known by the classified
SECRET operational designator RECHARTER within OSA
areas of responsibility. The unclassified nickname
will be Project 274. The objectives, state-of-art
achievements, and mission purposed of Project RECHARTER
will be controlled at the TOP SECRET level in
accordance with site-sensitive program concepts based
on the traditional "must know" philosophy practiced by
OSA.
(2) As appropriate, the above designators will
be used in all verbal and written correspondence to
Area 51 and the names of all personnel approved for
project access will be maintained on permanent record
by the Security Office at Area 51 and at Project
Headquarters.
(3) Classified documents and correspondence:
� (a) All communications and documents
regarding Project RECHARTER activities will be marked
classified and controlled at the appropriate level of
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sensitivity and will be limited to personnel who are
approved for Program RECHARTER acccss as certified
.by Project Headquarters.
(b) TOP SECRET documents must be
transmitted via approved courier system.
(4) Access to Area 51 will be controlled from
Project Headquarters, OSA. Individuals from CIA,
other government agencies, or Project related industry
will be Certified for access to Area .51 only after
establishment of clearability and with sufficient notice
and biographical data to insure verification of identity
and clearability particulars. Failure to transmit
required notice will result in denial of access.
(5) Clearance basis:
(a) Clearability standards for Area 51
access require at least a Phase II investigation which
includes a 15-year background investigation and NAC's.
(b) Personnel to be used in missions
and/or deployment overseas activities will be processed
at the Phase III level.
. (6) West Coast Security Office, Office of Special
Activities, will act for West Coast facilities as a point
of contact for access to Area 51 after initial certification /
clearability by Project adquarters..
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(7) Project RECHARTE.R personnel assigned to
work at Area 51 will comply with rules and regulations
detailed in Attachment A. Attachment A represents
the approved policy of the Director of Special Activities
as executed by the Field Commander at Area 51.
Tenant organizations are responsible for the direct
control of their personnel and they must ensure
compliance with base standards, operating procedures,
Security/Cover, and applicable USAF regulations.
Violations or infractions will be reported to Project
Headquarters promptly.
(8) All personnel certified for Project inform-
ation will be Security briefed at the approved level of
access and will execute briefing statements (oath), as
contained in Attachment B. Reindoctrinations will be
periodically rescheduled as part of Project Security
Education Program.
(9) Attachment C Briefing Booklet will be used
as guideline for briefing of Phase III personnel which
is the usual government access level based on clear-
ability standards expressed in DCID 1/14. Pertaining
to other compartmented information programs.
SEC
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(10) Criteria for Security access to RECHARTER
operational matters:
Phase I
A Phase I approval is required for an
individual who is engaged in semi-sensitive fabrication
� activities but who does not work in nor require access
to a closed Project area. Such individuals do not need
to know and will not be told the ultimate application or
future sensitive use of the equipment being developed
or manufactured. Neither will they be permitted access
to Project communications or documents. Generally
speaking, the work which he is doing could have a variety
of applications and is a job that is not unique to the
development of Project hardware. (No access to Area 51.)
Phase II
A Phase II approval is required for an
individual who may be told, assuming the need to know
exists, the general purpose of the system, equipment or
system configuration, performance characteristics,
identification of other contractors, suppliers and vendors,
test site locations and knowledge of equipment or
subsystem capabilities. In general, this individual will
be told information, requirements and parameters which
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reflect an advance in the 'state of the art or, by the nature
of the function he performs, will have access to areas,
material or information from which he might be able
to deduce such knowledge. (Access to Area 51 permitted.)
Phase III
A Phase III approval is required and will
; be granted only for those individuals who require official
confirmation of the true identity of Project Headquarters.
Personnel who must-know broad mission objectives,
operational information, success or failure of missions,
future planning, or relationship to other classified
programs normally require a Phase III approval.
Likewise, operational mission details of the system will
only be released to those who have a Phase III Access
Approval. Phase III approvals will not be granted as a
matter of courtesy, deference or convenience either
within government or industry and all requests for
approval at this level must be adequately justified.
(Access to Area 51 permitted and to overseas operating
locations.)
(11) Compartmentation of the Project RECHARTER
physical location will be the responsibility of the assigned
Staff Security Officer and a contingent of five contract
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Security Assistants/Guards that will control the hangar
and operating areas including classified equipment,
documents, systems and peculiar stored stocks.
(12) Security philosophy on a "must know" basis
will be practiced to ensure holddown on sensitive details,
particularly when Project RECHARTER launch and recovery
procedures are in effect during flight testing, training
and operations.
(13) A Staff Security Officer directly responsive
to Project Headquarters, Security Staff will be available
to assist the Program Manager in the Project RECHARTER
area throughout all flight testing, training and support
activities. Appropriate liaison and coordination with the
Base Commander will be accomplished to ensure the
integrity of Project RECHARTER and other compartMented
activities utilizing Area 51. This senior security official
will be responsible for all personnel, physical and
project matters of a security nature carried out at that
� facility. As requirements increase, security manpower
must be augmented to ensure project coverage.
(14) Travel to Area 51 will be coordinated in
advance to facilitate access and may be arranged by
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surface or approved air shuttle service. (Cover
contingency considerations will be provided upon the
introduction of an approved air system.)
(15) Project .RECHARTER operational clearances
do not entitle approved personnel to special intelligence
information or other special Project .programs at Area 51.
(16) Periodic counter audio inspections and
physical surveys of Project RECHARTER areas will be
scheduled as required.
B. INDUSTRIAL SECURITY
(1) Close liaison with Office of Logistics will
. be accomplished throughout the transition period to
ensure a uniform industrial security criteria at
McDonnell Douglas and other principal Project related
firms.
(2) The Office of Special Activities Security
Staff will take cognizance of industrial contracts initiated
by the OSA contracting staff in support, of forthcoming
operational phases.
(3) Industrial security inspections of OSA
contractor areas will be conducted periodically in
accordance with standards presently practiced by OSA.
(4) The industrial security package will be hand-
tailored to the contractors' peculiar environment in
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accordance with the level of classification of its
activities in conjunction with the "must know"
philosophy expressed throughout this plan.
(5) The prime contractor will enforce compliance
with security policy at subcontractors, vendors and
suppliers. (McDonnell Douglas, etal. )
(6) Sterilization of operational vehicles and
associated systems and subsystems, when deemed
necessary, will be accomplished to ensure the contingency
cover integrity of future operational missions.
C. OPERATIONAL/MISSION SECURITY PROCEDURES
(1) The Office of Special Activities Security Staff
will employ, highly specialized techniques where and when
appropriate to protect the Project RECHARTER mission,
methods, assets, fuel, and personnel.
(2) Operational security procedures will be
prepared to meet the needs of each mission situation as
determined by the Contingency Cover stipulations imposed.
(3) Mission and unit personnel will be briefed
in advance of all operational activities on cover details.
� (4) Office of Special Activities will provide
priority covert courier support for the expeditious move-
ment of mission systems, hardware and classified
intelligence product, as requj.red.
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(5) Liaison with U.S. Government, industry,
and overseas security and law enforcement channels
or host governments will be accomplished before, during
and after the mission sequence, as required and in
accordance with Headquarters instructions.
(6) A Staff Security Officer(s) and appropriate
contract security assistants/guards/couriers will
accompany the mission team on overseas deployment
to provide security support, advice,, guidance and
control of operating mission locations and particularly
at launch/recovery points.
D. CONTINGENCY COVER PLANS
(1) Contingency Cover Plan for Area 51 flight
testing program is contained in the Cover Plan,
Attachment D.
(2) Contingency Cover Plan for contingency
mission deployment and flight testing outside Area 51
are included in the Cover Plan, Attachment D.
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15. Conceptual Security Support
Appropriate Security support to include physical,
personnel and operational security is being provided
during .he Pre-Operational Period and will be provided
during the Operational Period. Additionally, security
of the entire Industrial effort now rests with another
Agency component, but will be continued by OSA Security
.tiff at an alpilvopOate future date.
_
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a. Physical Security:
�
(1) Secure perimeter of operating, training
testing locations from Vnauthorized entry.
(2) Provide appropriate .surveillance�OT
vehicles, fuel, subsystems, and other
sensitive, associated systems and assets.
(3) Conduct periodic counter-audio.inspec7ions
of Detachment areas, installations and
associated communications equipment. ,
(4) Assure implementation of appropriate
security controls for safe guarding the movement
and storage of classified equipment and documents.
(5) Establish physical security program to ensure
integrity of sight sensitive characteristics of
AV and related systems.
b. Personnel Security:
(1) Assure that personnel assigned to or visiting
industrial work areas and opdrating locations have
been granted the appropriate. Security clearance
and are approved for access to the location by
Project Headquarters.
(2) Requests for program clearances will be
processed in accordance with existing OSA
Security Staff criteria.
(3) Establish briefing controls whereby the
Project knowledge of cleared personnel will be
restricted on an individual "must know" basis.
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(4) Monitor the security consciousness of all
Project-cleared personnel, and advise Project �
Hadquarters of,any individual's conduct, persoaal
or official, *which might tend to compro=ise the
unit or mission.
(5) �Establish an organized system of periodic
security reindoctrinations for all cleared
personnel..
(6) Investigate security violations and incidents,
and recommend appropriate disciplinary action to
Project Headquarters.
c. Operational Security:
(1) Employ deceptive techniques when and where
appropriate to protect the mission, assets and
personnel.
(2) Maintain liaison with local law enforcement
and security forces and solicit their assistance
in establishing effective security support.
(3) Establish security procedures for emergency
situations.
(4) Promulgate mission and unit cover stories to
personnel at operating locations.
(5) Assure sterilization of mission configured
vehicle.
(6) Provide couriers for expeditious movement
of mission product to the processing facility
and to Headquarters.
(7) Security officer member of the Mobility Team
will provide Security advice and guidance to
Mobility Team Commander and will ensure
implementation of above security responsibilities.
d. Cover and Contingency Plan: (See Cover and
Contingency Annex).
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