PROPOSED 1961 CORONA RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 34
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 15, 2009
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: April 18, 1960
• Content Type: REPORT

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Certification of Records Review
The Dirdctor of Central Intelligence authorized the National Reconnaissance Office
(NRO) and the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct a joint review of records
pertaining to the CORONA, ARGON, and LANYARD photographic satellite
reconnaissance systems in accordance with Executive Order 12958 to determine their
eligibility for declassification and release to the public. The records in this box having a
blue barcode label in the upper right corner of the first page have been reviewed by the
NRO as part of that joint NRO-CIA review.
Any record having an NRO-assigned blue barcode label should be returned to the NRO
for its review prior to any subsequent declassification and release to the public.
Please contact Chief, Information Declassification Review Center/IMG/MS&O at (703)
227-901;5 or 853-6015 (secure) to make arrangements for their return.
Date of NRO record review: November 1997
NRO Review Completed as Redacted.
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Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument, Corp. April 18, 1960
PROPOSED 1961 CORONA
Copt Flo. is
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II. Technical Description
A. General Configuration
B. Film
C. Lens
D.. Time Recording
E. Structure
F. Weight
G. Power Requirements
H. General Design Considerations
III. Environmental Test Facility
IV. Schedule
V. Conclusion
VI. Supplementary Program Addendum
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1-A
Figure 1- B
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Manpower Loading Engineering
Manpower Loading - Drafting
Proposed Configuration
Present Configuration
Format Configurations
Coverage
Resolution Comparison
Aerial Photo - Fecker Designed Lens
Environmental Test Facility - Upper Floor Layout
Environmental. Test Facility - Optical Evaluation
Test System
36 inch, f/5. 6 Camera. Configuration
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Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
This proposal by Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation is
for an improved operational photographic system for the 1961 Corona Pro-
gram. It is conceived from Fairchild's successful experience in this program
from its inception, and is based on the hard-won specific design knowledge
which is now vested in Fairchild's physicists and engineers. It is considered
evident that in terms of an exacting schedule this knowledge is indispensable;
certainly it should not be completely lost to the program.
The proposed system improvement grows from Fairchild's basic
design work and subsequent development and investigation work throughout
the entire Corona Program. Fairchild's participation in this program goes
back to the original pioneering efforts which followed from the Rand report.
In fact, Fairchild made contributions to the Rand report from its store of
knowledge and practical experience.
Although it is true that in the beginning of the contracted Corona pro-
gram the "Stove-pipe" type of panoramic camera was stipulated, Fairchild
took complete responsibility for establishing and satisfying the basic design
requirements and successfully followed through the design and develop-
ment.of the present and highly successful Corona camera systems; thus
demonstrating once again that Fairchild's forte includes the r9d.uction to
practice of theoretical principles.
That the Corona camera system has been a successful reduction to
practice is borne out by the fact that,in an environment of extremely close
scrutiny, Fairchild's designs have received the full approval of the chain
of responsible agencies.
It is considered of basic import that the detailed design experience
gained in the Corona program to date is available in terms of the same key
technical personnel who have carried the load so well. These personnel
are available for immediate assignment to the execution of the proposed
improved camera system.
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Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
When it is proposed to improve or change a working. equipment, it
is most important to use the experience which has led up to the existing
equipment. Much of the knowledge of importanc:e has to do with approache.s
which have been considered and discarded; at this juncture "what not to do."
is as important as "what to do. It
The Corona design team is available due to the natural progression
.of work in the present program. In the areas of initial engineering and
product design, the work load in both the Corona program and the Argon
program is rapidly decreasing. This is so much the case that Fairchild's
management is seriously concerned about the future of the highly success-
ful task groups which have accomplished these programs. This work load
problem is shown graphically in FIGURE 1-A and FIGURE 1-B, which repre.
sents the status of the engineering and product design loads in thes.e areas of
our work.
There is more to this potential loss of capability than just the disso-
lution of the technical teams. Of perhaps more fundamental impoptance
would be the loss of what might be called momentum. Efforts such as those
which have been so successfully made are only made In terms of :the enthus-
iasm which comes with belief in the goals of the program and from confidence
in the ability to perform. The effect on momentum of withdrawal from Fair-
child of the natural next step.of improvement in the Corona program would
be unfortunate. It would be tantamount to breaking up a winning team.
The improved system which is proposed represents a major advance-
ment in systems capability for the 1961.Corona project. The improvement
in systems capability is accomplished by means of judicious and simple
changes to the existing Fairchild designs. It is, therefore, completely com-
patible with the required operational delivery schedule.
Fairchild proposes using a 5 inch wide film in lieu of the present
70 mm film. By substituting a superior Fecker 24" f/5. 0 lens for the present
lens, the intelligence gathering capability of the system is increased since
the Fecker lens performs at.a high acuity level over an entire 5 inch wide
field. This change which can be -accomplished by minimum design effort,
permits a .100% increase .in the area coverage capability of the system.
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Defense Products Division
Fairchild. Camera & Instrument. Corp. April 18, 196.0
Hence, operation of the system can be extended to a full four-day mission
instead of the present two-day mission which is ,caused by the limitation
in film capacity.
Use of 511 wide film automatically increases the reliability of the
system. This follows from the reduction of the maximum cycling rate
of the system by a factor of 20 and by the attendant reduction in maximum
film velocity and scan rate.
The .essential advantages of.Fairchild's proposed improved opera-
tional Corona camera are:
1. INCREASES INTELLIGENCE GATHERING CAPABILITY.
2. INCREASES AREA COVERAGE CAPABILITY BY 100%.
3. INCREASES RELIABILITY BY REDUCING THE MAXIMUM
OPERATING RATES BY A FACTOR OF 2: 1.
4. CONTINUES IN. EXISTENCE THE TECHNICAL TASK
GROUPS WHICH HAVE BEEN. SPECIFICALLY
PREPARED AND OUTSTANDINGLY SUCCESSFUL
IN. THE CORONA PROGRAM.
5. USES FAIRCHILD'S NEW SPACE ENVIRONMENTAL
TEST FACILITY FOR THE COMPLETE ENVIRON-
MENTAL TESTING OF THE SYSTEM. . THIS FACILITY
HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR DYNAMIC
TESTING OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS IN THE
CORONA ENVIRONMENT.
These advantages are further developed in the following sections of
this proposal.
A suggestion for.even further improvement of the Corona system
is given in an addendum to this proposal. It would be .advisable to initiate
design investigations into this larger improvement in parallel with the
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.SPECIAL HANDLING
Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
proposed effort. This 'would enable a more detailed evaluation of the sug-
gested improvement and would make possible timely provision of the im-
proved capability it represents if such is found to be necessary.
II. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION.
A. General Configuration.
The general. configuration of the improved Corona photographic
system is shown in FIGURE 2. It is to be noted that the improvement
in capability is accomplished with no change to the configuration of the
front end of the payload. This can be seen by comparison with the
present configuration which is shown in FIGURE 3.
The present.Corona camera with very minor changes, can
readily accommodate an increased width of film. Layout has shown
that a 5 inch wide film can be easily handled in the existing vehicle
configuration. (See Figure 2.) The extent of the changes can best
be appreciated by over-laying Figure 3 (the present Corona camera)
over Figure 2 (the proposed camera). The overall longitudinal
dimension is somewhat increased, mainly due to-increase in supply
spool width but this packages nicely, simply by increasing the hub
diameter and straddling the re.tro-rocket nozzle.
In the nose cone where the take-up cassett is housed, no
change in mounting is required since the cassette will be the same
as the one presently employed in the ARGON program with the ex-
ception of a larger spool diameter. The present film load limita-
tion is restricted only.by the largest take-up spool diameter which
can be packaged in the present nose cone. This dimensional limita-
tion still permits the use of 6200 ft. of 5 inch film weighing 63 pounds.
Area coverage with this increased film load is twice that of the pre-
sent Corona camera. For coverage comparisons, see Figure 5.
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PRESENT CONFIGURATION
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FORMAT CONFIGURATION
LEFT HORIZON RECORDING
4.96
INCHES
224 M ILES
31.82 INCHES
2.75
INCHES
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Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. 16 April 1960
1. Total Area Coverage
with 39 lbs. of film
COVERAGE COMPARISON
5 Inch
9, 080, 000 Sq.
7, 350, 000 Sq. Mi.
2. Maximum Area Coverage 14, 600, 000 Sq.Mi. 7, 350, 000 Sq. Mi.
for maximum film load (63 lbs.) (39 lbs. )
3. Average Frames Per Pass
from 40?N to 80?N Latitude 105 234
4.. Average Coverage Per Pass
from 40?N to 80?N Latitude 617, 900 Sq. Mi. 617, 900 Sq..Mi.
' For perigee = 130 statute miles, -E _ .. 05, coverage from 40?N to
80?N latitude, and perigee varies from 25?N to 37?N over 4 days.
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Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
It is worthy. to note that although the 5 inch film is only 80% wider
than the 70 mm film, the increase in area coverage per frame is 115%.
This is best illustrated by referring to Figure 4. In the 70 mm film only
2. 1 inches of width is used for active photography while in the 5 inch film,
4. 5 inches of width is utilized. Further analysis points to a 20% increase
in area coverage per unit weight of film, which is, literally, a gain in area
coverage at no cost in weight. The use of 5 inch film in lieu of the present
70 mm film is inherently better not only in the additional area coverage but
also in increased reliability.
The additional width of film permits the use of lower film velocities
and scan rates since cycle periods are increased by a factor of 2. This
serves to greatly reduce the wear and tear so closely associated with high
speed mechanisms.
It is strongly recommended that polyester base film of nominal . 0035
inch thickness be used in this program exclusively. This would preclude
the need for any pressurization considerations, since polyester base film
maintains its greater strength even under high altitude conditions as op-
posed to the reverse behavior of tri-acetate base film.
In selecting a lens to meet the requirements of the proposed
improved photographic system, several considerations are of major
importance:
1) The lens must be physically comparable with the
lens presently employed.
2) It must be equal to or better in performance with
the present HYAC B lens from a resolution point
of view.
3) It must cover a 5 inch wide format without loss of
resolution.
4) Last, but not least, it must be readily available at
a reasonable price.
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Fairchild. Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
The high acuity 24-inch f/5 lens .that is proposed is that produced
by the Photronics Corporation. The original perfection of the design was
carried out by Mr. Ralph Wight, Vice President, then Chief Optical De-
signer of J. W. Fecker, Inc.
The basic design is a Fecker-Ross astrographic camera lens con-
listing of four air-spaced elements, a positive, two negatives, and a
positive. These lenses have been long esteemed for their high resolution
over a total field of 15 degrees at a normal speed of f/7.
In the Photronics lens design, the last element is a cemented pair
to provide closer control on the desired range of color correction. Two
of the surfaces are aspheric to provide adequate zonal correction at the
required maximum aperture, although for an f/5, the degree of aspheri-
zation does not amount to more than a few wave lengths departure from
the 'nearest sphere. Excellent correction of astigmatism is -achieved by
accepting some field curvature which is then eliminated by a single element
field-flattener close to the focal plane. For a panoramic camera, the field
flattener als.o serves as a convenient and inexpensive means for precisely
adjusting the focal length to a constant value without fear of any reduction
in image quality, since its thickness can be varied to accommodate the
normal tolerance in equivalent focal length of the lens.
The design was first used as a r$-imaging lens, in tandem, in the
IGOR Mark II type of missile tracking telescope. In this application it
was designed to cover a total field of 30 degrees at a speed of f/5. The
lens, as designed and aspherized, gave a photographic resolution on 548-C
plates of 250 lines per millimeter in the center and 150 lines per millimeter
at the edge of the 15 degree semi-field. Photographic resolution on other
types of emulsion is not available.
The lens design has also been produced in a 36-inch version to cover
a 9 x 9 inch format. Aerial photographs taken with this lens mounted in a
KA-2 Fairchild camera show a resolution on Aerecon Plus X emulsion of
55 lines per millimeter in the center falling off to no less than 45 lines per
millimeter at the edge of the .format. The 3. 5 inch maximum diameter of
the shutter limited the effective aperture to 4/9. A reproduction of one of
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Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
FIGURE .6.
PHOTOGRAPHIC RESOLUTION COMPARISON
SO-221 Emulsion
0?
2. 5?
Photronic s
Prototype
125/137
130/122
122/130
Hyac II
HLC-B-12
134/134
.119/106
HLC-B-13
120/120
107/113
HLC-B-14
.120/120
113/107
HLC-I3--1;5'
134/134
127/120
HLC-B-16
120/120
100/107
HLC-B-17
134/134
.127/107
MEAN
127/127
115/110
The numbers give the tangential/radial resolution in lines per milli-
meter determined with high contrast targets and SO-221 emulsion developed
in D-19 emulsion for 6 minutes at 68?F.
The Photronics results were obtained at the Fairchild Calibration
Laboratory on a 1.2-inch prototype lens.
The Hyac II results are those determined at Itek and submitted with
the lens.
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WDUNG.
FIG.7
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Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
the negatives is shown in Figure 7. This reproduction was made by a
special process which Fairchild is currently proposing as a ground pro-
ceasing system to the Air Force. Even after two generations, there is
virtually no degradation of the original negative irrlage. This photograph
was made at an altitude ,of about 7, 000 feet with an effective shutter speed
of 1/450 second. In the laboratory the lens has given an axial resolution
of 70 lines per millimeter on Aerecan Plus X emulsion with a minimum of
about 60 lines per millimeter over the entire format. On a finer grain
emulsion (ASA 10-20) the axial resolution was 140 lines per millimeter
.with a minimum of 110 lines per millimeter over the format.
Unfortunately, no 24-inch version of the lens exists which c'ould be.
tested with the emulsions that are actually used. However, Photronics
did have the glass elements for a prototype 12-inch f/5. 6 which they
agreed to mount and assemble in a test barrel for tests .at the Fairchild
Calibration Laboratory. As it turned out, the few days that were available
did not represent sufficient time to adequately center and square-on the
elements and provide an image representative .of the lens capability. Yet
even in its imperfect state the lens gave quite gratifying resolution. The
results that were obtained on SO 221 emulsion are shown in Figure 6,
along with the corresponding resolutions presently obtained with the Hyac
II lens, as reported by the lens manufacturer.
The primary thing these tests show is that the Photronics lens design
is capable of pr.-oviding essentially the same high resolution throughout a
10 degree total field. From these photographic results and perhaps even
more from the appearance of the aerial image, it can be predicated in
complete confidence that.a final well-centered 24-inch f/5 Photronics lens
will supply as high a quality image across the 4-1/2-inch slit as is pre=
sently obtained with the.Hyac II across a 2-1/4 inch slit, and further, that
the resolutions obtained will indeed be some 10 to 20 percent higher.
The weight of the 24-inch lens mounted in an aluminum barrel is
estimated as a little less than 6 pounds. All of the elements are of sufficient
optical density to provide near maximum efficiency in anti-reflection coat-
ings. The transmission is anticipated to be about 85%. The distortion is
less than 50 microns at a half-field angle of 5 degrees, insuring that no
degradation in resolution will occur from this cause as the slit travels across
the image.
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D. Time Recording.
Tb improve the reliability of the present Corona. Time Recording
system, a binary lamp display system will be used. This system,
presently employed in the ARGON program has undergone extensive
tests with very satisfactory results.
The proposed time recording unit will be a completely static
device employing magnetic core transistor and pure transistor logic
elements, a crystal controlled transistorized oscillator, and a binary
lamp recording head for making time word exposures on film. The
output time words, under control of a request pulse forming switch
in the camera, are both exposed on the film and sent out in serial
form which is processed for direct insertion into a telemeter modu-
lator. It will provide maximum reliability and long operational life
as well as increased accuracy. The characteristics of the proposed
system are as follows:
Time Resolution Element
0. 05 seconds
Unambiguous Count Capacity
13, 207.2 seconds (approximately 3+ hours)
Weight
6. 0 pounds, including 2 external Recording Heads
Power
5. 08 watts average continuous power
Outputs
(a) Parallel - Into a dual binary lamp recording
head for direct recording on film.
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Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp.
April 18, 1960
(b) Serial - A serial time word consisting of suitable
voltage levels to distinguish between
binary data (""ones" and "zeros "") and no
data. This includes a time request freeze
pulse followed by eighteen modulator input
bits. Pulse rate into telemeter 400 pulses
per second.
As previously noted, there will be no basic changes in struc-
ture. The vehicle configuration is left intact. A thicker main mount-
ing plate is proposed .for .the new camera system. By increasing the
present thickness of 5/8 inch to 1-1/2 inches, the stiffness of the
plate will be increased by a factor in excess of 13 to 1. With this
increase in stiffness, it will be possible to eliminate the vibration
rods and cross-stiffener presently employed in the Corona program.
The rods are cumbersome to install and are a further nuisance
since they must be severed prior to camera .operation. It is esti-
mated that the .increase in main mounting plate weight will be about
4 pounds. However, this change obviates the need for vibration rods
crosp stiffener, and dimple motors used for severing the rods, an
aggregate weight in excess.of 4 pounds. In summary, this change
saves weight.
Since the proposed change is structurally superior to the
present Corona configuration, there is no concern with a requali-
fication program. No other significant structural change is con-
templated.
F. Weight.
The overall weight of this proposed 5 inch film camera system
will be approximately 101 pounds. This reflects an overall weight
increase of 6 pounds necessitated by wider film handling devices such
as rollers, platen, stove, etc.
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Due to reduced cycling rates achieved by increased film width,
stove scan rates can be proportionately reduced. It is estimated that
the larger stove will have an inertia of about 1. 8 that of the present
system. However, the angular velocity will be about one-half the
present rate. Since power requirements for .acceleration are directly
proportional to inertia and increases as the square factor of the
angular velocity, the overall power requirement for stove accelera-
tion is reduced by a factor of 2. It is expected that film drive power
savings due to slower rates will be offset by increased power require-
ment due to increased width and higher.film tension resulting in the
same power as presently required. In summary, the overall power
will be reduced by about 20%.
H. General Design Considerations.
General product improvement along the lines of reliability will
be undertaken as a matter of course. These improvements, however.,
will be governed by a basic ground rule that no design changes shall
be major in scope. . With this philosophy in mind, the following will
be accomplished:
1)
Impr.ove Tension Loop Design
This will be accomplished by a rather simple but very
effective change. Without altering the present film
path, the input metering roller will be relocated between
the supply spool and input skew rollers. The output
metering roller will be relocated between the take-up
spool and output skew roller.. This will serve to isolate
the irregular film tension loads .created by the spools
from the well controlled tension loops within the camera
proper.
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Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
2) Improve Supply Spool Drag
This will be accomplished by eliminating the present drag
arm which rides on the film.and replacing with a direct
drive to the spool hub.
3) Improve Take-up Spool Drive
This will be accomplished by eliminating the drive arm
and replacing with a direct drive to the spool hub, as
presently employed in the ARGON program.
Improve Data Recording
In addition to the change in Time Recording System as
previously outlined, the frequency recording in the margin
of the main format will be changed to a gas lamp light
source. Since gas lamps do not have the extinguishing
time constant.of filament lamps, timing marks will now
be clearly defined.
III. ENVIRONMENTAL TEST FACILITY
An Environmental Test Facility is now under construction. as an ex-
tension to the Fairchild plant in Syosset, New York. This new facility which
adjoins the Corona and Argon areas, is expected to be in operation in the
early summer of 1960.
The capabilities of this new test center will be at the disposal of any
program at Fairchild which requires advanced test techniques necessitated
by advances in space technology. This, of course, fits perfectly with the
needs of the Corona program for 1961.
The facility will be capable .of resolution testing of very long focal
length large relative aperture diffraction-limited photographic sensors. It
will be capable of testing these sensors while they are being subjected to the
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altitude, temperature and vibration conditions which would be encountered
throughout the mission profile of space vehicles.
Of course, the facility will have a general capability which any alti-
tude and temperature chamber and any vibration machine would have.
Further, the collimation equipment which would be used in combination
with the environmental testing will be useful in ambient conditions as well.
However, the uniqueness of the facility resides in the large size of the
chamber and in the combination of environmental variables which can be
imposed during a resolution test.
Another distinguishing feature of the facility is that it is designed
so that .it is capable of handling equipment which is either completely un-
classified or highly secure.
Under certain conditions the altitude chamber in the new facility will
be capable of simulating an altitude .of 1, 000, 000 feet (see Figure 8). It
is large enough to accept the present reconnaissance vehicle in whole and
in any desired attitude of test. Vibration environments will be simulated
by means of a specially designed MB C210 vibrator which can be mounted
within the chamber.
The chamber also will have variable temperatures controllable from
-100?F to +200?F.
Optical checks can be made through a window in the floor while in
altitude by means of high quality optical collimator systems located below
(see Figure 9).
The optical evaluation test system, in its vibration isolated mounting
below the first floor.in.a 34 foot deep subterranean chamber, can be used
either in the ambient position for testing or can be motor driven into-posi-
tion under the Altitude, Temperature, and Humidity chamber for evaluation
of equipments undergoing vibration, altitude, temperature, humidity or
programmed combination of all in a simulation of flight conditions. An opti-
cal window in bottom of the chamber permits photographic testing of the
units under test for true performance evaluation.
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 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
UPPER FLOOR A YOUT
1. ALTITUDE CHAMBER
2. CHAMBER OPERATING GRAPHIC PANEL
3. PROPOSED ACOUSTIC NOISE CHAMBER
4. VIBRATION MACHINE C210
5. VIBRATOR POWER SUPPLY
6. VIBRATOR OPERATING CONSOLE
7. OPTICS LABORATORY
8. SHOCK MACHINE LABORATORY
9. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
10. PRESENT BUILDING SECURITY PROJECT AREA
11. ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE FOR COLLIMATOR
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FIG. 9
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OPT_ F"VALUA T/ON TEST SYSTEM
IRC,YIL?
[RMSRR RRR /MSTRUMSRI
 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
SPECIAL HANDLING
Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
Figure 8 shows that area space has been provided for the addition
of an Acoustical Noise room. Area No. 4 has space for customer's office
and conference.
A sub-basement below the building provides for all the machinery;
such as boiler, refrigeration and mechanical pumps. . A service entrance to
the outside again provides the maximum in security and accessibility.
Figure 9 shows three testing systems in combination to produce a
sample programmed test run on a particular piece of photographic equipment
which is currently being designed for the Air Force. For the first time, we
will be able to conduct a test of this nature at several environments under
controlled laboratory conditions and evaluate the performance.
The camera selected is mounted in position on the vibration machine
with the lens directly over the altitude chamber window. The chamber can
then be programmed through an altitude range at the same time vibration
tests are being conducted. Photographs for evaluation can be made over
a precise target, either static or at image motion rate as provided by the
highly accurate IMC Test System. This type of testing will not only be
more informative at a technical level, but will save expensive flight test-
ing and time because true evaluation of uncontrolled flight testing is time
consuming.
While the grouping of equipments is ideally designed primarily with
the Optical System in mind, it is obvious that testing of nearly any type of
electr.o-mechanical equipment can easily be handled.
.This combined systems testing facility will serve the most exacting
Military specification requirements as an engine:ering tool and evaluation
for quality assurance and reliability.
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 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
SPECIAL HANDLING
Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
An Operational Schedule for the proposed program has been developed
using a go-ahead date of 1 May 1960. (See Figure 10. )
The schedule as presented is self-explanatory; however, it might be
wise to discuss briefly the reason for the scheduled quantities.
1) Camera. Tie total quantity is (10) units comprised of
(2) prototypes and (8) flight units. . One of the prototypes
would be used for a qualification program and be retained
by FCIC as an engineering test unit. The -other prototype
would be sent to the field for training and test purposes.
2) Cassette. The total quantity is (14) units comprised of
(6) prototypes and (8) flight units. Of the (6) prototypes,
(2) units will be retained by FCIC for laboratory use.
Two units will be sent to the field for similar usage. The
remaining (2) prototypes would be sent to Philadelphia for
their environmental tests. The qualification program would
be performed on one of the Philadelphia units.
3) Supply Spool. Based upon our experiences with the present
CORONA program, it is felt that the quantity of (100) supply
spools is a minimum requirement.
4) Test Console. Modifications would be performed on (4) test
consoles. The test console now located.in Boston would be
transferred to New York for FCIC use.
5) Simulator. Three existing simulators would be modified as
required to improve their performance and reliability.
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 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
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 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
We hope this proposal has achieved the desired objective: to show
that Fairchild can provide improved performance of the CORONA recon-
naissance system within the required time schedule.
Placement of responsibility with Fairchild for design, development,
and manufacture of the proposed CORONA Reconnaissance system will
provide the following improvements:
1) Significantly increased intelligence gathering capability.
2) An increase of 100% in area coverage.
3) Increased system reliability.
4) The continuance of the technical task groups which have
been specifically prepared at Fairchild to satisfy
this type requirement and which have been outstand-
ingly successful in the CORONA program.
5. Dynamic testing of the system in the CORONA environment
through the use of Fairchild's new space environmental
test facility.
In addition, further improvement is proposed through initiation of a
parallel design investigation of the requirements anticipated for the follow-
ing generation of the CORONA Reconnaissance System:
Our proposal is submitted with the complete confidence that the
Fairchild team can provide a significant increas.e in the capability of the
proposed system.
This confidence results from the outstanding technical success of the
Fairchild developed CORONA system and the important contributions we
have made in our over forty years of leadership in Aerial Reconnaissance.
A recent example is the KS-25 High Acuity Camera System: . a five inch
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 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
wide film camera system that delivers to the PI a system resolution of
over 90 lines/mm anywhere in the field. Preliminary tests conducted by
the Air Force at WADD indicate an order of magnitude advance in camera
design technology in such areas as IMC, film transport, shutter perform-
ance, mount steadiness, printer resolution performance and stereoviewer
capability. Another example is the KS-50 High Acuity Panoramic Camera
System: a 9-1/2 inch wide film camera system that delivers to the PI
a system resolution of over 80 lines/mm.
This wealth of experience, together with the vital interest of Fairchild
management in these programs as evidenced by the environmental center
which is being fabricated for complete environmental testing of the CORONA
and ARGON type of photographic system and the weekly progress meetings
held between management and the engineering team, assure you that selection
of Fairchild to develop the proposed system will surely result in the proposed
increase in system capability and reliability.
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 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
SPECIAL HANDLING
Defense Products Division
Fairchild -Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
Supplementary Program
The projected reconnaissance needs for the near future call for camera
systems capable of greater ground detail than can be' supplied by the several
versions.of the present CORONA Camera. Fairchild therefore.is supple-
menting the present proposal with a suggestion for a "sister design" which is
capable of increased ground detail resolution.
The suggested camera., which would utilize a Fecker f/5. 6, 36 inch
focal length lens, requires only,a modest increase in weight over the present
CORONA Camera.. However, the somewhat greater camera weight is offset
by the projected increases in the payload capability of the vehicles. Conse-
quently, conditions appear to be ripe now for the realization of the suggested
36 inch camera system.
The 36 inch focal length camera configuration is shown in Figure 11.
It would utilize the basic Fairchild design for the pres.ent CORONA Camera.
As a result of extensive testing, this type of design has been found to be well
suited for high acuity resolution in the space environment.
The supplementary proposal is a "stove-pipe "panoramic utilizing a
36 inch focal length, f/5. 6 lens and 9. 51, wide film. The film storage
capacity is 7300 feet.
The ground detail resolution, for high contract ratios of 1000: 1, of
the 36" Camera as compared to that of the CORONA Camera is increased
by 32% and 40% for the 40? and 80? North latitudes, respectively. . For low
contrast ratios of 2: 1 the expected increase in ground resolution approaches
50% for both 40? and 8'0? North latitudes. Since terrain reconnaissance .in-
formation is Usually in the low contrast category, the increase in ground
detail resolution for the 36" Camera over the present CORONA Camera is
approximately 50%.
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n
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 Approved For Release 2009/06/15: CIA-RDP74B00752R000100320001-0
Defense Products Division
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp. April 18, 1960
Inasmuch as the 36" Fe.cker lens with SO-Z21 film has a static reso-
lution capability of 140 lines per millimeter as compared to 125 lines per
millimeter for the Hyac lens, the expected ground detail resolution for the
36" Camera is 60% greater than that of the CORONA Camera..
Following is additional comparative data for the 36" Camera versus
the CORONA Camera:
The 36" Camera has:
1. A scan angle of 70*
2. A 100% larger ground coverage capability
3. A film weight of 140 lbs. (larger by 101 lbs.
4. An increase in Camera structure and mechanism
weight of 50 lbs.
5. A diameter of -
a. Stove-pipe section 581, (81, larger)
b. Mainplate section 561, (14" larger)
6. A 6-1/2 inch increase in length..
7. Power requirements:
a. Peak - 350 watts (an increase of 100 watts)
b. Average - 180 watts (an increase _of 50 watts)
Due to the similarity of the 361, Camera to the 24." CORONA Camera,
which has been functionally proven, conversion of the 36" Camera into re-
liably operating hardware can be accomplished with a minimum of develop-
ment.
It is recommended that this sappplementary program be activated
concurrently with the proposed CORONA program for 1961. This program
would be R & D in nature and should involve the design, fabrication and
testing of three (3) prototype models. The duration of this-program would
cover an eighteen (18) month period.
During this period, the camera systems will be completely qualified
in the CORONA environment and completely tested for all performance and
acceptance requirements.
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