ISINGLASS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP68B00724R000100070051-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 3, 2002
• Sequence Number: 51
• Publication Date: August 15, 1966
• Content Type: MF

Approved or Release 2002/08/ O 724R000100070051-8
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MEMORANDUM FOR Director of Reconnaissance, CIA
SUBJECT ISINGLASS
1. This memorandum is for your information only. Its
purpose is to brief you on ISINGLASS prior to the EXCOM
meeting now scheduled for 17 August. On the agenda at that
meeting is the question of whether or not to proceed with
a nine month Phase I research and development program for
ISINGLASS
2. Introduction
The ISINGLASS system has been under active investi-
gation in OSA/DD/S&T for the past two years as a possible
follow-on to the OXCART. While no Government funds have
been made available, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation has
spent
mpey or ease i l of corporate
to outline much of thesdevelopmentenecessary andvhaverved
considerably increased our confidence in the system concept
and in"the contractor's ability to develop and produce the
vehicle.
3. System Capabilities
The ISINGLASS system is an advanced boost-glide vehicle.
It is launched at about 25,000 feet, from a B-52 or equiva-
lent aircraft, boosted by a Pratt and Whitney high pressure
liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen rocket engine to an altitude
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to abon . ilyThe portionlof then is e path 25X1
use u. or missions 25X1
roughly is
landing is o a range from aunch to
Diagrams of the vehicle
and mis
i
s
on pro i es are a
-nded in Atnt I. Stud conducted in OSI/DD/S&T show that ISINGLASSmvulnerabilitye5
to current and projected Soviet defenses is low, significantly
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lower than that of satellite reconnaissance systems (Attach-
ment II). The system would be capable of wide swath,
technical intelligence quality photography, rapid reaction
time, and high probability of mission success. Furthermore,
the aerodynamic character of the vehicle permits consider-
able flexibility in planning of ground tracks.
4. Role in NRP
The ISINGLASS system is designed as a follow-on to
the OXCART vehicle and as a back-up to currently projected
photographic satellites, to be used if satellite vulnerability
reduces their usefulness or if the access time to specific
targets is critical. To our knowledge, a satisfactory back-
up capability does not now exist in the National Reconnaissance
Program, although a well balanced Program should continue
development in sophisticated aircraft fields as well as on
satellites in view of the unique advantages to the use of
both types of systems. We have, therefore, recommended to
the NRO that the necessary feasibility and system design
studies be accomplished to solidify the McDonnell technology.
These studies will allow a total program decision to be made
as necessary at a later date. This McDonnell effort would
be concurrent with engine component development now underway
at Pratt and Whitney under modest USAF and
5. Budgetary Actions
On 16 November 1965, EXCOM agreed that funds for
ISINGLASS research and development could come from the NRO
general R&D account. At the same time, NRO was asked to
conduct a staff study on the role of the ISINGLASS concept
in the NRP, and Mr. Vance and Dr. Hornig requested a full
briefing of EXCOM. Both men had previously received short
briefings on the concept. In February 1966,
research and development program on the vehic .i
was submitted to Dr. Flax at his suggestion. This program
(Attachment III) is for nine months and is designed to
determine the capability of the ISINGLASS system to satisfy
our goals for resolution, swath width, survivability, re-
action time, range and tactical flexibilility. In addition,
the study is intended to establish reliable overall s stem
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cost estimates (currently projected at 25X1
including engine costs). This research and develop-
ment program is the effort we consider to be necessary at
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this time. Subsequently, a second phase ogram was sub-
mitted (Attachment IV) which was to cost r 25X1
and also last nine months. To date, we have 1a no re-
sponse from NRO on the staff study or the suggested
research and development programs.
Because of the passage of time, we are now requesting
ase II study in FY'68. This would permit a
program decision in late FY'68 based on thorough evaluation
of the results of the Phase I and II study programs. If a
total program is approved, including RDT&E, production and
operations, the subsequent funding requirements would be
as follows:
FY'69
FY'70
FY'71
FY' 72
6. Summary
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In summary, we have asked NRO to fund the necessary
feasibility and design studies to solidify McDonnell
technology and to provide, within the NRP, a needed option
to satellite systems. These studies will cost 25X1
in FY'67 and in FY'68 and permit a to tai pro-
gram decision o e made in late FY'68.
PAUL N. BACALIS
Colonel USAF
Director of Special Activities
Acting .Deput Direct or
-Science and Technology
3
thel Phase I study be funded in FY'67, and the
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APD/R&D/OSA (15 August 1966)
Distribution:
Cy 1 - D/R/CIA w/att
2 - DD/S&T (chrono) wo/att
3&4 - DD/S&T (Registry) wo/att
5 - D/SA wo/att
6 - DD/SA wo/att
7 - D/R&D/OSA wo/att
8 - APD/R&D/OSA wo/att
9 - chrono wo/att
10 - RB/OSA wo/att
WY zibUIMT
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