ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT'S FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY BOARD ON ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 41
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 1, 2003
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 31, 1965
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
14 00066607D
TOP SECRET
ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
PRESIDENT'S FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE
ADVISORY BOARD
NRO review(s)
completed.
25X1
THE NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM
DD/S&T
RLE COPY
25X1
1 Nov 64 - 31 Oct 65
25X1
25X1
Copp-. -of------ copies
Page---- :of------Pages.
oved For Release 20031 P3 ETP72R00410R000200010001
Control I1
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001=5
? SECRET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
T. Organization and Functions of the NRO ....................... 1
A. Organizational & Operational Changes ................. 1.
B. Organizational Environment of the NRO ................ 3
C. Organization and Functions of the NRO....... . ........ .
A. Manpower ............................... .'.....'..... 8
B. Budget ............................................. 8
II. Resources of the NRO .......................
..................
III. National Reconnaissance Program Reqiirements .............. 9
IV. Collection Operations ...................................... 12
A. Satellite Collection:
12
CORONA: Photographic Search ................... 12
I 25X1
25X1 '
TOP SECRET
or Release 2003/09/03: ?IA=RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release.2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
CR SECRET
D. Aircraft Reconnaissance .......................... 18
IDEALIST ...................4................ 18
GOLDEN TREE ............................... 19
TROJAN HORSE 20
BLUE SPRINGS......... . , . `20
25X1
25X1
V. Processing Operations: Photographic ..................... 23
VL Research and Development ............................... 27
Aircraft: OXCART/BLACK SHIELD .................. 27
SKYLARK ...................... .... 28
TAGBOA RD ..............................o.29
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CI RDP72R00410R000200010001=5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
1O S=C~c~
I. ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL
RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE
A. Since the last Semi-Annual Report to the Board, in May 1965,
the following significant actions have occurred which affect the organi-
zation and operation of the National Reconnaissance Program.
1. On August 11, 1965, the fourth in a series of DOD/CIA agree-
ments concerning participation and responsibilities in the. National
Reconnaissance Program was signed by the Deputy Secretary of Defense
and the Director, Central Intelligence. The new agreement specifies,
in summary, that:
The Secretary of Defense is ultimately responsible for
management and operation of the National Reconnaissance Office and
the National Reconnaissance Program.
The Secretary of Defense will review and finally approve the
25X1
National Reconnaissance Program budget.
The Director, Central Intelligence will:
Establish collection priorities and recpirements
Review and approve the NRP budget
Provide security policy guidance
The Executive, Committee * will:
NRP Executive Committee membership is shown.on Figure 1.
TOP SECRET
Approved For F
elease 2003/09/03 : qIA-RDP72R00410R00020001000.1-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Recommend appropriate level of effort to the
Secretary of Defense
Approve or modify the NRP
Approve allocation of responsibility and funds for
research and development and specific
reconnaissance programs
Assign operationsl responsibility for manned overflights
Review major NRP elements
The Director, National Reconnaissance Office will (subject
to guidance of and review by the Executive- Committee):
Manage the National Reconnaissance Program
Execute the National Reconnaissance Program
Initiate, modify, redirect or terminate all NRP
research and development programs
Prepare a comprehensive NRP budget
2. On September 1, 1965 Mr. James Q. Reber, of the Central
Intelligence Agency, was appointed Deputy Director of the National
Reconnaissance Office vice Mr. Eugene Kiefer, who had departed on
February 13, 1965. Mr. Reber was formerly Chairman of the USIB's
-OP SECRET
25X1
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001--5' - --
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
Committee on Overhead Reconnaissance (COMOR). He brings to the
NRO a wealth of knowledge and experience in the satellite and aircraft
reconnaissance area.
3. On September 30, 1965, Dr. Alexander H. Flax replaced
Dr. Brockway McMillan as Director, National Reconnaissance Office,
Dr. Flax also serves as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for
Research and Development.
B. The National Reconnaissance Office Organizational
Environment
The NRO commits its satellite and aircraft reconnaissance
assets directly and solely against intelligence requirements and
priorities established by the United States Intelligence Board. The
NRO submits plans and schedules for both satellite and aircraft
reconnaissance overflights directly to the 303 Committee for approval.
The President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board regularly reviews
and provides guidance on National Reconnaissance Program plans and
activities.
Figure No. 1 shows the organizational environment of the
National Reconnaissance Office.
Figure No. 2 shows the organization of the National
Reconnaissance Office.
TOP SECRET
25X1
Approved For Release 2003/09/033: CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
SOP SECTh t
NRO elements are located as follows:
The Director and Deputy Director, NRO and the
NRO Staff - - The Pentagon, Washington . .
The Director, Program A (Satellites) --
El Segundo, California
CIA Aircraft and Satellite activities are managed
from Washington -- but utilize numerous other
operating locations both in the United States and
overseas
.The Director, Program C (Satellite SIGINT Payload) The Pentagon, Washington
The Director, Program D (Aircraft) --
The Pentagon, Washington
C. The NRO Organization:
The NRO Staff and its Director, Brigadier General James T.
Stewart, located in the Pentagon, is charged with assisting the Director,
NRO and the NRO Program Directors as required. The Staff numbers
people, the majority of whom are involved in around-
the-clock operation of the Satellite Operations Center. Additionally, the
Staff includes personnel who handle security, communications,
administration, personnel, advanced planning; policy, and satellite
and aircraft operational and technical matters.
The Director, Program A, Brigadier General John L. Martin, Jr. ,.
maintains his headquarters in El Segundo, California. General Martin's
organization deals primarily with satellite photographic and SIGINTT
TOP SECRET .
Release 2003/09/03 :4CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5 .
 Approved For Release 2003109/03 : CIA-RDP72ROO41OR000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
reconnaissance, including systems, readiness and checkout, launching
and orbital control and recovery of the payload packages. Program A
is also responsible for management of the Special Projects Production
Laboratory at Westover Air Force Base, an organization which assists
in the processing of photographic reconnaissance products. Additionally,
Program A is charged with supervision of a number of advanced
research programs intended,to extend existing reconnaissance capa-
bilities. In this latter function, General Martin is' supported by the .
Space Systems Division (Air Force) as well as the Aerospace Corpora-
The Central Intelligence Agency has recently reorganized its
reconnaissance program structure (see Figure No. 2). The CIA
Reconnaissance Program Director and his staff are involved, primarily
in aircraft reconnaissance and in certain satellite sensors; however,
that agency also provides some covert contractual and procurement
functions for the National Reconnaissance Program, and is involved in
certain research and developmental efforts for both aircraft and
satellite reconnaissance projects. The U-2 continues as the CIA's
primary aircraft reconnaissance vehicle but bears little resemblance
to the 1956 version, since both aircraft performance characteristics
i OP SECRET
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 :5CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
and intelligence collection systems capabilities have been improved
continually. The follow-on to the U-2, OXCART, is now considered
as limited operationally ready and a full operational ready status is
expected to be achieved within the very near future. CIA's Washington
based reconnaissance staff and detached locations are manned by
people.
Admiral Rufus Taylor, the Director of NRO Program C,
maintains his headquarters in Washington and is responsible for
providing the
staff consists of
Brigadier General Leo P. Geary, the Director of NRO
Program D is also located in Washington. He employs
Edwards Air Force Base
additional persons located at the Aeronautical Systems Division,
on:his Washington staff, but also is supported by
(people
Program D is responsible for management of the TAGBOARD drone
aircraft system as well as for provision of Air Force support, required
by CIA, for the IDEALIST and OXCART programs.
Under a special arrangement, the Joint Reconnaissance Center
(of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) exercises operational control of certain
aircraft overflight programs for the Director, NRO. At present,
payload. Admiral Taylor's
people.
T OP SECRET
APPFUVUdT r Release 2003/09/03 : 5IA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
programs in this category include TROJAN HORSE (U-2's over
Vietnam), GOLDEN TREE (U-2's over. Cuba) and BLUE SPRINGS
(147B drones over Vietnam).
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : EIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5-
 TOP SECRET
THE NRO ORGANIZATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
THE PRESIDENT
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
USIB
Adm Raborn, DCI
Mr. Belmont, FBI
Mr. Brown, AEC
Lt Gen Carroll, DIA
Lt Gen Carter, NSA
Mr. Hughes, State
FLAB
Mr. Clifford, Chmn
Dr. Baker
Mr. Gray'
Dr. Land
Dr. Langor
Mr. Long
Mr. Murphy
Mr. Pace
Adm Sides
Gen Taylor
Mr. Coyne, Exec Secy
Mr. Bundy, WH .
Adm Raborn, DCI
Mr. Johnson, State
Mr. Vance, DOD
DIRECTOR
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
Adm Raborn
NRP
Executive Committee
Mr. Vance, Dep Sec Def
Adm Raborn, DCI
Dr. Hornig, WH
L' -
Figure #1
(Panel on NRP Matters)
Dr. Land, Chmn
'Dr. Baker
Dr. Prell
Dr. Garwin
Dr. Ling
Dr. Puckett
Dr. Purcell
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Mr. McNamara
DEP SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Mr. - Vance
NRO
Director
Dr. Flax
Deputy Director
Mr. Reber
25X1 Approved For Release 2003/09/03: CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 TOP SECRET
25X1
NRO
Director: Dr. Flax
Deputy Director: Mr. Reber
PROGRAM C
R/A Taylor, USN
Satellite SIGINT Payloads
CIA/OSP
Director
Mr. Crowley
Satellites
PROGRAM D
B/G Geary
Aircraft
Figure #2
CIA/OSA
Director
B/G Ledford
Aircraft
Approved For Release 2003109/03 : CIA-RDP72RO0410R000200.010001-5
NRO Comptroller NRO Staff
B/G Stewart
CIA Recce Programs
Director
Mr. Sheldon
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
IOi SECRET
'Supporting forces include specialists in a wide variety of all scientific,
industrial and military fields.
In its continuing search for the best talent available, the
National Reconnaissance Office draws upon the manpower resources
H. RESOURCES
A. Manpower: The National Reconnaissance Office employs
experts in all its areas of reconnaissance endeavor, including:
satellite photographic and signal intelligence collection, aircraft
photographic and SIGINT collection, and technicians who supervise the
processing, interpretation and dissemination of these products.
of a number of agencies such as the Department of Defense (the U. S.
Army, U. S. Navy, U. S. Air Force), Central Intelligence Agency and
the National Security Agency.
B.. Budget: Because of the sensitivity of its mission, the National
Reconnaissance Program financial program is handled partly as classi-
fied open ("white") and partly as classified covert ("black"). The pages
which follow show the National Reconnaissance Program financial costs,
and the level of activity on which these costs are estimated, through
1971:
.MCP SECRET
ApPF8yed F4 r Release 2003/09/03 8C1A-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Next 2 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
01) SECRET
III. NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
prepared by COMOR and approved by,USIB during the past year.
The DOD/CIA Agreement of August 11, 1965, for Reorganization
of the National Reconnaissance Program is almost identical to its
predeceaeors ' with regard to requirements. Specifically, it states that:
"The National Reconnaissance Program shall be re-
sponsive directly and solely to the intelligence collection
requirements and priorities established by the United States
Intelligence Board. Targeting requirements and priorities
and desired fregzency of coverage of both satellite and
manned aircraft missions over denied areas shall continue
to be the responsibility of USIB, subject to the operational
approval of the 303 Committee. "
In actual practice, the Board has continued to use its Committee
on Overhead Reconnaissance (COMOR) to carry out the bulk of its staff
work in the requirements area. The COMOR mission is to provide a
"focal point for the coordinated development of foreign intelligence
requirements for flight over denied areas. " An informal and direct
day-to-day working relationship exists between the COMOR and the
NRO Staff on targeting and other matters of mutual concern.
Two requirements documents of particular significance were
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : gIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
J
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
j) 1
.1
4
TOP SECRET
. Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : SA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
April 15, 1965 the Board issued its "Requirements for Present Satellite
Image -Forming Sensors"
(USIB D-41. 14/229) which sets forth targets '
and frequency of coverage to guide the NRO in the operation of the KH-4
(CORONA)
This 25X1
basic document is supplemented on a mission-to-mission basis with
specific guidance which reflects the ever,-changing intelligence needs.
On May 15, 1965, the Board issued its "Updating of Current
Satellite SIGINT Requirements" (USIB-D-41.14/246) which sets forth
targets and frequency of coverage in the areas of Electronic Order of
Battle, General Search, and Directed Coverage to guide the NRO in the
operation of its SIGINT satellites for the present and near-term periods.
Several modifications have been made to this document since it was
issued.
Numerous requirements and req..lirements-associated documents
presently are in work under the auspices of the USIB. These include
a long-term image-forming sensors requirements document, a cost-
effectiveness analysis of the satellite SIGINT program, a paper on
crisis management, and a paper on the significance of and need for very
high resolution photography. All of these are significant items to the
present and/or future NRO Program and the NRO participates in their
preparation. 0
1:j
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
TO SECRET
25X1
Over the past year, a close rapport has developed between the
NRO and the USIB/COMOR, facilitating the activities and efforts of
both organizations. Improved communications and better understand-
ing of mutual problems, have led to improved requirements and to an
improvement in the intelligence product acquired by the NRO in
fulfillment of national needs.
TOP SECRET
App
ved For Release 2003/09/03 :I?IA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
'OP SECRET
IV. . COLLECTION OPERATIONS
This section of the report describes satellite and aircraft recon-
naissance collection activities of the National Reconnaissance Program
during the period November 1, 1964 to October 31, 1965.
A. Satellite Collection:
CORONA (Photographic Search and Surveillance): There were
fourteen CORONA launches during this reporting period; Twenty-seven
capsules were recovered (see Figure No. 3). ? These missions were
,operated primarily against surveillance targets, but also included search
and mapping and charting operations. (Figure No. 4 shows CORONA
coverage through December, 1965).
The most significant program improvement, other than the
demonstrated reliability of the dual recovery system, was the extended
mission lifetime of CORONA. Several ten-day missions were conducted
during the year. On the February mission a record proportion of
cloud-free photography was obtained -- 80% during the first half of the
operation and 70% during the second half.
In order to extend CORONA mission life even further -- up to
fourteen days -- the DNRO approved appropriate modifications in both
the THOR booster and the AGENA stage. The first of these extended
life systems is scheduled to fly in July 1966.
TOP SECRET
Approved or Release 2003/09/03 1%IA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5-
 I?ApgMd F~ le~00 3 : MRDI~00-000MI0C
NRO SATELLITE PERFORMANCE DETAIL CORONA
MISSION
AA-
/\A
AA
W
I AA
AA.
AA
AA
AA
V0
00 ~
u
AA
W
RECOVERY
O
O
O
O
O
O
(2)
O
O
O
O
O
O
0
CAMERA
0
0
O
O
0
0
10
0
10.
O
.0
0
O
O
OCV
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
AGENA
0
0
(2)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
THOR
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
J-13
'2 NOV
J-14
18 NOV
J-15
19 DEC
J-16
15 JAN
J-17
25 FEB
J-18
25 MAR
J-19
29 APR
J-20
18 MAY
J-21
9 JUN
J-22
19 JUL
J-23
17 AUG
J-24
22 SEP
J-25
5 OCT
J-26
28 OCT
LEGEND
MISSION
RECOVERY-CAMERA-AGENA=TAO
0 Complete recovery capsule'
f
l
h
Hardware performed properly
O
use
u
p
otography obtained
No useful photography
O Hardware foiled
obtained
Partial success
O No test of this hardware
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 'Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
To improve the cpality of CORONA photography, basic camera
modifications are being made which will permit the satellite to operate
at altitudes as low as 80 nautical miles vs the present 100 nautical
miles. The first of these new cameras is scheduled for flight in April
1967.
Satellite reconnaissance continues to be the major source of
intelligence information for assessing the Soviet threat to this nation,
for planning national defenses, and for preventing technological
TOP SECRET
25X1 'Approved For Release 2003/09/03 :1CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5~
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 iJIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
surprise. Detailed information on the value of NRP satellite (and
aircraft) reconnaissance systems during this reporting period is
.Contained in the Reconnaissance Annex of the Defense Intelligence
Agency's Annual Report to the PFIAB.
25X1
25X1
 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
MCP. SECRET
25X1
C. METEOROLOGICAL SEARCH:
Project 417 is designed to collect early morning weather data
over the Sino-Soviet land mass. The 417 satellites serve as "weather
scouts" for programming those, satellite photographic missions scheduled
for the same areas around midday.
The 417 satellite is a simple, reliable, spin-stabilized satellite,
providing television pictures of cloud masses. These pictures are pro-
grammed remotely and are received later (or read out) by one of two
SAC operated stations in the 'United States. During the past year, four
25X1 Approved For 4
TOP SECRET
elease 2003/09/03 : %A-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
TOP SECRE
417 satellites were launched. Two of these plus one launched in June
1964 are currently operating; however the latter is now nearing the
end of its operational usefulness.
Starting in March 1965, all 417 satellites have used a semi-
automatic spin control system in which solar power, rather than spin-up
rockets, supplies the necessary energy. The new, semi-automatic spin
control system is able to maintain a spin rate within . 25% of that desired.
In April 1965, a readout station was established in South
Vietnam. This station has provided a meaningful test of the usefulness
of satellite weather data in tactical situations and has served as the
basis for updating military meteorological satellite regzirements.
Project 417 ground station equipment is now being installed
in Hawaii; in January 1966, 417 satellites will provide weather support
for NRO recovery operations in that area. All 417 satellites launched
since March 1965 have the capability to read out directly to South Vietnam
and Hawaii stations in addition to performing their primary "weather
scout" mission in support of the NRP.
The 417 satellite launched in September 1965 flew the first
infrared high resolution radiometer. This simple equipment, which
provides an IR sample through the center of the television picture, has
been very successful in indicating the altitude of cloud tops' and bases
to within about 2000 feet.
Approved Fo
iup SECRET
Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
17
 Approved For Release 20.03/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
"~ J 7 i6 is ~
The next two 417 launches are scheduled in January and
March 1966. In August 1966, an Improved 417 series of 'satellites will
be launched. These satellites will use two improved television
cameras for gap froo oov?rago of the Eurasian land maae,
On July 1, 1965, management responsibility for Project 417
was transferred from the NRP to the Air Force. The primary mission:,
of Project 417 has not changed and the Project will.continue to provide
early morning weather data in support of the National Reconnaissance
Program.
D. AIRCRAFT 'RECONNAISSANCE OPERATIONS:
China, and North Korea.
25X1
operations over such areas as Southeast Asia, the Sino-Indian border, 25X1
IDEALIST: Project IDEALIST is concerned with CIA U-2
During this year, '36 IDEALIST missions have been conducted
against high priority USIB targets. Operations were generally hampered
by unusually prolonged periods of bad weather. Even so, the total
missions flown were only twelve short of the forecast rate of four per
TOP SECRET
Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
iv ZU
TOP SEIRET
GOLDEN TREE: The Department of Defense operation of
U-2 's over Cuba requires six to eight missions per month to fulfill
USIB collection and surveillance requirements. The aircraft operate
from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana and are flown by SAC pilots.
During the past twelve months, 87 missions were flown.
TOP SECRET
25X1
Approved For F9elease 2003/09/03 CIA-RDP72ROO41OR000200010001-5
19
 'Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
TROJAN HORSE: An alert force of two U-2's is maintained
by the Strategic Air Command at Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. Flight
operations are conducted at the rate of about 25 flights per month.
Primary targets are in North Vietnam and South Vietnam, but the
Vietcong supply lines through Laos and the border area of Cambodia
are also covered.
These SAC U-2 aircraft are equipped with the J-57 engine,
rather than the J-75 engine installed in CIA aircraft.' A study has been
made to determine the desirability and costs of converting all aircraft
to the CIA (standard) configuration and the seven SAC aircraft will be
egpipped with the improved engine. The higher thrust engine will
provide a four to five thousand foot altitude increase, making the air-
craft less vulnerable to attack.
BLUE SPRINGS:. The BLUE SPRINGS program involves the
operation of 147 type drones in Southeast Asia. ' The primary effort of
the drone operation has. been directed toward targets in North Vietnam
rather than China. This shift in the theater of operations was caused
by two factors: the long period of unfavorable weather in South China,
and the introduction of numerous surface -to-air missile,sites in North
Vietnam. The 147 drone has proven highly productive in this hostile
25X1 environment. Drone mission photographs were used to identify twenty-two-
-7
4
--7i
.A ae SECRET
Approved FQ4
Release 2003/09/032 6:IA-RDP72R00410R00020001000.1-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
TO SECRET
of the known thirty-five SAM sites near Hanoi. Three drones were
modified for a low-level capability to permit operation beneath low
(monsoon) cloud cover. Although all three aircraft malfunctioned
prior to reaching their targets, the concept of low-level flight appears
valid, and twelve additional low-level drones are being built.
In order to increase the altitude capability of the drone, a
higher thrust engine was installed. This model, the 147-G, was flown
operationally on October 31 and was successful. A. contract has been
4
25X1
. OJ SECRE T
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 :2qIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
25X1
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
GAP SECRET
signed for the 147-H model aircraft which will have increased altitude,
range, and coverage capability. The '147-H is expected to be in
operation about July 1966.
I UP SECRET
25X1
25X1 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : g2 4-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
JOP SECRET
December 1964 marked the completion of the Air Force Special
Photographic Processing Laboratory's (AFSPPL) long-range building.
and processing equipment installation program which began in late 1962.
The facility now has available three high-speed Eastman Kodak DALTON
duplicators capable of continuously processing over one-quarter million
linear feet of duplicate film product (per day) in any standard film width
required, plus one Eastman Kodak TRENTON original negative
processor capable of producing 25, 000 feet of processed original
negative film per day.
The Eastman Kodak BRIDGEHEAD facility, completed in
September 1964 devotes much of its technical capability to the process-
ing of original negative material and to the preparation of gzalitative
product analysis designed to maintain densitometric standards and to
achieve the maximum information read-out potential.
With the AFSPPL assimilating much of the bulk-film dupli-
cation workload, the National Reconnaissance Program has now
improved the balance between timeliness and quality of the finished
photographic product.
In February 1965, the National Reconnaissance Office conducted
an Operational Readiness Inspection of AFSPPL to evaluate that facility's
ability to process and produce an original CORONA mission. Employ-
ing a duplicate negative of CORONA Mission 1015-1 loaded into a capsule,
Approved Fot
Release 2ig%0~64J.UI RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
24
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
T Oe SECRET
the simulation was completely realistic. After a slow start due to
fluctuating control stock standards, the AFSPPL performed well and
is considered qualified to produce CORONA mission material at any
time on a contingency basis.
Certainly some of the- most impressive, yet unsung, operations'
of the Southeast Asia struggle lie in the remarkable performance of the
Pacific. theater's photographic reconnaissance production groups. The
13th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron/SAC TROJAN HORSE Photo-
graphic Processing Center (PPC) at Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, and the
Fleet Intelligence Center Facility Pacific (FICPACFAC) Naval Air
Station, Cubi Point, Philippine Islands, have continued to support' the
rapidly expanding COMUSMACV and CINCPAC reconnaissance require-
By February 1965, approximately one year after the National
Reconnaissance Program commenced in that area, the 13th Reconnais-
sance Technical Squadron had produced over 3. 5 million feet and
FICPACFAC over 6. 5 million feet -- a combined total of over 10 million
feet of photographic processing.
The National Reconnaissance Office has maintained a continuous
equipment and material upgrading program in the Pacific theater and
has sponsored a rotating Eastman Kodak Company technical production
T OP SECRET
25X1 Approved For Release 2003/09/0325 IA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
I
25X1
and quality control team in the Pacific theater to provide training and
assistance wherever and whenever needed.
25X1
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2003/09/0 2 :CIA-RDP72ROO41 OR000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
TOP SECRET
I~
I
F 25X1
F
VI. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
This section describes the major research and development
activities, including study projects, being conducted by,the National
Rooonnaisr."nQQ
OXCART/BLACK SHIELD: The OXCART vehicle is a high
speed, high altitude, manned reconnaissance airplane. Although this
program is still in the developmental phase, the aircraft is expected
to be operationally ready in the very near future. The primary
development, problem has been that of matching engine inlet airflow
with propulsion performance. A new electronic inlet control solved
the major flow disturbance problem. Engine, aircraft, and systems
reliability is now being demonstrated to a point where an early declara-
tion of full operational readiness is expected.
The original concept of conducting all OXCART operations
is now being amended, since the A-12 will not possess
the originally planned range capability
reduced range capability requires use of a forward staging base for
operational missions. Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa has been
selected as the operational deployment base for missions over China,
North Korea, and Southeast Asia. Construction of the necessary support
facilities was scheduled for completion in December. Sealift of many
O
P SECRET
T
Release 2003/09/032 .IA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
25X1
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
4 OP SECRET
25X1
25X1
of the support items began in October. At the present time, there does
not appear to be any reason why the aircraft could not be deployed in
January 1966 for use against targets in China ,and Southeast Asia. Final
preparations are being made to complete the aircraft validation and
support facilities for a January deployment.
As of October 31,
flights totaling
were accomplished. The aircraft has reached a maximum altitude
of 90, 000 feet and a speed of Mach 3. 29. Six flights have been made,
with at least two hours of Mach 3. 1 cruise,
to demonstrate aircraft and system performance capabilities. All three
camera systems are meeting design objectives for quality of photo-
graphic product, although the Hycon camera has received only a limited
amount of testing to date.
SKYLARK: Five OXCART aircraft were prepared to operate
at a reduced performance capability for contingency operational use
over Cuba. These planes could fly at Mach 2. 8 and 80, 000 feet. All
flights were to operate
OXCART coverage of Cuba, the capability exists to operate
in order to enhance the security.
of the program. Although no specific requirement has been stated for
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CC-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Haar
TAGBOARD: The supersonic drone (TAGBOARD) program
continues as a flight test and development program. Early in the year,
successful mated flights were made to Mach 2. 4 and air retrieval of
the payload. was demonstrated. As the speed in the mated configuration
was increased, two major problems emerged. First; flutter was noted
on the elevons of the drone (this condition has been corrected). Secondly,
separation of the nose cone prior to engine light was causing damage to
the drone wing leading edge and to 'the engine as pieces of the cone
lodged in it. The nose cone is now fabricated of a lighter weight material
and a collector ring has been installed inside the inlet to trap debris.
Early successes in aerial retrieval of the payload were
followed by retrieval performance below acceptable levels. After the
parachute system was redesigned, there were three successive
recoveries. Two additional retrieval tests are scheduled to complete
the confidence testing.
Only limited camera tests have been accomplished in a D-21
(TAGBOA:RD Drone) hatch fitted to an M-21 (A-12 Carrier) vehicle.
The camera produced excellent results at flight conditions of Mach 2. 8
and 70, 000 feet. Future tests will go to higher speeds and altitudes.
25X1
n
O
T
SECR
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 2C IA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
if
Tests conducted in the mated configuration showed the M-21
range performance to be significantly less than predicted. To over-
come this deficiency, the M-21 has now been modified with an electronic
air inlet control and fitted with the 34, 000 pound thrust engines.
Approximately four to six flights will be required to optimize the new
engine inlet settings and to determine aircraft range characteristics.
The next significant milestone to be reached in the program
will be that of drone separation from the "mothership" and cruise flight
FOLLOW-ON DRONE: Between August 20 and November 15,
1964, 15 drone reconnaissance missions were flown in South China and
proved to be of great value in the assessment of CHICOM air order-
of -battle and assessment of major CHICOM activities. In view of the
reasonable success of the 147-B system and the need for future program
definition, the Deputy Secretary of Defense recgzested a study of require-
ments for a follow-on drone aircraft reconnaissance system.
The subsequent study defined desired performance charac-
teristics as: 2000-mile range, 75, 000-foot penetration altitude,
SECRET
25X1
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 3CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
25X1
 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
25X1
TOP SECRET
The Deputy Secretary of Defense has reviewed this study and
directed the preparation of a Technical Development Plan for the drone
system. In addition, he directed a comprehensive analysis of the
operational vulnerability of the follow-on drone versus the 147-H drone
and a cost/ effectiveness comparison. The Technical Development Plan
will be completed by December.
a OP SECRET
25X1
Approved For Release 2003/09/0331CIA-RDP72R00410R000200010001-5
 25X1 Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5
Next 6 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2003/09/03 : CIA-RDP72R0041OR000200010001-5