TRIP REPORT OF (Sanitized) AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 29, 1959

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP67B00511R000100090027-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 16, 2002
• Sequence Number: 27
• Publication Date: January 6, 1960
• Content Type: TRIP

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Trip Report of R. M. Scott
August 7 to August 29 1959
At the time of the planning of this trip, several specific purposes were
established. These included:
1. Make an examination of the elliptical mirrors of each B Configuration
and decide as to whether each needed cleaning or return for recoating.
As a secondary point, the cleaning procedure was to be examined and,
any suggestions as to changes, discussed with the field personnel.
2. All Aatch windows were to be examined as to surface condition. A
recommendation was desired to so use windows in stock as replacements
to make the hatches most satisfactory.
3. The general state of maintenance and condition of configurations and
trackers was to be observed and discussed.
4. The condition of 7(~nn processing equipment and operational problems
were to be observed and discussed.
5. FAK requirements for all equipment was to be the subject of dis-
cussion with field personnel.
The trip was made almost exactly as scheduled with but one problem arising
from the travel arrangements. Fortunately, an error in take-off time was not
serious as another flight was soon available. The staffs of the various areas
were cordial and very helpful in their efforts to provide accommodations and
in making it possible to accomplish our objectives.
B Mirrors
The condition of the various B camera mirrors was found to be quite good on the
whole. One camera at Detachment C had a mirror in quite poor shape, however,
and it was recommended that this mirror be replaced-with a new one as soon as
possible. Such a new one would be soon available and, thus, an attempt was made
to clean the one in the camera. It was found that hard rubbing with solvent did
remove the discoloration, but scratched the coating rather badly. By subsequent
checking at Detachment B we learned that it was the practice at that location to
clean the mirror surface after each flight. This prevented the deposit from
building up and hardening to the point where it became very difficult to remove.
Soap and warm water, carefully applied, seemed to do the job satisfactorily
provided the cleaning was done after each mission. It was suggested that when
the worst B mirror was replaced and returned for recoating, some effort be spent
to discover a solvent for the deposit that could be made available in the field
(some solvents are not air transportable).
Added note: When the mirror was returned, some effort was made to discover a
solvent. In the short time available, no truly satisfactory solvent was
discovered for the hardened deposit. It is, therefore, recommended that the
mirror be carefully washed very soon after each mission, as has been the practice
at Detachment B.
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Hatch Windows
All hatch windows at both detachments were examined so that their condition with
regard to coating and scratches could be recorded. Although nearly all windows
had some blemishes or defects, the great majority were so minor as to be quite
satisfactory for continued use. A few were quite devoid of the antireflection
coating or the coating that did remain was quite scratched by frequent cleaning.
This defect appears, in the inspection light, to be much worse than its true
effect on optical performance of the system. Zn a few cases the windows did
have long or deep scratches. Some of these were on the outside and could. have
come from stones, but some were on the inside and could only have been caused by
careless cleaning or dropped tools.
Added note: Subsequent to our return, a study has been made of the windows
available in stock. A selection has been recommended for the replacement of
the windows in the worst condition.
Maintenance and Condition of Equipment
In general, I felt that maintenance and condition were both quite good. The mal-
function record was not particularly good for dither configuration or tracker,
but it was improving and considerable effort was going into making it better.
We saw an effect on the maintenance operation at Detachment C which should be
kept in mind by mission planners and avoided if possible. Detachment C was in
a condition of alert, which had been in effect .for quite a long period. The
group was becoming increasingly weary over the condition of their equipment
because they did not feel it was wise to really dig into various components.
Such inspection and preventive maintenance requires some disassembly and, of
necessity, removing equipment from the ready list. This was not done during
the alert period. There was, thus, little activity but rather worried waiting.
A problem with trackers was being faced with some activity, however. It was
observed that most of the malfunctions in these cameras were occurring when
they were flown in weather hatches. In these hatches the cameras run under
conditions of considerably lower temperatures than are encountered on photo
missions. Components and subassemblies were being tested in the deep freeze
cabinet and various lubrication problems were being overcome. The subsequent
record has shown considerable improvement. The weather hatch trouble was not
in evidence at Detachment B and so we concluded that the effect was due to
a combination of humidity on the ground and low temperature in the hatch.
I carried with me the latest check lists for inspection and preflight procedures.
These were checked with the lists developed in the field and various changes
noted. While it would be to some advantage to have all lists identical, local
procedures and experience indicated the desirability of small variations between
the procedures used at the two detachments. These procedures were formalized
during the visit.
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Several spe6ific items were brought to my attention at Detachment B as
affecting maintenance on trackers.
1. Present load requires services of a third man.
a. Cleaning hatch windows.
b. Service on sextant after leaves.
c. Coverage during R&R
d. Desire to help cover processor operation.
e. Heavy use of tracker on other than photo missions.
2. A problem of shipping of brake bands from supply. These are
repacked some where .and the loops are cracked. This will be taken
care of from the P-E end and repackaging will not be necessary.
3. Tracker maintenance space at Detachment B severely limited and
rather dusty.
The general problem of exposure of tracker material was brought to my attention.
The programer was not being used because its minimum slit width cam did not
provide a small enough slit width for use with the yellow filter. It was suggested
that the red filter be used more often and a test flight was run during the visit.
To my eye, the results with the red filter looked as though there was more
contrast and a bit more resolution than the normal yellow filter results. I made
the recommendation at the time, and I repeat it here, that some finer grained,
slower film be obtained for the trackers and flown to ascertain if more resolution
can be realized during the period and in regions of high illumination. Type 221
or 182, preferably the latter with three to four times the exposure, should give
appreciably better results than are now obtained.
Processors
We looked at the processers at both locations. They seemed to be in satisfactory
operating condition. The one at Detachment B was in heavy use while that at C
was dormant because of the sta n-by status of the operation. Care was being
exercised, however, to keep it%ready condition.
Projection viewers for the 70mm material were set up at both detachments. It
was interesting and instructive to me to see the machines and learn of the
photo interpreters' reactions to them. The machine at C was little used because
the PI didn't like it. It did need cleaning, mirrors in particular, and was
in poor adjustment. One mirror vibrated badly with the blower running and this
made the projected image flicker, leading to discomfort for the observer.
At B, on the other hand, the PI liked the device and used it a great deal. He
had made a number of little changes which made it more to his liking. Such things
as a mare powerful lamp, even a larger one yet, would be desirable if the
voltage control and cooling are up to it, a larger lever for the frame clamp,
damping and adjustment of the mirrors, etc., had been added. We talked about
STAT
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the fact that the scale mask, the only one available, was not quite correct
and that a significant improvement would result from scales engraved directly
on the lower glass. These should. be easily interchangeable for different scales
and, thus, a slight change in the mount is required.
FAK Requirements
The requirements and available equipment for FAR and deployed operations were
discussed and, although the details of the arrangements were a bit different
at the two locations, both seemed to be well worked out and in satisfactory
condition.
RF Noise
The various modifications to reduce radio frequency interference had not been
installed at Detachment C and those at B did not solve the problem. Noise
clean-up in the bird had resulted in the information that noise from the tracker
was limiting the coverage of System 4. Cooperative activity was going on
with the RW people, but it was the general feeling that the sort of fixes to
the tracker available in the field would fall far short of a truly satisfactory
solution. Upon my return I have looked into this problem at the factory. Con-
siderable effort is being applied at FOG by P-E service people to find a truly
satisfactory solution to this problem. At the time of this writing a solution
has been found (which makes the camera quieter than a clean A/C) but considerable
rework of the camera is required to provide the necessary shielding. It does
not seem practical to make such modification afield kit but :rather an item to
be installed during a factory turn-around if the expense were justified.
Miscellaneous Items
A number of items were brought to my attention during the trip, particularly
at Detachment B. Most of these were with regard to the general conditions of
the base. Beside the normal complaints about the food and living conditions,
specific points concerning space and manpower, already mentioned, and transporta-
tion were voiced. While it is natural to expect a change in such conditions
as the base becomes more organized and systemized, it is unfortunate that the
civilian personnel have fallen to their present lowly positions. I was quite
impressed by their treatment as second class personnel on the base. It would
seem to me that some measures could be taken to improve their lot by the provision
of some better and more flexible transportation.
The P-E group is particularly sensitive to these points because they feel quite
second class among the civilians. The arrangements we have at both B and C
are working quite well, to my pleasant surprise, in spite of the unlikely line
of responsibility. This is due in large measure to the quality of the people
leading the open anon and in the P-E group. The fact that the relations are
much more cordial and smooth at C than at B is due to the contrasting leadership
in the two areas.
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There is a feeling of competition. between the two groups which, I feel, is
constructive, but the balance is a critical one and could be quite a problem
if not watched carefully by the military leadership. I would feel that an
occasional word to the Detachment Commanders from Headquarters about the role
of these civilians might go a long way to making their lives more comfortable.
STAT being an old hand with the project, seems .quite aware of this
pro 'em an oes what he can in many little ways. Colonel Sheldon, on the other
hand, seemed not quite so sympathetic to the civilians. He, of course, was new
at the time of our visit so this aspect may well improve with time. From my
restricted point of view, and from the reactions I received from the boys in
the field, both men were carrying out their jobs with considerable competence
and had the respect of all.
One point in general. The busier the groups can be kept, the happier they are
and the more competently they do their job--inactivity is their greatest enemy.
RMS/sa
1/6/60
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