RELEASE OF NACA TOP SECRET RESEARCH DATA TO SELECT CONTRACTORS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00514R000200020010-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 3, 2002
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: March 14, 1958
• Content Type: MF

} Approved For Release 2002/08/.
DP75BO0514R0002000 "~1~1~1~" 1 ~~53D 11111111111111111111
SAW-25309 V
Coppy,.Lof 9
14 March 1958
NEIORANDUM FOR: Project Director
THROUGH . Project Director of Administration
SUBJECT : Release of NACA Top Secret Resear a a o
Select Contractors
1. On the occasion of my 10 March 1958 visit to the NACA faci-
lities at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, the subject of releasing
NACA Top Secret research data to select contractors was discussed
with Mr. Harry Press. Since the beginning of AQUATONE operations.,
our various detachments have been collecting atmospheric research
data in the areas of 55 to 70,000 feet (approximately 1+0,000 test
miles have been flown), and the data has never been put to use except
within limited areas of NACA.
2. Mr. Press and Mr. Thomas Coleman have reduced all AQUATONE
Top Secret data into a useful research bulletin containing some
rather unusual facts. They recently summarized their studies to
Mr. Floyd Thompson., Associate Director of NACA, Langley Field, and
at this time he indicated a personal desire to have this data put
to scientific use. The NACA Laboratory has been asked many times
for turbulence data at altitudes 70 to 100,000 feet and they have
had to withhold the information. Mr. Thompson and others recognize
our restrictions and respect the reasons for same, however, they
are concerned that some select manufacturers are being denied sci-
entific data which would fit into their individual systems develop-
ment. Such data, according to Mr. Thompson, would be significant
to their future designs. For example, the North American WS-110
program involves a structural design capable of Mach 3 at altitudes
in the 80 to 90,000 foot area.
3. Before proceeding further, I wish to point out that I did
not indicate to Mr. Press that even select releasing of such data
was possible. I did promise, however, to raise the question which
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I here present. Mr. Press has suggested several means of releasing
data should we approve. The first being classifying the data Secret
and release it only to select contractors who have named specific
personnel who would utilize the data. AQUATONE clearances, of course,
would be involved. The second suggestion is to eliminate any classi-
fication whatsoever and list it as unrestricted data without mention
of an operational vehicle. There are problems with the latter in
that the user would definitely want to know whether the data was
collected with a balloon, rocket or airplane. He would need this
information in order to place a value on the scientific findings
of the data.
4. It is not my intention to make a recommendation in this
instance; I merely wish to bring to your attention a matter of con-
cern within NACA. I believe they would be interested in your opinion
concerning this matter and I do not feel that they would misinter-
pret or take issue with a negative reply should that be your decision.
5. For your information the scientific memorandum to which
I refer will reach the pre-printing stage in approximately two weeks
and Mr. Press will forward a copy to me at that time. This scientific
data may be of interest to Lockheed in their current efforts and NRO
you may have others to whom you wish to offer the information. 25X1
6. Your comments concerning this matter will be appreciated.
Project Cover Officer
(13 Mar 58)
Distribution:
1 - Addressee
2 - JAGibbs
4 - AQmIn
5 - Ops
6 - so
7 - Cover
8 - Reading/cover
9 - RI
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