PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 18, 2006
• Sequence Number: 20
• Publication Date: July 18, 1973
• Content Type: MF

TOP SECRET
CONTROL NO.
Copy 5
REFERRED TO
RECEIVED
RELEASED
SEEN BY
OFFICE
SIGNATURE
DATE
TIME
DATE
TIME
NAME & OFFICE SYMBOL
DATE
D/SA
116~14?__~
Handle Via Indicated Controls
BYEMAN
Access to this document will be restricted to those -persons
cleared for the specific projects;
This document contains information affecting the national security of the United States within the meaning
of the espionage laws U. S. Code Title 18, Sections 793 and 794. The law prohibits its transmission or
the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person, as well as its use in any manner
prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United' States or for the benefit of any foreign government to the
detriment of the United States. It is to be seen only by personnel especially indoctrinated and authorized
to receive information in the designated control channels. Its security must be maintained in accordance
with regulations pertaining to BYEMAN Control System.
TOP SECRET
GROUP I
Ecc l ~d.d I.em au~emaric
do~n0??din0 and d,cla,.ificarian
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
T
SEC P - - 7 1*
1)254-7-73
Copy S of 12
18 July 19 7 3
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director, CIA Reconnaissance Programs
SUBJECT: Program Progress Report
Forwarded herewith are three copies of the IDEALIST
Program Progress Report for the nerind 1 Anril 1973 - 30 .Tune 1973.
Brigadier General, AF
Director of Special Activities
Attachment
As stated 442-73)
CLASSIFIED BY
EXLNIFT FROM Gc1!' :'L 7'' CLASSIFICATION
SCHFDUI L OF E 0. --X:.: TiON CATEGORY:
5[i(I). (:) er (':) lc,rcl: one or more)
AU10i1'lA11CALLY DECLASAFi O ON
Impossible to Determine
(unlrss irnpossrF?e, insert date or event)
GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
T P SEC T
I I254-7-73
Page 2
C/SAS/O/OSA
Distribution:
1 - D/CRP
2 - D/CRP
3 - D/CRP
4- DDS&T Reg
5 - D/ SA
6- SAS/O/OSA
7 - D/O/OSA
8 - IDEA/O/OSA
9 - INTEL/O/OSA
10 - D/ M/ OSA
11 - AMS/OSA
12 - RB/OSA
(10 July 1973)
I
TOP SECRET
GROUP 1 . EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
T P T 25X1
25X1
1442-73
Section 1
L L_JPERATIONAL MISSION SUMMARY
Thirteen IDEA CKLE operational missions were alerted
during this period. were flown, one was cancelled by Project
Headquarters for weatherl
I All missions were planned to be flown no closer than
25 nautical miles to the China mainland coast. The following is a
summary of the missions flown:
2. Mission C143C was flown on 13 April 1973 along the
north central China coast. This mission was designed to
collect SIGINT and photo information using the "H" configuration.
The northern portion of the route was not flown due to unsuitable
weather. The pilot reported 20 percent coverage of the planned
southern flight lines nrior to aborting the route for Bather.
I I
seven of 135 programmed targets, two bonus COMIREX, and
two non-COMIREX targets were photographed.
IDEALIST
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY AND STATUS
(1 April 1973 - 30 June 1973)
Thirty-
3. Mission C153C was planned along the central China
coast from Quemoy north to Shanghai.. This mission was flown
on 25 April 1973 utilizing the "H" configuration. Due to weather,
the northern portion of the mission was not flown; however, the
pilot diverted to the east and flew the southern portion of the
TOP SECRET
GROUP 1. EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
T !
442-73
Section 1
Page 2
mission. Seven of 120 programmed targets and two bonus
non-COMIREX targets were photographed. F
F I
4. Mission C163C was flown on 26 April 1973 around
the Paracel Islands and along the coast of Hainan Island to
collet " Iconfigura-
tion. the pilot
reported no unusual activities. Eleven of 36 programmed
targets plus one bonus non-COMIREX target were photographed.
5. Mission C183C, an "H" configured hoto
mission, was flown on 10 May 1973 along the north central
China coast. Only 30 percent coverage of the planned flight
lines was obtained due to unsuitable weather along three por-
tions of the route. Several (more than 10) fast moving ships
heading east were sighted abeam Shanghai. Thirty-eight of
135 programmed targets were covered. Three bonus COMIREX
and five non-COMIREX targets were photographed.
6. Mission C193C was flown on 22/23 May 1973 in the
vicinity of the Paracel Islands and Hainan Island, utilizing the
"H" configuration. Detailed analysis of the mission revealed
that 80 percent of the route was covered by clouds. Four of
the 36 targets programmed were covered. Three bonus targets
were covered; two COMIREX and one non-COMIREX.
TOP SECRET
GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
i TOP SECRET 0
6442-73
Section 1
Page 3
II
A. F] RED DOT - Six sorties were flown in support of continuing
film tests using various film types and camera configurations.
D. B-3 Camera Test - Seven sorties were flown with the
modified crBrr configuration.
E. " RHrr Lens Test - Eleven sorties were flown to test the new
color corrected lens.
F. i
GENERAL
I- Four sorties were flown to provide
photography in support o this test program.
G. "COMPASS TRIP - Four sorties were flown over the Central
Ferry Station poppy plantings. The Delta and multi-spectral configura-
tions are being used for this phase.
H. Three sorties were flown to photograph
the areas oo e by the -Mississippi River.
J.I IPilot Training
pilots, completed training and became operationally ready on 8 June 1973.
Each pilot flew 13 missions during this quarter to complete the flight
phase of training.
and a third candidate completed T-37 training. Two of the candidates
are now i T__ 7 ttrr ininor with the third candidate in T-37 continuation
25X1 training. will be selected for U-2R
qualification.
TOP SECRET
GROUP I. EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
25X1
25X1
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
T T 25X1
25X1
442-73
Section 1
Page 4
_JILOT AND AIRCRAFT STATUS (AS OF 30 JUNE 1973)
A. Detachment "G" (Edwards AFB - North Base)
Aircraft 2 U-ZR
-
Pilots
TOP SECRET
GROUP I. EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 L J442-73
Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
T T
IDEALIST
DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY AND PROGRESS
(1 April 1973 - 30 June 1973)
AIRFRAME
A. Inspect and Repair as Necessary (IRAN) - A decision to extend
the IRAN cycle from 2500 hours to 3400 hours was made on 3 May 1973.
This decision was made in view of the favorable condition found on
U. S. Air Force airframes previously submitted for IRAN.
B. J-75P13B Engine - The installation of improved third stage
turbine blades to increase engine life expectancy has continued during
this quarter as engines come due for overhaul. Two additional sets of
improved first stage turbine blades have been procured and a three engine
test program will commence during the first quarter of FY 1974. These
improvements should permit extension of Hot Section Inspection (HSI)
an additional 100 hours, and of Time Between Overhaul (TBO) an
additional 200 hours.
C. U-ZR Flight Test and Operational Training Summary
1. IDEALIST Program accomplishments in U-2R aircraft
since introduction include 11, 270. 6 hours on 3476 sorties as of
30 June 1973.
2. Flight test and operational data are depicted below:
1 APR-30 JUN 1 APR-30 JUN
FLIGHTS TIME
1 - 051 42 110.5
2 - 053 44 102. 4
3 - 054 53 204.3
4 - 055 47 171. 7
TOTAL
TOP SECRET
GROUP 1: EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
TOP T
PAYLOAD
Section 2
Page 2
A. "H" Configuration - Serial Number 002 reentered flight testing
during this quarter; however, a secondary or "ghost" image was
observable in high oblique angle testing. The mirror has been removed
from the configuration and returned to the contractor's facility for
further testing and analysis. At the end of this quarter, ultrasonic
scanning of the mirror's brazed joints indicated separation had occurred
in two areas. A math model indicated differential temperature gradients
due to brazing separation and short term temperature changes could
also be affecting test results.
B. "B" Configuration
1. Serial Number 229 experienced defocusing problems early
in flight testing and was returned to the contractor's facility for
solution. After duplication of in-flight problems in the altitude
chamber, a plane of best off-axis focus was established and the
unit reassembled with this plane aligned with the platen. Following
further altitude chamber testing, the unit reentered the flight test
program on 20 June 1973.
2. Serial Number 230 has completed all functional ground
testing and altitude chamber testing and is scheduled to enter flight
testing early in July 1973.
442- 73
C. Delta Research Camera - The second f/3. 5 apochromatic lens
installation and variable slit modification to the scan heads of the Delta
camera have been programmed to start during August 1973. The unit
is scheduled to be in the modification process until January 1974.
TOP SECRET
GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
T + 2sx1
Section 2
Page 3
0
E. Q-E Bay Simulator - The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
simulator of Q-E Bay vibration, pressure, and temperature effects
has been completed and will be operationally tested with an IRIS
configuration during September 1973. Drawings necessary to construct
hatches so that IDEALIST configurations can be tested in this simulator
have been made available to the Wright-Patterson Project Office.
I
OP SECRET
GROUP I: EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
TOP
442-73
Section 2
Page 4
E. LORAN Navigation System - OSA-arranged to borrow a LORAN
navigation system E-or use in a 90 to 120 day test program
designed to determine the applicability of this system in U-2R operations.
Feasibility testing is planned to be completed by September 1973.
Det "G" Man Hours
Sorties Flying Hours TAC Maint Avionics
1-056 4
12.6
22. 7
480
608
200
300
TOP SECRET
GROUP I: EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
? TOP T
I 442-73
ecion2
Page 5
1. AMS/OSA Medical Consultant
recent y chosen as consultant for
AMS/OSA, visited Washington, D. C. , for a briefing during mid-
June.
2. Alcohol Study, Far East - It had been reported that
"Mekongrr, the contained wood alcohol. Speci-
mens were obtained along with, rrGallion", the Chinese "white
lightening" and "Nu-Jer-Pi", the other material. These
were examined by the Air Force and the ec nical Service Division
laboratories and were found to be free of any harmful ingredients.
3. Medical Technicians - One of the OMS medical
technicians resigned. By agreement, the Air
Force is en i e to the s o with an Air Force medic. It is
reported that the Air Force personnel interrogated 6, 000 IBM cards
to get two candidates, one of whom visited the site and declined the
job. An excellent OMS candidate will accept the contract position
if the Air Force is unable to fulfill this requirement.
25~~Xi
25X1
25X1
TOP SECRET
GROUP I: EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
TOP SEC T
6442-73
Section 2
Page 6
Life Support Activities
1. Shark Deterrent Screen - Contact has been made with
Dr. C. Scott Johnson of the U. S. Navy, the inventor and principal
investigator of a new shark deterrent device or as it is more
commonly called, a shark bag. Dr. Johnson is forwarding one of
the bags along with the early test results to Headquarters Life
Support for evaluation. The major problem to date appears to be
in miniturization packaging of this bag. In addition to its primary
use in shark protection, the bag can also be used in overland
survival as a sleeping bag, a water-collection device or for
signaling.
2. Glove Bladder Improvement - The full pressure suit
manufacturer, David Clark Company, is still investigating an
improved, bladder cloth for gloves. A weak area is evident in the
stitching in the crotch of the fingers. Presently, in order to
resolve this problem, a seamless glove has been fabricated using
urethane as a part of the compound. Field evaluation should take
place during the fall.
3. Helmet Bearing Seal Improvement - Six sets of redesigned
seals are being field tested at Detachment "G". Initial results seem
to indicate a considerable improvement, however, one seal did
cause excessive abrasion to the mating teflon surface. The cause
of this specific problem has yet to be identified.
4. 51010 Pilot Protective Assembly (PPA) Pressure Suit
Fit Problem - It has become readily apparent in the past six months
that the lower calf circumference must be increased for all subjects.
Across the board enlargement in this area will be accomplished as
pressure suits are returned to the factory for maintenance or
rework.
5. Parachute Harness Retaining Strap - The RQ-225 parachute
retainer strap that insures the proper position of the main riser has
been causing some interference with the suit controller and vent
hardware. The retainer is to be lengthened one inch and test jumps
will be accomplished 'n August 1973.
GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
? T T 25X1
L--11442- 73
Section 2
Page 7
6. Glove Disconnect - A full pressure suit glove disconnect
has been redesigned to reduce weight and bulk, improve easy entry,
and improve ventilation. Prototype hardware will be available in
July 1973.
Training
1. L -]Life Support Conference - The semiannual Life Support
Conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 6 May 1973 in
conjunction with the Aerospace Medical Association annual meeting.
I I the Detachment FrG" Flight Surgeon,
represented OSA at this meeting.
GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION