JOINT USN/CIA BALLOON LAUNCHING TESTS FROM SUBMARINE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 124
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 18, 2012
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 3, 1955
• Content Type: MISC

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JOINT USN/CIA BALLOON LAUNCHING =TS FROM SUBMARINE
Reference: (a) SR/COP/FI Letter on above subject, dated 3 Jan, 1955.
1. The tests rz/uested in reference (a) were accomplished during
the period 28 March to 29 April, in two phases. The Phase I bests were
planned to develop, test and select the most suitable equipment and to
improve techniques for the Phase II tests. The latter were performed
from the submarine, and all landings were sea touchdowns?
2. The test results are the basis for the enclosed report.
Enclosure (1) provides the answers to all of the specific
questions in above referenced letter and also contains recommenda?
tions,
Enclosure (2) is the report of Phase I.
Enclosure (3) is the report of Phase II.
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DOC / EV DATE 25 al irt 616ge..g.
ORIG COMP DPI 4 TYPE 4!)
ORIG CLASS PAGES A::$7, REV CLASS
JUST 2 a-- NEXT IES .20/0 AUTNi N# 704
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CONFIDENTIAL
.00,ASEORErw.
1. Conclusions.
2. Recommendations,
3. Enclosure]. TSS Reply to Specific SR/COP/FI Questions.
2 - Phase I Tests (Minneapolis Area).
Flight Logs
Load Tests
3 - Phase 11 (Submarine Launchings in Key West Area).
3a - First Flight,
3a - Plight Chart.
3a - Second Flight
3a - Flight Chart.
3a - 7 K2O Photographs Taken From 1590000 Altitude.
3a - Third Flight.
3a - night Char6.
3a -? 1 K-20 Photograph Taken From 15,0000 Altitude.
3b - Attachments 1-7, Administrative Arrangements.
3c - Photographs of Equipment.
30 - 40 Photographs
CONFIDENTIM
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(a)
voSaeiter".?'
CONCLUSIONS
Balloon launchings from submarine's are feasible. WW II fleet type,
Guppy conversion or new fleet type are suitable. Launchings are
considered practicable in surface winds, including gusts, up to
16 to 18 knots. (Encl. (1)9 para.
(b) The balloon gondola and equipment used are suitable for operational
use, although modifications to certain equipment, indicated in the
enclosures, Should be accomplished.
(c) The 302-P balloon, gondola and equipment as carried in the Phase II
flights are virtually free of detection by radar but the balloon is
visually detectable at 20,000, altitude under some background and
light conditions, (Encl. (1), para. A-19).
(d) Weather trajectory forecasting is a major factor in accomplishing
a photographic mission. Minimum requirements are contained in
Enclosure (1)? para. G=1.
(e) Radar photography from 300 balloons is not practical at this time
because of size and weight of units and power supply.
(f) ELint equipment, similar to the type carried on first submarine
launching, can be employed in balloon photo-overflights.
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(a)
(i)
irx0REr''
RECCNNEFDATI04p
Install 24 trailer type helium bottles or, as next best system,
install 120 standard bottles laid flat, in forward torpedo
room, At least 5 additional standard bottles must be carried
for weather balloons. (Enclosure 19 para. Al)
A radarpioket submarine Should be used for launching, if one
can be made available. (Enclosure 19 para. C-1 C(2)(b)).
If time permits, develop a rawin system for use in submarine
and in "special operational forecast center" ship. (Enclosure
1, para. G-1, C, (2)(b)).
Develop a meterological balloon and radar reflector combination,
with a known rate of rise, for use where rawin not available.
(Enclosure 19 para. C-1? C, (2)(b))0
Have balloonist use an Mi/PRC-14 radio with ground plane antenna.
AN/PRC-10 is substitute but inferior. radio,
19 para. E-6.)
Modify the VHF beacon for increased power, waterproof packaging
and improved cycling. (Enclosure 19 para. F-2, a.)
Develop an NHF beacon for use after landing. (Enclosure (1)9
pares. E-6 and F-2.b.)
Insure that any portable D/F equipment in tracking vessels is
calibrated carefully after installation. (Enclosure (1), para.
F-22 a.)
Accomplish additional work on modified K-20 cameras to improve
their performance, because adequate time was not available prior
to the Phase I and II tests to do fully satisfactory modifications.
(Enclosure 19 para. H.2).
For water landing, a normal landing should be made, with the
pilot immediately getting clear of balloon gear, getting into
water and inflating and using his rubber boat. Necessary equip-
ment and records are preserved in watertight containers.
?Ammer
CONFIDENT1114
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SECRET
TA,a_MTQA_Ar_rneRE PECIFIC UESTIONS SR COP I LETTER DATEDe
A. bizsmia9=1_, g_s____un bin Problems
Enclosure (1)
The problems of gas storage aboard the submarine. (Can the
15,000 cubic ft. of gas be carried in a high-pressure air ballast
tank of the submarine or must the 60 bottles of gas be stored within/
without the pressure hull?)
Storage of helium aboard a submarine is not a difficult one. Several
alternative methods, some of which are simpler than others, are available,
as follows:
a. Install 60 standard bottles on each side of forward
torpedo room, shored up with two-by-fours, the bottles being laid
flat with tops inboard. This is one of the two best methods. If
bottles are stood upright, four by fours are required and greater
loss of torpedo stowage and bunk space results. Bottles can be
struck down the hatch and removed by use of the submarine davit and
jigger tackle (3 fold). This requires 2 men on deck and 1 man below.
;
b. In lieu of 60 standard bottles, 12 longer, slightly larger
diameter, 8.68 cu. ft. volume trailer ty bottles could be used.
This would allow one of the five standard manifolds to suffice. About
14 could stow below the torpedo room deck, and 10 more on one side,
for two launchings. Advantages would be less handling of bottles and
one side of torpedo room, above the deck, not disarranged. This method
is best, but requires some special pigtail lengths to connect a manifold.
c. Use the submarine's forward high pressure air bank for helium
storage. This can be done best by breaking the H.P. lin Just inside
the pressure 74111v installing a thr e-position valve at the break
("off", "air manifold" and "helium charging - supply"),, This requires
one or two days work by tender or base. However, if charged to 3000#
pressure, one bank can inflate 2 balloons. (25,000 ft? will inflate 2).
An other method is to charge and supply helium through the submarine's
outside charging connection, but this requires that all other air banks
be shut off the manifold during time helium is being charged or supplied;
this is .tor submarine practice because H. F, air it not quickly available
and might be needed.
d. A suggested method was to charge 10 of the torpedoes, in forward
torpedo room, with helium before departure from base. This would require
use of a manifold. Ten torpedo flasks would suffice for 2 balloons.
After use of helium, flasks might be charged with air as usual. This
system offers desirable features but the engineering problems in air flask
valving arrangement appear complex and it is improbable the Bureau of
Ordnance would allow it.
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-SECRET Enclosure (1)
e. Stowage -Of helium bottles in the superstructure: This
should not be done, because of Action of salt water and seas against
valves and allied difficulties.
gaged: Where 60 bottles are used for each launChing? it is
important that they have at least 2200 lbs9 pressure, in order to provide
sufficient helium.; -Additionally, sufficient bottles must be carried for
launching of materological balloons.
What are the problems of stowing helium or hydrogen?
There are not outstanding problems attendant upon the stowage of
helium in a submarine.
Hydrogen must never be stowed in submarines - primarily because of
its explosive qualities if leaks develop.
What are the problems of manifolding the gas and must the submarine
be modified in wow manner to provide more expeditious manifolding to inflate
the balloon rapidly?
Manifolding the gas poses no particular problems. The present manifolds
are adequate for the 60 bottle array in both vertical and horizontal positions.
They would also suffice if 12 of the trailer type bottles were used, but some
of the pigtails would need to be longer.
Where may the meterological balloons be inflated? What are best release
points? Where can the'maritime theodolite be mounted to provide the, best
observation of the meteorolaeical observation balloons?
Meterological balloons should be inflated and released on the super-
structure deck, ordinarily forward of the bridge structure with zero wind over
the deck. However, where this wind condition is not entirely possible, they
may be inflated and released in the lee of the conning tower fairwater, at the
after end.
The maritime theodolite should be mounted on the forward su orstructurs
deck, which is normally drier than the deck aft.
The use of a theodolite requires visual sighting at all times to realize
any value. If the balloon is obscured by a cloud, or at night, the balloon
light lost against the stars, the run would have to be repeated consuming time
on the surface. This situation becomes critical where cloud decks and fog
are prevalent over sea areas. Using a balloon with 1000 ftiman, rate of rise
rewires 20 minutes from time of launch to get a satisfactory run to 20,000
ft. Total time for a Abel including inflation requires 30 minutes.
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Enclosure
(1)
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S ECRET Enclosure (1)
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During the tests visual night plbals were run to 13,000 to 14,000 ft0
but several were lost against the stars.y4Whs found possible to use the
submarine air search radar, which was not a "nodding", Mght finding type,
to track the weather balloon at angles of elevation up to about 65?. A
500 g. balloon with an RR-32 radar reflector was tracked to 8000 yds in 15
minutes and reached an altitude of about 12,000 ft. 500 g0 balloons with
two radar targets (RR-32 and 14I0-306) were launched and more easily tracked
to a range of 44,450 yds. in 28 minutes. With targets attached to the
balloons a suitable accurate rate of rise could not be predicted because
of the drag of the targets.
A-5. What training of sub-crew or officers is necessary for meteorological
observations or personnel balloon launching?
For meterological observations, it is recommended that 1 officer
aerologist and 1 enlisted Chief or first class aerographer's mate be embarked
on the launching vessel and one chief aerographer aboard a recovery DER.
Further training would consist primarily of-working out a mutual understanding
between them and the officer of the deck as to best courses and speeds for
existing wind and coordination of the moment of launching so that the submarine
will be on the correct course and speed for observations. In addition, they
should prepare a table of the data required from the submarine personnel -
time, relative radar bearing, true radar bearing, radar range, shipes head,
shipus speed over the ground. This requires that the radar be warmed up in
advance, that at least two stopwatches be started upon release, and that one
person call out 5 second warning and "mark" on each minute, in the .conning
tower or control room, so that more accurate readings may be obtained. It is
obvious that a small amount of training is needed. The principal requirement
is selection of the best radar man for the radar, a good steersman for a
steady course, and an able recorder. The aerologist and his assistant,can
handle the theodolite, assisted by 1 or 2 submarine personnel in leading up
the helium line.
For personnel balloon launching, 1 fully experienced balloon technician
and 1 ballOonist are the minimum. However, an assistant ground crewman is
highly desirable. The case officer should perform this duty.. Additionally;
4 enlisted men of the crew should be trained, enroute to the operating area,
in handling the helium valves below decks, bringing up and laying out the
equipment in proper order, and assisting at the gondola and in inflating. The
Captain should be on the bridge throughout inflation and give his best efforts
to keeping a zero relative wind,, or practically so, until after the balloon is
away.
A-6. What deviation from normal submarine operating conditions will be
necessary?
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Enclosure (1) .
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Deviations are not of major importance. There will be a reduction
in the number of torpedoes in forward torpedo room, and slight reduction
in berthing spade. However, depending on arrangement for helium, submarine
personnel may be Unable to work on certain torpedoes 'tail after the balloon
launching. Also, once the subtarine commences inflation, it is admitted to
a set course and speed for the text 30 minutes, until after launching, unless
an emergency such at detection Makes cutting loose and diving advisable.
A47. What emergency measures can be anticipated which might affect the
launching?
Covered in last part of A-6.
A-8. What goods Or services are necessary or must be provided by the Navy
or the submarine?
? The Navy mutt provide the submarine, messing and berthing facilities
thereon for 5 men, must provide any tracking or recovery 'craft, communication
facilities with short baae, and it (or Air Force through Navy channels) will
provide from shore base the basic weather itformation.
As previously indicated, 4 submarine enlisted men will be sufficient to
assist in launching. They can be trained enroute to the operating area, and
this will not interfere with their regular duties on board.
A-9?0? How will the 25" hatch dimensions affect the launching, stowage,
packaging and handling of our balloon and photo equipment?
. Two items of balloon equipment used for the testa required Modification
to pass thru the 25" hatch. They were (1) the gondola floor and (2) the
balloon package.
The gondola floor was specially constructed and hinged so that it mould
fold in half along the long dimension and readily pass thru the batch. The
balloons were repackaged in cartons /6 x 16 x 48 inches or 22-1/2,1 on the
diagonal and were easily handled thru the escape hatches. In addition, the
balloons were packed with the harness at the bottom end and the valve on top.
This packaging allowed easy access for inflation. The normal procedure of
tearing down 'the aides of the box facilitated easy attachment of the gondola
and stretching out the top of the balloon to the point where the inflation
duct was accessible (approx. 15 feet) with the remainder of the balloon still
accordion folded. ?
The restricted hatch size necessitates proper organization of personnel
and material at the time of launch ?when speed is.essential to the operation.
Items of equipment must be laid out in a definite order and passed thru the
hatch in proper sequence.
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. 0.0 Long& EnCIOSUre (I)
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k-10. How and where may the equipment be stored and how will it affect
the torpedo load or normal stores carried by the submarine?
Sufficient material for two launchings was stowed in the submarine
for each test flight. Materiel and equipment for one flight and 145
standard 1.53 ft. helium bottles, enough for two flights, were stowed in
the forward torpedo room. All spare equipment was. stowed in the after
torpedo room. ? In addition, some boats have had a ballast tank converted
into storage spade that could be utilized.
The forward torpedo room is rigged to accomodate 16 torpedoes and 16
bunks. With 120 standard bottles installed horizontally (lying flat) 15
bottles long stacked 4 high on each side and cribbed in plate, two bunk spaced
and four torpedo spaces are lost or utilized for the bottles. The horizontal
stowage of the standard helium bottles is the only method recommended for
these bottles. The use of the hi-pressure air flasks on the torpedo is not
feasible because the torpedos will be unserviceable after this type usage
because of damage to the check valve and BuOrd probable disapproval. Other
information on helium provided in answer to pare A-1. 50X1
b-11. What are the problems of billeting and subsisting
In addition to regualr crew, submarine must billet and subsist':
1 officer aerologist
1 CFO or 1st class aerographeros mate
1 balloonist
,
I. man in char 'e
launching)
This number of =n will not pose any real problem to the submarine,
although cote and possible "hot bunking" will be necessary.
L42. What emergency repair or fabrication facilities are available?
A small machine shop, tools, electronic repair kits, etc. are on board
the submarine. However, there IS no foreseeable requirement for emergency
repair or fabrication facilities. Adequate spares of all equipment required
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should be carried.
A-13. What are the problems of maintai44 a radar watch during the launching?
Can an electronic counter measure (ECM) check be maintained during the laundbing?
Can they both be done simultaneously?
Radar and ECM matches can be maintained simultaneously during the launching.
However, security factors may limit the use of radar.
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Enclosure (1)
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SECRET Enclosure (1)
AL-14. In poorly charted waters, what operating depth of water is required
by the submarines of CONSUBPAC?
This will depend on the type of operations and importance of the
mission. Generally speaking, a submarine can operate on the surface with
.20 ft. of water. However, it is almost inconceivable that it would be
sent to an area with leas than 10 fathoms depth, and at least 100 fathoms
is desirable. 10 fathoms allows it to lie on the bottom but does not allow
sufficient depth to run at periscope depth. It is possible that it mould be
sent to an area where it might have to operate for short periods in depths
of 20 to 50 fathoms, but this gives it poor protection in evading anti-
submarine forces.
A-15. What underwater sound gear is available on the submarines?
A variety of underwater sound equipment is on board submarines. The
. principal types are:
a. Long range listening (passive). These employ various types
and arrangements of hydrophones and are installed on a limited number
of submarines.
b. Short range listening (passive)... Installed on all submarines.
c. Active types. Scanning, echo-ranging, and also incorporating
listening features. Installed on all submarines.
d. Underwater telephones, of fixed and portable types. Installed
on all submarines.
e. Fathometers. Installed on all submarines.
A-16. What are the electrical voltages and types of electrical current
available on the submarine?
Practically all the common types of AC and DC electrical supply are
available. These are used in main, auxiliary, lighting, radio, radar,
sonar and fire control supply systems.
Af.170 What are the problems of running with the surface wind during launching
and from where should the balloon be launched-forward or abaft the conning tower?
What are the difficulties of laying-out the balloons during launching or must '
the balloon be stretched out as in a land launching?
It is necessary to run with the wind from the time inflation begins until
balloon is launched, This requires some sea room inasmuch as a submarine could
advance as much as 10 miles during this period, although usually well under
that distance. Ability to dive during this period is also important, heace
depth should be over 15 fathoms and preferably over 100 fathoms. It is
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Enclosure (1)
considered that a wind speed of 16 - 18 knots is the mexicana in which
launching can be made, and submarine should maintain zero relative wind
after inflation begins.
The balloon should be launched forward of the conning tower because
this is the dryest part of the deck with i following sea.
With the special packaging that was employed, it was necessary to 14y
out on deck only the upper 15 feet of the balloon, i.e., from the peak down
to the Junction of the inflation duct. This method is recommended.
A Fleet type submarine and a guppg conversion have adequate deck
space for the launching. These comprise the great majority of the vessels ,
in commission.
A-18. What is the absolute minimum time necessary to make a secure darkness
inflation and launching of a 302-P balloon - from "surface" alarm to "dive"
alarm?
One hour. This allows a few minutes leeway.
A,-19. How far and to what altitude can the submarine track the balloon on
? its radar scope after the launching?
The radar is not likely to detect the balloon. However, if the elevation
angle is less than 65?, the radar may detect the balloon as far as 4 miles.
A-20. What are the special problems of cold water
in water temperatures of approximately 38?F?
There are no special problems of cold water
water temperatures of approximately 38?F,
submarine operation -
submarine operation in
A-21. If the sub has been picked up on a shore radar scope, how far sway can
it be spotted and what does it look like on the shore radar scope during the
balloon launChing phase? (Hy this we would like to determine if the shore
radar station could unquestionably determine that the sub launched a balloon.)
It would be impossible for the shore radar station to determine that
submarine had launched a balloon. The balloon would not be detected at
distances of 10-20 miles.
This question may be viewed from a security standpoint where the
necessary information should be obtained from Air Force ECM surveys or the
requirement established for ECM surveys of the areas of concern. This information
should provide answers to (1) What radar is utilized in the area? (2) What
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Enclosure (1)
frequencies do they operate on? (3) What are the locations in the
area? (4) What elevations are the radar sites? (5) At what ranges do
these radar have the capability of detecting the ship? With answers to
the above questions, then the vessel can operate beyond the range of
detection and a determinatioh made as to the feasibility of covering the
target area4,
Ap-22. What other factors must be considered in the submarine launching
phase?
No unusual problems were evident in the submarine launching phase.
Operationally it may be anticipated that a sub in cruising will have the
deck guard rails removed. During darkness, for the safety of personnel
on deck, it is recommenCed that, prior to entering the operating area,
the forward guard rails be installed for the period required,
B. PhotoRrabhy Problems
B-1.. How many aerial type cameras could or should be taken?
One aerial camera for verticals and one for obliques should be
carried in the gondola. The latter is needed to provide target coverage
from a lateral position because of difficulty of precisely predicting a
balloon track to place it directly over the target. (In additien? two
spare cameras should be available in case of mishap during transportation,
etc.).
B-2. What type of camera or cameras should be utilized?
One modified K-20 with 6-3/8" lens and one modified K-20 with 15"
lens should be used. The vertical camera has the 6-3/8" lens and should
be modified to record automatically on the film by means of an electrical
and optical system, the hour, minute, second, day, month, date, altitude,
temperature and horizon with forward and after views. This last is
obtained by two mirrors with optical system at angle of 45? to 6--3/8" lens,
The camera for obliques has the 15" lens and should be modified as above
except that the horizon optical system is omitted.
B-3. Will the camera be compact enough to be operated in the confined
area of a,balloon gondola?
Yes.
Is a camera bracket or swivel mount possible?
Yes,
Would an opening in the gondola 'floor be practical for vertical
exposures?
Yes.
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SECRET Enclosure (1)
0B-4. Will the camera require a power supply to operate the camera or
provide interior heating for the film and camera mechanism?
Yes and No. The changing of film after each exposure is accomplished
by hand by pushing a lever forward and returning it; this band operation
places new film in position and also actuates a series of electrical
switches that are synchronized to the camera trigger. When the camera
trigger is pressed to make the picture, several small flashlight bulbs
flash against mirrors which reflect the instruments readings thru an optical
system. The record is photographed at the instant the photo is made on the
four inch side of negative. Four (4) small mercury cell batteries supply the
power. If the ambient temperature is fifteen (15) degrees below zero (F.)
the film no doubt will crack and shatter; also the springs in the camera may
break. Cameras operating in low temperatures should be heated internally
to guarantee proper functioning.
B-5. Will the shutter/trigger operation be simple
by the gloved bands of the operator?
Yes. The K-20 camera is a.standard military
selected to satisfy the above questions.
enough to be operated
aerial camera and was
Will night photography or photography in poor light b possible?
Night photography is poasible by dropping large flash bombs. The Air
Force bee such a system, but it does not appear to be practical in a
mission of the type under question.
Photography in poor light is possible by using Tri-X film and it is
possible to get a readable negative prior to sun-up and after sundown.
8-7. What filters are required and will they be so modified as to provide ease
of adjustment and removal?
Two (2) filters are provided. One (1) Minus Blue which is a ye/low
filter for light haze. The other is a 25A which is a r filter for a
thick or heavy haze.
There is no adjustment to make with either filter except to increase the
exposure time. If the normal exposure is 250th second, F 16 without a filter,
increase the exposure to F. 11 with the Minus Blue filter and with the 25A
filter increase the exposure to F 5.6. Both filters are easily snapped on or
off the lens.
What means could be employed by the operator to overcome clouds, haze
? And poor photography over the target area?
Regarding clouds, there is :mo means for the operator to penetrate clouds
fog. Regarding haze', the operator should be able to determine with his
eyes which filter to use. A simple rule is - if he can see the targst,
oprorq.
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SECRET Enclosure (l)
-apd distinguish objects on the ground through a small amount of haze, -
use the Minus Blue or Yellow filter. If be has difficulty in distinguishing
objects through a heavy haze use the 25A or Red filter.
? What type of film will be utilized?
Two (2) types; Surer XX Aerographic, and Tri-X
If the operator plans on going over the target at dawn or dusk or
during the mu early morning or late afternoon he should load the cameras
with Tri-X. If be plans on any time between two (2) hours after daybreak
and two hours before dusk he should load his camera with Super XX Aerographic.
B-10. What photogrammetry gimmicks should be utilized to achieve stereo
effect, the proper overlap, measurable tilt, indicate drift, etc.?
A standard aerial photographic viewfinder, designed for the proper
size camera format, is all that is necessary for assuring proper stereo-
overlap.
To assure good tilt determination, with the 150 camera, the following
procedure is recommended;
It is unlikely that the horizon will be exposed on the format
of an oblique photo due to the narrow cone angle. Therefore, the
photogr pher should note an object imaged near the top of his view-
finder be exposes his photo. Then, he ehould expose another, this
time acing the object near the bottom of the viewfinder. Th141-
procedure should be rape ted until the horizon is imaged in the view-
finder. The remittent series of photos will enable the photogrammetrist
to reconstruct the successive depression angles and thereby determine
the spacial geometry of the desired photo, for measurement purposes.
Drift ("crab") is no particular problem provided that the camera is
kept oriented with the side of the photographic format parallel to the
direction of movement of the craft.
B-11. What information is required in order to compile an adequate photo
flight log?
The flight log is almost an unnecessary item, photogr phicolly speaking,
with the instrument recording in the film.
Additionally, the following should be recorded;
f-stop numbers used
Shutter speeds
Film type-4nd speed
Altimeter correction factors, if any used
Filter types used
Type of time record on cloek. (GCT? LOT, etc.)
SEC? RET
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?
Impressions of photographer regarding weather and lighting
conditions during photographic run
Record of any difficulties or malfunctions experienced, keyed
in by time for comparison with photographic results.
B-12. What waterproofing, moisture Proofing, or insulation of camera
? will be necessary?
As for meter and moisture Woofing, the camera a- None.
As for insulation, ordinarily none will be necessary, however, if the
weather is extremely cold en electrically heated pad o4er the working parts
which transports the film is a good precaution to prevent film shattering
and camera failure. A decrease of 3e temp. F. for each 1,000 ft.
alt subtract this from ground temp. for approx. temp at desired altitude.
B-13. What type and how much training will be required to qualify the
balloon pilot/Photographer?
In view of the fact that the entire mission is desi ed to obtain
photographs of the target and that only certain cameras, film and filters
will be used, it mould be necessary to thoroughly train him with this
equipment oat and not 'ttempt to confuse him by discussions on optics, chemistry,
color, etc.
Five (5) days is considered enough time to train the average person in
bow to read light meters, understand different speeds of film, how to
determine what filter to use and adjust the iris of the lens to compensate
for the filter. How to take prec ution ainat finger prints on lens or
filter, how to load - unload and operate camera, and the precautions necessary
in handling unexposed and exposed film.
B-14. What would be th total weight allowance for photographic equipment
for photography at 5,000 ft., 10,000 ft., 15,000 ft., 20,000 ft.?
The photographic equipment necessary to accomplish photography at
altitudes ranging from 5,000 ft. to 20,000 ft. would be the same in all
instances. The only significant difference in the photography would be the
smaller scales resulting from higher altitudes.. At 20,000 ft. the photo'
scale is one-fourth that of 5,000 ft. altitude.
If it is determined that insulation or heating of the camera equipment
is necessary at 20,000 ft., depending upon meterological studies, and not
at 5,000 ft. and the craft will fly at 20,000 ft. during the photographic
run, then this is an item whose weight should be considered for the higher
altitudes.
Other than this possible supplemental item of insulation or beating
of the gear, no additional photographic equipment is necessary at increased
altitudes.
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?
Be15. How precise must the photography be? Should it satisfy strict
photogrammetry specifications?
For all indicated uses of the photography which will be accomplished
on the mission, the proposed camera installation should provide the
precision necessary. The instrumentation and the photography should
provide sufficient data for reconnaissance type measurement and interpreta-
tion.
The cameras to be used are not precision cameras, nor are they
designed to yield carto aphic-quality photography. They were designed
to furnish rapid, adequate, photographic results when properly used.
It is believed that the cameras selected for this particular project
will quite adequately perform the task required of theme
Ce Ne1eoro)?cal
C-1. What amount and kind of weather information is necessary to prepare
a balloon flight plan for a balloon infiltration or a balloon eboto-overflight?
The accuracy of a prediotted balloon trajectory or track is directly
dependent on the accuracy of all available meteorological information and
the stability of existing conditions. Over extensive water areas, observation
reports are very limited and in some areas are non-existant. The extensive
data available only at the weather centrals is utilized, and to fill in, the
weather central xtr palates this data for pressure pattern, air mass, etc0
analysis as a basis for forecasting. Because of these unreported areas the
importance of local meteorological observations from special operational
forecast centers aboard the launching and recovery vessels is great. To
provide continuity and a historical sequence for a more complete understanding
of the weather situation it is recommended that the aerologists aboard the
launch and recovery Vessels (operational forecasters) be provided with the
international coded weather messages transmitted by radio for plotting 12
hour weather charts. With the weather charts, the weather central forecasts,
local observations and- local, upper air soundings the aerographer (oper tional
forecaster) can then make a final determination of the feasibility to launch
and the launch position for a trajectory to cross the target area. The term
weather central as used herein is the center that will perform the weather
analysis and provide the forecasts for transmission to the launch and recovery
vessels. The special operational forecast centers will be aboard ship in the
operating area on the launch and on one recovery vessel.
The following are the meteorological requirements considered necessary
for isolated area balloon operations for a maximum error of 20% of the range.
Assuming no data is normally available from sources near the operating area
and the operation area is fez- from a weather center, the general requirements
are:
SECRET
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SECRET Enclosure (1)
A.k. Weather Central Forecasts for Transmission:
(1) The Synoptic situation of operational are
(2) General forecast of operational area for planning.
purposes.
Best possible specific mind forecasting for operational
purposes,
International coded weather messages for widespread
areas surrounding the operating are
B. Special Operational Forecast Centers:
(3)
(4)
(1)
Receive and plot weather data and maintain weather charts
in continuity for local forecasting and evaluation of
weather central data on basis of local situation.
(2) Wherever possible, receive upwind and downwind surface
and upper air data from ships or stations, on regular
basis (every 6 hours) for local forecasts.
(3) Perform upper air observations.
(4) Prepare forecasts used for final positioning for launch
and recovery.
C. Observations, Including Techniques Used:
(1) Upper air observations at 6 hr0 intervals from
(a) DER (recovery control) downwind from
launch vessel
(b) Launching vessel observations
(c) Ship 100 miles upwind (when possible)
(2) Techniques for upper air;
(a)
Fibal- Simple pilot-balloon by optical means.
Successful runs are limited by clouds (fog, etc.)
and the *visibility of an attached light for night
shots. Fibals are normally only used for low level
observations and are used to augment or where
Rawineonde equipment is not available. The stations
using pibals only report to a cloud base and in most
cases not beyond 20,000 feet with good visibility
and well experienced operators. The AF has practi-
cally discontinued the use of pibale for upper air
soundings.
SECRET
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(b) Ramin- The simplest system is a sounding
balloon and radar target with a known rate
of rise. During the tests single targets
did not provide sufficient radar return for
adequate range. Therefore, the sounding
balloon and two targets (KR 32 ML. 306) were
used and provided sufficient return for ranges
up to 35 miles. Using two targets on the
balloon resulted in excess drag that changed
the rate of rise from the calculated rate. To
make this system useable, additional tests will
be necessary to arrive at the free lift required
? to give reproducible&consistent known rates of
rise. This system with a known rate of rise plus
the use of height finding radar will produce
good data. Another system for use with height
finding radar would utilize simpler radar
transponder with the proper matching frequency
and should be reasonably accurate. A more
sophisticated system would utilize a radar
transpender and altitude telemetering. The
telemetered altitude will be subject to
variations with the standard atmosphere plus
linkage error, reading accuracy, hysteresis of
the calibrated unit, but will provide good
accuracy when averaged against the results of
the height finding radar. If the above latter
two systems are not used with height finding
radar, tests will be required to establish free
lift data for reproducible fixed rates of rise
using packages of similar size and weight. In
any cas additional work and testing will be
required on the radar system because the urgency
of this test did not allow sufficient time to
develop these systems. Because of the limitations
of pibal soundings a rawinti system and a picket
submarine with height finding radar is recom-
mended,
D. Weather Analysis Needed:
(1) Weather Central:
(a)
Performs complete analysis of the overall
weather system using the extensive information
available to provide advisories to the special
operational forecast centers aboard ship.
(2) Special Operational Forecast Centers:
(a) Perform comparative analysis and evaluation
of weather central data based on local observations.
SECRET
Enclosure (1)
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.C9 v., L $2 I nciosure ki)
E. Other Considerations:
Draw stream flow charts for each upper air
sounding for the operational area for the
levels to be used, for historical analysis.
Draw prognostic charts for 6 and 12 hr.
verifications. These will be utilized for
selecting launch point. Final launch position
should be selected on the basis of a final
RARE from the launching vessel.
(1) The recovery vessel special operational forecast center
provides upper air data for transmission to the launching
vessel and the weather central.
(2) Prognostic charts and last upper air observation on the
recovery vessel special operation forecast center will be
used for positioning the recovery vessels relative to the
predickted trajectory plotted from the transmitted lunch
position and the resultant forecast landing point. After
the balloon flies about 100 miles beyond the target area
and the DF beacon is turned on, the recovery vessels should
then be required to take simultaneous cuts and plot the
track to make final estimate of the splosh point and close
in to make the recovery. Best possible forecast positioning
(by prognostic -chart) will assist in speedy recovery. If
landing on land is planned, the above is modified as
necessary.
(3)
?
Personnel:
(a)itiihuld be preferable for aerographersomates? for
taking upper air observations.and plotting
weather charts, to be stationed on three recovery
vessels. However, as 4 minimum, it is acceptable
to station one aerographer's mate on the .DER
(senior control reCovery vessel). It is to be
understood that the =amber of tracking-recovery
vessels must be selected on the basis of the
situation - the area, sea room, prevailing
winds, proximity to land,. etc. The number may be
three, or two for smaller areas, or less if the .
chance of landing at sea is minor or nil and it
is planned to land inland. Wherever feasible,
t least one search-tracking plane (F2V,P5M? etc.)
should be provided.
(b) One aerological officer and one chief aero a-
pberos mate should comprise the special o rational
forecast center on board the launching vessel.
SECRET
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t, 4, LI, 4S, :c .LJ
? C-2. Whet is the type and nature of commo required between the submarine
and the weather -station to support such balloon operations?
The submarine while in the operating area will be required to maintain
radio silence to prevent disclosure of its position. However, submarines
can copy Navy Wee circuit broadeasts while submerged at or near periscope
depth and consequently all information described in C-1 from a weather central
can be transmitted in this manner. This revives that the submarine maintain
a continuous radio listening match. The only submarine transmission will be
. a short coded message giving the launch time and position, Which is bsolutely
necessary for the recovery vessels.
E. CoanUnicellem
E-1. What comma means can be utilized to blind broadc t meteorological
information to the submarine 'without zttracting undue attention to our operation?
The blind transmission of weather infor tion could be handled over
Navy "Fox" circuits such as Nil, NW, etc. Although these transmissions would
undoubtedly be monitored by unfriendly sources they would be so interspersed
with normal Navy traffic that they should attract no undue attention.
E-2. What meana can be utilized to securely ascertain the location of the
submarine without disclosing the existence of a submarine in the are?
Normal celestial and Hyperbolic navigation, along with possible occasional
use of f thometer eqpi.ennt, appear to be the only a cure means. Hyperbolic
navigation could, of course, only be used within the range of existing LORAN
stations.
The submarine would have to break radio silence to transmit a position
report and this should be done only after launch, primarily for information
of the recovery vessels.
What means can be utilized to broadcast operational directions to the sub?
? Operational directives should be blind broadcast to the submarine through
enciphered messages over "Fox" circuits.
E-4. What means can. be utilized by the sub to notify the base that the
balloon has been launched?
? The submarine mould need to break radio silence to transmit enciphered
notification of the actual Lunch position and time, primarily for information
of the recovery vessels.
E-5. Will a secure means of comma with the balloon be possible?
No method offers a secure means. As for radio, it must be remembered
that ne transmission is, in itself, immune to detection and/Or D/Fing. The
VHF and UHF s (arum do, however, permit a certain degree of security in that
their propagation characteristics are primarily line of sight, and thus
? transmissions are detectable only within a limited distance from the radiating
source.
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110 E-6.
What voice,.C.W. or beacon equipment will be carried to &feet a
recovery?
The following is recommended:
a. Voice comma, balloon - surface - One (1) AN/FRC-14 or AN/FRC-
10? each modified with ground
plane antenna.
b. CW - None.
c. Beacon - 1 VHF for use aloft and 1 NHF
for use in emergency aloft and
on the water or ground. MEW
beacon could be developed within
1 month and replace the unwieldy
Gibson Girl.
E-7. Will the radar proofing of certain metallic objects in the gondola
be possible?
Not at the present time. However, this should be explored further
and on a continuing basis. Previous radar proofing materials such as
ceramics are extremely heavy and cumbersome, however, new developments in
this line may make radar proofing feasible for this type of operation.
F. RecoversndQr
Preamble:
For tracking and recovery where large sea areas are
involved, three recovery vessels ODE or larger) and one or
two long range planes (F2V, P5M? etc.) are highly desirable.
At least one vessel should have height finding radar if possible.
When sea areas are smaller, when the balloonist is expected to
touch down on land, the number and type of ships should be
adjusted in accordance with the reduced requirements. Likewise,
the tracking aircraft may be eliminated in some cases.
SECRET
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50X1
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?
What radio. commo means, channels frequencies etc., will provide
-secure commo for recovery?
There is no sec e means, as previously discussed. Tests have shown
that either the HF AN/1W-l0 or the UHF ANA1C-14 is usable for air-surface
voice commo. Both units require slight antenna modification. (Suitable
ground planes). Since the AN/RW-14 is compatable with naval shipboard
and aircraft commo gear both *from the standpoints of frequency range and
mode of modulation, it is believed to be the unit best suited to operations
where sea recoveries are anticipated. On the other hand, for land
recoveries the AN/ C-10 would be the more likely unit since it can operate
with readily available portable ground units.
What secure beacons or location aids will improve chances of recovery?
There are no secure aids, as previously stated.
a. The small VHF beacons used during the tists functioned
satisfactorily with line-of-sight ranges to 75 miles with a
power output of approximately 0.4 watts and indicated the feasibility
of using a low power VHF beacon. Additional modification and deeelopa
ment should be accomplished to provide an improved compact, light-
weight beacon with identification cycling device and more power output
to improve the quality of the signal for the recovery vessels to 10 on
during the latter portion of the balloon flight. This VHF beacon
should have an output of 0.8 to 1.0 watts and be completely self-
contained in a waterproof unit with an operating battery life of at
least 12 hours. To track the VHF beacons requires the installation
of AN/URD-2A VHF DA equipment on the recovery vessels. After the
installation of thin D/F equipment, it is necessary that each vessel
run calibration tests on the equipment and installation through 360?
as Well as verification, tests from knowoositions to provid accurate
and good quality bearings using the corrections indicated on the
derived calibration chart. The VHF beacon for use on the surface is
not considered desirable because of' the line-of-sight characteristics
limiting the range to less than that achievable by the shipss radar on
a portable radar target.
b. The MHF (1676K0) beacon, used during the tests primarily for
aircraft tracking, had an output of one (1) w tt and used in conjunction
with the AN/D-1 portable HF D/F equipment installed on the vessels
gave good quality long range bearings but because the sets were
not accurately calibrated on the vessels the accuracy of the bearings
left room for improvement. This type VHF beacon should be considered for
emergency use onlylon an operation. The VHF beacon used on the tests '
required an antenna 270 feet long for proper propegation. A small light-
weight HF beacon similar to that used on the tests should be considered
for emergency use in the air and after landing on the surface out of
range of contact with the recovery vessels. This HF beacon Mould be
compatible with the AN/ARN-6 aircraft homing equipment, have a spike
SECRET
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,SECRET Enclosure (1)
antenna as necessary in lieu of the long antenna, and be completely
self contained and waterproof. This HF beacon is preferable to the
heavy unwieldy AB/MX.3(G1.1mm Girl).
What radar reflectors, "window" etc., will insure recovery?
No equipment can insure recovery. Radar reflectors should not be
used for tracking the balloon. However, a collapsible type that is
?- carried in the life raft should be used to aid in surface recovery-.
Portable radar targets on the surface will give better performance than
the VHF beacon on the surface when used with surface radar. However,
airborn detection equipment Las longer operating ranges.
F-4. Can a-Sterile C6--2 inflated boat be built to carry the balloonist
and his equipment? Should the some type of floatation be attached to the
gondola?
. A sterile CO2 inflated boat can be.. obtained on 1 month notice.
Floatation gear aboUld not he. attached to gondola. It should be allowed
? to. sink under operational conditions.
What type of clothing should be worn to keep the agent warm in flight
and dry/warm if water landing is necessary? (Water temperatures as low
as 36?F might be encountered).
For coldweather, where water landing ispoesible? the balloonist
should weak the Naval Avi torns Mk 4 Antio,eXposure suit (liner, outer garme4t
and boots), gloves or mittens, wool or fur hat including ear protection, and
Mae West overall.
For cool weather without extreme low temperatures, he should wear the
Arny cold bar anti-exposure suit under a layer of outer clothing, boots.
oeilar to those in Mk 4 anti-exposure suits, gloves or mittens, head
protection, and Mae West.
For warm weather and tropic waters, he should wear normal clothing,
boots similar to above, and Mae West,
What airborne electronic or tracking means can be utilized to track
the balloons?
Most military aircraft carry Low-High freq. homing equipment such as the
AN/ARN-6 (200-1750 kc). This would be suitable for homing on the HF beacon
mentioned in F-2. Airborne VHF honing equipment can be used for tracking the
balloon, however, its installation on military aircraft is not nearly as
wideepread as is the low frequency homer. At least one tracking aircraft
(P2Nrs, P5M0 etc.) should be provided wherever feasible. Ther are no secure
means of tracking the balloon throughout the flight.
SECRET
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?
SECRET Enclosure (1)
What surface/Water eleetronic aids will insure recovery?
None will inaure recovery. However, an HF beacon (or a Gibson Girl)
should be used in emergency if the landing is not made in the proximity
of the recovery vessels.
F-8. , What underwater commo means could provide a secure channel for location
of the balloon by a submarine?
There are some sea areas in which a balloonist could drop grenades
which might be heard at long distances by a submarine, and vectored on.
This mould be reasonably secure. However, at the present time, it must
be considered that there is no underwater channel, secure or otherwise, that
mould give likelihood of locating a balloon or downed balloonist by a
submarine or other vessel.-
What new dye markers or underwater long-range signals will b useful?
The dye markers which come with the Mae West and Mk 2 infl table boat
are adequate.
.No new underwater long range signals can be counted on, in the present
state of development, to be useful. 50X1
F-10. ? What compact rations might be provided the balloonist for his subsistence
after landing in enemy or friendly territory? 50X1
In cold weather areas, balloonist should carry 12 tins of Food Packet,
Individual, Survival, Arctic, 2 bare of pemmican and 6 biscuits or use with
pemmican. hitions 1 to 6 and 8'to 13 will b 1 tin each and ratios 7 and
14 will consist of 1 bar of pemmican and 3 biscuits.(YAAPLEL???ZweD V?a?' ? -
In warm weather, 14 tins of Food Packet, Individual, Survival, tropical .
pack, should be carried, one for each day. '
Care should be taken, in selecting Food Packets, to provide variety
instead of all tins being alikealmaaaria4e
SECRET
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Enclosure (2)?
A. Introductiaa
1. This report covers the Fhabe I tests of the Submarine balloon
launching and photographic operational teats.
2. The tests were conducted using contractor facilities and personnel
in the vicinity of Minneapo1is9 Minn. during th period of 28 March to
8 April 1955.
3. Agency personnel attending the teats were:
The party
arrive at the-ulant at appraximatey 1600 hours on 28 March 1955.
arrived the evening before and worked at the
plant during theday readying the commo equipment.
B. .4.hatiosi
1. Three successful qualification flights were made on the new natural
shape 343P balloon. The new design has been approved for further
utilization.
2G Nbdified gondola and camera installations were tested and found
suitable for the project.
3. Tests of radio and beacon equipment determined which available radios
and beacons would be the most desirable for further test en Phase II and/
or operational useo
4. Radar detectability of the system by Air Defense Command supplemented
the study made at White Sands in 1952 and provided up-to-date information.
50X1
50X1
50X1
C. 4212Glotiam
1. Flight tests were multipurpose tests plan n to encompass the following:
a. T st the new natural shape 343P balloon
b. Determine the suitability of the modified gondolas
e. Test cameras and camera installation
d. Determine the capabilities at altitude of the various radio
and beacon equipment.
D. Eeuinment DescrUti9n
110 1. Balloon. Three (3) 169000 cu ft balloons were fabricated according
to "Matura Shaper' specifications. Ibis balloon is designated the 343P
SECR? ET Enclosure (2)
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Enclosure (2)
2. Gondolas. Three (3) standard eie gondolas were modified with a
twelve inch hole in the base of the eanvas, placed on center and six-
teen inapt:: flun one end. Two-inch safety webbing was mewed on the
support lines above the gondola to faailitate taking pictures with an
oblique camera.
The gondola platform was fabricated in two twenty-inch sections,
hinged together. It included a six inch diameter hole and fittings to
facilitate. taking pictures with a vertical camera.
3. Cameralbunt. An adjustable camera went was designed for the 1-20
vertidel camera. Lateilts were cemented at 900 angles on the camera to
assure Verticality.'
4.. Ground Cloth. A special ground cloth was provided, 80 x 25 with
grommets four feet apart around the outer edge, right foot lengths of
nylon line attached to each grommet.
5. Gondola Hood. A hood was made of three mil lolyethylene to fit
over the gondola to provide protection against the low temperature's
encountered on high altitude flights.
6. Pillow Balloons. Several 1200 pillow balloons were provided to
support the low frequency beacon and antenna. These pillow balloons
were secured to the gondola in flight and were exterded to the antenna
length (2700) prior to landing to insure continuous transmission of the
beacon signal after touchdomh.
7. Special IF or NEF Beacon. A special four pound 146E6 beacon was
designed and sealed in a waterproof container. Thie we a signal for
the tracking aircraft to fellow as well as the grotel tracking vehicles.
8. Peravia Barograph. The Feravia barograph was uscd to record in-
flight data and,? in addition, was rigged to record thl time interval
between pictures.
The above equipment was provided by the contractox The following
items were furnished by the Agency:
9; Cameras. Two unmodified K-20 aerial cameras were wed On each flight.
The vertical camera had a six and three quarter inch focN1 length lens
and the 1e20 used for obliques had a fifteen inch telepleto lens. Super
XX aero film was used.
10. Radios.
a. The following transceivers were supplied for test:
FRCe6 FRC-14
IRC-10 111C-17
Encloswe (2)
SECRET
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Enclosure (2)
11. VW Beacon. A prototype 124.5 mes beacon was furnished by TSS/AID.
12. Oxygen Equipment. Two 295 cu. in. portable oxyben breathing systems
consisting of the cylinders regulator and mask were borrowed from NAS,
Minneapolis, Minn. for use on these tests.
E. Tot Procedure
1. A briefing was conducted for all participating personnel since this
was the first opportunity to get everyone together, firm up final plans,
and maga assignments.
2. Three flight tests were planned to be performed under simulated
operational conditions, The first flight was to be flown at a pressure
ceiling of 12,000 feet; the second at 15,000 or 16,000 feet; and the
third at 18,000 or 20,000 feet dependent on tolerable voight. Each
flight was performed with complete regard for personnel safety, using
a chase plane and two ground tracking vehicles for recovery. Maximum
security and established policy regarding release of information were
observed. A forecaster would predict a trajectory from which a particular
target area would be selected. The oblique camera would be used to take
pictures Approaching the target area and when departing the area or in
the event the target was missed the oblique camera would assure primary
coverage of the target area. The vertical camera mounted in the gondola
was for use directly over the target or adjacent areas and one camera
would supplement the other in obtaining the objective.
3. The various pieces of radio equipment were to be tested for range,
functioning at altitude and directional characteristics. The following
call letters were assigned:
MA50 - Base Station
MA51 - Balloon
1ak52 - itacking A/C
1a&53 - Navy Truck
1aA54 GMI Truck
a. MC-10 Transceivers 51 mos. Primary communication. This unit
was used to transmit call letters, position, time and altitude. It was
used with a ground plane antenna. The sets were distributed ome unit
each in: the balloons the tracking aircraft, the Navy truck and the
Base Station.
b. MC-6 Transceiver, 51 mos. This set was tested for altitude
Characteristics. One unit each in the: balloons aircraft, and GMI Truck.
0. PAC-17 Transceiver. 121.5 and 243.0 mos. The IRC-27 was a
new rescue and emergency type unit for basic teat. One unit each was
assigned to the balloons the Navy truck, and the Ease Station.
d. MC-14 Transceiver. These sets are new developnentAF items
Enclosure (a)
-3-
p
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SECRET
?
Enclosure (2)
and are portable four preset channel UHF sets. Thqy were provided for
initial and basic testing with one unit in the balloon and one at the
Base Station. In addition this set was used for primary communication
with the A. Defense Command for the radar detection tests.
e. The Base Station was also equipped with an SP-600 Hammerlund
Receiver and an 5-36 Hallicrafter Receiver which provided coverage of
all bands except UHF.
f. The balloon commo schedule was established to provide initial
contact fifteen minutes after launch at thirty minutes after, than forty
minutes fifty minutes sixty minutes with this schedule to continue
on a ten minute basis until flight termination or as determined from
flight conelitions to a desired distance of one hundred mires.
F. Test Operation
1. Preliminary preparations Flight #1
a. Art initial check on the weather indicated that the winds surface.
and sky conditions would be favorable for Thesday maiming. 29 Ehre:h 1955
with another check required at 2300 hours.
b. The comma representatives had worked all day getting the 1iC-6us9
10,s and 1705 checked out and ready for the flight. The ERC-14 sets had
been air &hipped and arrived the afternoon of 28 Mhrch. It was found that
the sets were short the silver cell batteries and a call was made to have
the batteries shipped direct from Romeo New York. That evening they worked
on the sets trying to get thenteady. By 2230 hours it was obvious that
without proper batteriea the condition of the seta did not warrant an
attempt -b use them an this flight. As an alternate it was decided to
use the B.C-17 on the guard channel (243.0 mos.) OBF aa the primary
comp to ADC. After confirmation of the 2300 hour weather sequence a
telephone onll to the ADC alerted than for radar tracking and an 0700
hour astnoh.
v. Luring the evening of 28 Nhrch the IF and VHF beacons were also
checked and readied for flight. In adflitions, all other equipment was
assembled And weighed to establish the load schedule,
2. Conduct of Flight #1
4,4 At 0400 hours on 29 Mardh the personnel assembled at the contractor 's
plant. leaded the gear and proceeded to the launch site. The weather
condition() for launching were eminent. The winds, were very light and
variable 'it all altitudes. Skies were clear and the visibility wil4m1ted.
Under the above conditions a trajectory forecast was not predictable and
it was deeded to seleCt a target after the system was airborne. Rigging
and layout were started at 0600 hours. .The inflation and launch could
have been completed by 0430 hours but were delayed to wait for more light
for photography and the 0700 hours.committmsnt given to ADC. The 1010ets
Enclosure (a)
SECRET
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
SECRET
Enclosure (2)
and load schedule for a 12,500 foot theoretical pressure ceiling are
shown in Figure 1. loading for the desired altitude permitted the use
of a co-pilot to handle all communications. Inflation was accomplished
without incident in a few knots of wind. Temperature was close to freezing.
Last minute checks on the radios were made and take-off was made at 0700
hours, CST.
b. . Figure 2 is a combined flight log recorded 'during the flight.
'The Beravia barograph indicated on average rate of rise of 255 feet per
minute?to a ceiling of 14,000 feet. On reaehing 140000 feet, breathing
became noticeably difficult for both pilot and co-pilot so they elected
to descend to a more. comfortable altitude. PpOla reaching approximately
12,000 feet New Richmond, Wisconsin was, selected as the target. Because
the velocity was slow (about 5 mph) the radio reporting schedule was
changed to every half hour. After photographing the target an average
rate of descent of 270 feet per minute was establidhed. The flight ter-
minated forty-one miles from the launch site at 1330 491;ra, CST.
3. Test results of Flight #1
a. This was the first flight test of the 343? balloon and gave
evidence of a good design. No ballast was required other than that used
to maneuver. The duct appendix extended slightly, below the base of the
balloon .and resulted in slight super pressure at pressure ceiling which
was relieved by opening the hand hole. From the pressure ceiling attained,
the volume of the balloip was slightly in excess of 16,000 au. ft, by
approximately three vo$70ent. This may be expected since the volume sw
vary by/ five per cent because of allowable fabrication tolerances.
b. The BRC-10 was used as the primary communication equipment and
with a ground plane antenna worked satisfactorily during the entire flight.
This set apparently was not affected at this, altitude and provided the
best communications available on any test flight.
o. The IRC-6 worked satisfactorily using the same ground plane
antenna with no bred4down noted at 14,000 feet but naturally4iid not
have as much range as the ERC-10.
d. The FRC-170s were entirely unsatisfactory and except for some
intercepted transmissions from AF or Navy fixed equipnent received by the
unit in the balloon there was no intercommunication whataoever. Because
the IRC-17 was ineffective, a ground planc, antenna was fabricated for
the balloon unit to give it another trial On the next flight.
e. The VHF beacon functioned but was not identified and received
at the Base Station because of lack of a coded identification and the
close proximity of another carrier wave, After encountering this receiving
difficulty the beacon was modified with an electric drive coding device
for identification. In View of the results obtained with the ERC-17, it
was considered desirable to provide this beacon with a ground plane
antenna.
SECRET
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Enclosure (2)
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/07/30 : CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
t; E
Enclosure (2)
f. The IF (1676E) beacon worked very well and was received
continuously by the tracking vehicles and A/C.
g, Cameras. A strip of film was cut from each roll of exposed film
and developed with the disconcerting results that both rolls of film were
overexposed. Dismantling and inspection of the cameras revealed that
both shutters were malfunctioning. The six and three quarter inch lens
and-shutter assembly had apparently been previously disassembled and
damaged. The lens and shutter frun another K-20 were substituted and
properly assemblod. After inspecting the mechanism? it was deterninsi
that the fifteen inch modified cameras had the trigger assembly improporly
assembled at tho factory. Proper assembly of the fifteen inch camera
rectified the difficulty,
h. The pilots reported that the lack:of oxygen above 12,000 feet
definitely bespared their ability tolmxpend any energy. Slight physical
movement would increase the heart beat and made breathing difficult.
4. Prelineilary.Preparations Flitht #2
a. /Auipment difficulties indicated from Flight #1 preclude?
flight oil 32 March. Undesirable weather conditions were indicated for
1 April and provided another day for additional work: on the equipment.
All equipment was ready for the launch on 2 April with only onaiTAd44.
workin properly for the balloon and one other in questionable condition
for the Base Station.
5. (ionduct of Flight Test #2
a. The second flight was flown on Saturday, 2 April 1955. Figaro
3 iis.4110 load schedule for a pressure ceiling of 179000 feet_at,a gross
1aid:Of,623 pounds, The weather data indicated a more definite Wfir wind
Fatterafor this flight. A three-hour duration flight was forecast to
bapact:about twenty miles S. E. of Durand, Wisconsin. The plotted fore-
cast trajectory did not show any suitable targets so a target was later
selected in the path of the balloon.
1;4. Figure 4 is a combined flight log of this flight. Take-off
was at(7716 hours CST with the balloon riling to its ceiling.of 179700
, lest at an average rate of 270 feet par minute from the barograph,
Aim% City, Wisconsin was selected as the target, with oblique photos
lade on approaching and leaving and vertical shots made directly over
the city. The landing was made at 1110 hours CST, 110 miles from the
Jana& site.
6. Test Results of Flight #2
a. This flight was routine and uneventful, The balloon exceeded
its pressure ceiling by only a few hundred feet after compensating for
the ballast used going through a low level inversion and the subsequent
gas lost by valving to adjust the rate of rise.
b. The ERG-b peoPformed satisfactorily. The BaC714 ftnetioned
SECAfT Enclosure (2)
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
SECRET
II! Enclosure (2)
very well when working viththe ADC Base Station. The LF (1676Ko)
beacon provided a continuous signal for homing and location. The VHF
beacon modified with a coded signal provided line of sight reception
to a distance of eighty-five to ninety miles.
c. The cameras functioned properly on this flight. The vertical
was used with Fll and 125th second. The oblique at foil and 250th second.
The sample strips indicated that the negatives were thin and would be
more acceptable if more dense negatives were made by opening the lens.
d. Again the ADC was unable to paint the balloon system on their
radars. Even though three reports were made giving position and altitude
that were acknowledged by ADC, the operators were uhable to detect the
balloon pip on their radar scope.
7. Preliminary Preparations for Flight #3
a. Adverse weather conditions existed during the period 3 - 6 April.
During this period a visit As made to the ADC Control Center to discuss
the negative results of the first two flights and provide additional
information relating to the third flight so that the radar operaters
would be better prepared to determine whether or not this balloon system
could be received and identified on the radar scopes. ADC provided
RR6Ochaff (radar target) packages to be carried and dropped on request
for position indicating purposes.
b. In addition to the equipment flown on the earlier flights, a
polyethylene hood was fabricated to prevent heat loss from the gondola.
Two P-200 pillow balloons were provided to support the LF beacon and
antenna ter landing.
c. From the 2300 - 6 April weather data, a four hour duration
flight trajectory was forecast with flight termination predicated in the
ticinity of New Hampton, Iowa.
8. Conduct of Flight Test #3
a. This flight was flown on 7 April 1955, Figure 5 is the load
schedule for a pressure ceiling of 20,000 feet at a gross load of 560
pounds. During inflation, a crew member pulled too vigorously on just
one side of the reefing sleeve causing it to bind on the tapes on the other
side. A platform ladder was moved up and the binding relieved without
damage and the inflation completed.
SECRET
Enclosure 2-
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
SECRET iticlosure 2
?
b. Take-off was at 0742 CST. The balloon ascended to 20,000 feet at an
average rate ofrise of 200 fpm. derived from the barograph. The peak
ceiling attained was 20,900' feet indicated with a pressure ceiling or
floating level of 20,500 feet, Figure 6 is a combined flight log of
this flight & While at altitude, the balloon had a ground speed of
55 mph which made it difficult for the recovery vehicles to stay in
position and also necessitated decreasing the time intertals.between
photographs from 30 and 15 secs to 5 secs in order to have the target
in the field of view.
C. The photo target used was Grand Meadow, Minnesota. Oblique photos
were taken approaching and departing the target and the roll of file
was finished with oblique of LeRoy, Minnesota. Vertical photos ware
taken of the target with the 6 3/411 K20.
d. Radio communidation equipment functioned very well during the entire
flight. Communication on the FRC-14 UHF set to the ADC base stations
was excellent with two-Amy contact at 90 miles. Five radar target
chaff drops were made for ADC identification and location purposes.
e. When the photography was completed descent was made at an average rate
of 275 fpm. Winds at the lover level were considerably lighter and
afforded the recovery crew ample time to get under the balloon. An
inversion was encountered at 1500 to 2000 feet above the ground that
almost stopped the descent. When the balloon penetrated the inversion,
the rate of descent increased and it was necessary to dump the emergency
ballast and stop the descent to avoid landing prematurely. The flight
was terminated at 1133 CST, 4 miles SSW of New Hampton, Iowa, a distance
of 149 miles from take-off.
9. Test Results of Fil,gua
A. This manned-plastic balloon flight reached the highest altitude of spr
flown up to this time. The polyethylene gondola hood prevents loss
of heat from the gondola. After a short trial on this flight, the hood
was reefed and no. longer used because heat received from the sun was
sufficient to maintain 'comfort even though the ambient temperature was
below 0?P.
b. The Cameras functioned properly and gave satisfactory results. The
cameras were used with amber (blue miens) filters at settings of
f.8 at 125th sec and f.5.6 at 125th sec for the 6 3/4" and 15,1 R20ls
respectively.
c. The communication equipment performed satisfactorily on this flight.
Two-way cionirathication on the FRC-10, between the balloon and the base
station was maintained to a distance of 80 miles, Beyond this, the
base station could hear transmissions up to a distance of 115 miles when
the signal became tooweak to read. Two-way contact was maintained ?
between the balloon and recovery vehicles during the entire flight.
Although the F1C-14 was a four-channel UHF set, only the Military
emergeney frequency (243.0 me) was eompatable with the ADO base stations
A
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Enclosure 2
?
'and was used during the flight. Continuous two-way corm was maintained
during the entire flight with at least one of the two participating ADC
sites. Good two-way contact yes maintained to a distance of 90 miles
between the balloon and one ADC hese station. The ABC base radio
equipment was as AN/GEC-270 100 watt output which consists of a
T-217/GR transmitter and an R278/GR receiver. The oxygen masks borrowed
from the Nary did not have microphones installed and it was very-
inconvenient to lift the oxygen mask whenever necessary to communicate.
The oxygen masks to be used on Phase 11 will be provide l with microphones
and an auxiliary loudspeaker will be adapted for use.
d. Both the VHF and LF beacons worked satisfactorily during the flight. From
the radio log of the base station, both beacons were received loud and
clear at 85 miles. At 105 miles, the beacons were fading ond at 125
miles,the beacons were no longer received at the base steAon. The
two P00 pillow balloons were adequate to lift the LF beacon and antenna
prior to landing, which in the case of a water landing would till recovery.
e. The balloon was launched within 26 miles of one ADC radar site and during
? the first fifty minutes of flight to an altitude of 10,000 feet with throe
position reports, the radar operatnrs were not able to detect tha balloon
system. At 0831, 1/2 package of .radar target chaff was droppel from
an altitude of 10,250 feet at a &stance of approximately 36 miles from
the radar site. At 0840 the radar stations reported that they had ',he
balloon identified ahd were tracking. Between 0840 and 0904 three
position reports were made from the balloon and acknowledged by the rviar
stations. At 0904 another chaff drop was made from 16,650 feet. At
0910 ADC reported that contact was lost. At 0917 the radar stations
were peinting chaff that was felling but were unable to detect the
balloon System. At 0935 a full pack of chaff was dropped frmn 20,900
feet. The radar site south of the track established radar contact
at 0942 and was able to identify the balloon system. From 0942, until
prior to ]ending, with the aid of numerous voice position reports and
two more chaff drops, the flight WS reported to have been continuously
tracked by a radar site approtimately 25 miles from the termination point.
This test substantiates previous determinations, in that detection of
the balloon system is improbable. In addition to known positions, it is
necessary to positively identify the system (radar chaff) to the operators
so that they can discern or discriminate this pip from other interference
or stray pips that are present on the normal scope presentation. The
eqpipment used by ADC was the 10cm CPS-6B, S band radar and the 23cm
FTS-3 L band radar setso
E. SUMMARY
1?, Balloon System
a. Balloon. Balloon performance was excellent on the three tests. On
the first flight and to a lessee degree on the second flight, it was
observed that the opening of the duct was lower than the base of the
balloon which caused slight super-pressure at ceiling. This will
require closer manufacturing tolerances and the change has been made
in the specifications and drawings. The 60 lb/min,Nerk III valve
was very convenientand satisfactory but conservative and judicious
use of it is necessary to stay out of trouble0
? a r..1^."..
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-0363-9-A001200020001-9
1111 b. Gondola. The modified gondolas, cameras end accessories were
adequate for the Phase II tests and/or operational use.
2. Electronic Equipeent
a. The P1O-6 transceiver functioned satisfactorily during the tests
but has limited ranget;
b. The PRO-10 transceivers with ground plane antenna provided good,
reliable communications and were satisfactory at 20,000 feet.
Air to ground communications were maintained to a range of 80 miles.
C. Three PRO-17's used during these tests were unsatisfactory because
of the extreme short range characteristics.
d. The PRO-14 UHF transceiver used during the test was good to a range
of 90 miles for air to surface communication. Since the AN/PRO-14
is compatable with Naval shipboard (provided crystals are available)
and aircraft communication equipment, both from the standpoint of
mode of modulation and frequency range, it is considered to be
the unit best suited for use. It was observed that these
miniturized units are sensitive and require servicing and adjustment
prior to use.
e.? The performance characteristics of both the VHF and LF beacon with
coded signals are considered acceptable for further use.
3. Radar Detection
a. The first two flights mere not detected even when position was known.
b. The third flight was detected and tracked only after position reports
and radar target chaff was used to identify the system and educate
the operators in discerning the small amplitude target return. ?
e. ADC representatives reported that to make the target readily
detectable, its reflecting surface would have to be increased by
more than a factor of 2 over that of the third flight.
d. It is concluded that detection of the balloon system by search
radar is improbable.
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SECRET Enclosure (2)
?
'IGURZ 1
Load Schedule for 29 March Flight #1
Theoretical Pressure Ceiling 12,500 Feet
Balloon 340 (16,000 en ft)
Gondola
& Therm.
Swise per Avia
Binoculars
65.00
48.50
4.00.
7.50
4.00
Vertical Camera 6n
16.00
Oblique Camera 150
17.00
PRO-6
6.75
PRC-17
6.5
PRC-l0
20.00
Ground Plane Antenna
075
Beacon LF
4.75
Beacon V137
5.5
2-Insu1ated Bags
4.0
Mac tape,linesetc.
5.00
Ballast
110.00
2 Men and Chutes
395.00
720.25
- 11 -
SECRET
Enclosure (2)
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Enclosure (2)
g9 MARCH 1255 . COMBINED /LIGHT LOG
0700 Launch
0715 4500' MSL Indicated 1,5 mi N. Circle Pines
NCA53 11t intersection of 100 and 51 rcvd.5x5 on 10 8e6.14G on 17
0730 85009 4. ni NE Anoka City Airport
NCA53 at Marshall and Snelling 515 on 10 & 6. NO on 17
0740 1100001 Ind Temp 27?P, 10,6004 true 5m1 NE Anoka Airport
N0A53 at Mendota Bridge 2.0yd 54 on 10
0750 13,8501 Temp 31?F? 12,6001 true 6 mi WE Anoka Airport
NCA53 Mendota Bridge rcvd 5x5 on 10 next rept 0830
0759 13,900 Indicated
0810 34,000 Indicated Balloon full slightly pressurised with duct
piightly below base.
0830 14,000 Indicated Temp 40?1', 12,5001 true 6 mi SSE Forest Lake
NCA50 rcvd but transmitter bad on PRO-10.
N0A53 Hwy 55 and 88, 10 to 10 blocked by ignition noise
10 to 6 5x50 6 to 6.1x1 weak distance 21 mi to NCA51
0845 1410000. Indicated Pilots noticed anoxia started destent to 12,0000
0900 13000'. Indicated Temp 46?P? 11,500' true5 mi W Somerset
NCA53 at Hwy 218 and 55. 5x5 on bath 6 and 10,distance 25mi
to NCA51. NOA50 rcvd only.
0930 12,3000 Indicated 2mi N Stillwater crs090? approx 2miihr
NCA50 logged receiving only 5x5 on 10, 3x4 on 6.
NCA53 at Jet Hwy 100 and 12, 5x5 on 10, 5x4 on 6, 13mi distant,
1000 1106001 Udicated 2m1 WIN Somerset SE surface wind
NCA50.rovd on Vali? could not read 6.
NOA53 at Hwy 65 and Wis G 525 on 10, 3x2 on 6.
1030 12,7501 Ind 1mi W Somerset ETA New Richmond 1100-1130
NOA50 rovd 5x5 from both 10 and 6.
NCA53 in New Richmond 5x5 visual contact.
no? 120750' 1 mi E,Somereet0ETA New Richmond 1130.
NCA53 in N.R. 5x5 visual contact,.
III 1130 1106000 2 mi E Somerset, Target New Richmond
NCA50 repaired base PRO-10 and established 2-way contact with
51 and 52, 5x5 NCA53 Imiff.R.5x5 visual contact.
- 12 - Enclosure (2)
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SECRET Enclosure (2)
? FIGURE I1 (Cont)
Combined Flight Log,
1203 11,250$ 2 ni NW New Richmond using cameras
ACA5 In two-way contact N0A53 visual contact
1237 Completed photos, started descent in visual contact,
and maintained radio contact until landing.
1330 Landed approx. 1 1/2 mi Sol of Little Falls, Wisconsin.
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SECRET
Enclosure (2)
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SECRET Enclosure (2)
?
FIGURE /II
111.11??????????????????=11010
Load Schedule for 2 April 1955 Flight #2
Theoretical Pressure ceiling 17,000 feet
Balloon 343P
65.00
Gondola
48.50
Altimeter & Therm.
4.'00
Peravia
7.50
Binoculars
4.00
Vertical 6" Camera ?
16.00
Oblique 15" Camera
17.00
PRO-14 rdird plane
34.00
PRC-10 "
20.75
PRO-17
6.50
PRO-6
6,75
LF Beacon
4.75
VHF Beacon
7.50
2 Insulated BagstMise
Tape, Lines etc.
9.00
295 on in 02 equip
24.00
Pilot & Parachute
195.75
Ballast
152.00
623.00
- 14 - Enclosure (2)
Q 11 12 11
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Enclosure (2)
FIGURE IV
g APRIL 1955 - COMBINED FLIGHT LOG
0716 Take off. Surface Temp 40?F.
0720 Dumped.5 cups (approx 56) ballast @ 1500 ft.
0723 Alt 2500 feet
0725 Alt 3000 feet
0730 Alt 4500 feet, 3 mi ESE Launch site.
0732 Valved 2 SSC (est approx.20
0735 Valved 3 sec (est approx 3#) 7,0001
0736 NCA54 road rpt 5 ESE Launch @ 8,000'
0737 Contact NCA50 rpt 5 ESE Launch @ 80000, 5x5
on PRC-10 maintaining watch on PRG-14-(0-0*
0745 NCA51 Contact with Kidskin 5x5 at 9,0'
NCA50 And 53 contact with 51 rpt 6 ra'Ordn plant 9,5001
on PR0-10 no reception on PR34Ator FRO-170
N0A53 on Hwy 100-4 at S Hite Bear Lake
0750 NCA51 at 1002001 Indicatqa. Oxy press 1500 psi
NCA50 maw VHF beacon 5x5
0800 NCA51 0 146008 Ind. No radio rpts.
0805 NCA51 over Stillwater at 14,2001
NCA54 at bridge and nucleon Wisc. Balloon in sight. Bry .0540
0810 NCA51 @ 15,000'
NCA54 - 2 1/2E of Jet 35 and 12 Hdg N Balloon bry 3000 - 5 at
0815 VHF beacon 5x5
MA51 rpts 17,300, 1 mi E Of Hudson to 53 and 54.
-0835 NCA51, 17,650' Ind. 1 at E River Falls.
NCA50 heard 51 make contact with 53 and 54 but could not establish
antact.
0845 NCA51 0 17,600e Ind 3 at N Ellsworth
NCA50 re-established contact on PRO-10
0850 NCA51 contact with 53 and 54 OK for Plum City as target
NCA50 rovd xmit only
EBT;7,,
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Enclosure (2)
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? Enclosure (2)
FIGURER' (Cont)
?
Cmboned flight Lo
0855 VHF Beacon 5x5 seems stronger than previous check
0902 NCA51 17,7001 Ind on i72 So Masa, Wise.
NCA50 reed but cannot contact 51.
0915 N0A51 over Plum City @ 17,7000' Temp fl 200F true, 16,3001-pictures
0916 ECA50 revs VHF beacon 5a5
0926 NCA51 17,7501, balloon full valved 3 secs - contact with Kidskin
to finish roll of film on Durand,Wisce
0936 NCA50 revs VHF beacon 575
0945 NCA51 taking pictures
NCA50 bears 51,very weak
0950 NCA51 @ 1602001. Valved 5 secs
0953 NCA51 @ 15,6001 Ind,
0958 NCA50 revs VHF Beacon 5x5
1000 NCA51 0 14,9001 Ind, Valved 3 secs.
1005 NCA51 0 13,7001 Ind. 12 mi W Independence
1010 NCA51 0 12,5001 Ind,
1025 NCA51 0 90001 Ind.
NCA50 could no longer rev VHF Beacon
1035 NCA51 7,0001 Ind. Arcadia
1050 Beacons out no reception - 51 0 20001
M100 NCA52 (plane) establishes contact starts directing 54
1110 N0A.52 rpts 51 down 2 1/4 N of Ettrick Wisc directs 54
into position for recovery
1120 NCA54 arrives at landing for recovery.
- 16 -
SECRET
Enclosure (2)
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
1:i ,011, .1:11 .5.
FIGURE V
worm eiramomesarmomane?
Load Schedule for 7 April 1955 - Flight #3
Theoretical Pressure Ceiling 20,000 feet.
Balloon 343P
65.00
Gondola
48.50
Alt & Therm
4.00
Swiss per Ava
7.50
Binoculars
4.00
Vertical 6" Camera
16.00
Oblique 15" Camera
.17.00
P1C-14 vjgrd plane
34.00
PRC-10
20.75
LF Beacon
4.75
VHF Beacon
8.00
295 au in Oxygen gear
24.00
Passenger & Parachute
and misc. 206.50
Ballast
- 17 -
SECRET
460.00
100.00
???????.????????.1.
560000
Enclosure (2)
Enclosure (2)
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
?
?
SECRET
FIGURE 6
Combined Flig=ht Log - 7 April 1955
0742 Take off. Surface altitude 860 ft.
0752 Alt. 4160 ft. 330 ft. per min R/C 1 mi SE U of M airport
0800 Contact With 50 on PRC40 536
0311 Alt. 7100 ft. to Kidskin on 14- 5x5 1 mi W highway 1.00 az 61
no contact .with 50
0821. Alt. 8880 ft. 3 pictures on 6" and 15" each of St. Patti downtown
0823 Alt. 9000 ft. to Kidskin 5 x 5 no point over St. Paul airport .
0824 50 receiving beacons loud and clear
0825 epeated 0823 position report on PRC-10 to 50
0830 Alt 109 000 Position report to Kidskin - no paint over Fleming
Field
0831 Alt 10,250 dropped 1/2 pkg RR6AU Chaff - 1/2 mi SE71eming
Field
0839 Alt 119 000 contact 53 at Cannon Falls - Received 54 at Ft.,
Snelling 50. received 5x5 position 4 mi WNW Hastingis
0845 Alt, 119, 700 3 cup ballast started to use 02 ((press 1650 psi).
0848 Alt, 12,500 Position to Kidskin 3 mi WSW Hastings heading!
due South on scope
contact 54 on 10 repeat position 50 read loud but garbled
0852 4itt. 139, 700 contact to Kidskin - painting R/C 300, ft per min.
0854. Alt, 14,200 Wind shift noticeable - 1 cup of ballast
9902 Alt 16, 000 50 reads beacons loud and clear
0903 Alt, 169 300 position 2 mi N Cannon Falls contact 54 at C0 F0
proceeding to Rochester
0904 Alt. 16,650 contact Kidskin dropped chaff .7 Z. en.ps ballast
0905 Alt. 17,000 contact to Kidskin - over Cannon. Falls - on scope
0909 Alt, 18, 300 contact 53
0915 Alt. 20,500 contact 53 west of bend in Highway 52
0916 Alt, 20, 300 Position report 4 mi W Haber
0930 Alt, 20, 650 contact 50 position 16 ml. No W. Rochester on 10
.5x5
0935 Alt, 20,900 Position report - full pack chaff to Kidskin and
utterfly 11 mi WNW Rochester chaff on Butterfly soon"
0941 Alt,. 209 850 Position, to 'Kidskin 5x5 on scope of .11utterf1y 11W
Rochester.
0942 Alt 20, 850 50 reportS beacons loud and clear
0953 Alt. 20,800 chaff to Kidskin at Butterfly
0959 Alt, 20, 500 position. to 50 on 10 12WSW. Rochester
1005 Alt, 20, 500 photos on 15" approaching Grand Mead0kw
photo on 6" at 30 sec and 15 sec interval over.
Grand Meadow .
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
?
?
FIGURE 6
(Cont'd)
SECRET
1012 Mt. 20, 500 51 to 54 position 20*ViSiilf a Rochester.
1013 All. 20, 4.00 vert photo at?5 sec intervals
1019 Alt, 20, 200 photo on 15" going away from Grand Meadow and
approaching Le Roy
1023 Alt. 20, 200 crossed East of Le Roy - started descent
1030 Alt. 18, 500 50 could hear 51 very, very weak but could nctt
read
1040 Alt. 16, 000 50 checked beacons and could 1.7.0t receive
either VHF or LF
1045 Alt. 14, 700 chaff to butterfly
1133 Landed 4 ii SSW of New Hampton, Iowa.
- 19 -
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SECR7
Enclosure (3)
Phase II ? Key West Tests (Submarine Launchings)
Enclosure (3)
MOW
9
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
BEC RET
A. Resume of each flight
PURPOSE s
?
First F 1955
(Flight Chart ,Appendeill-
Enclosure (3)(a)
- To develop techniques of layout of equipments inflations takeoffs tracking
and recovery et seas and using miminum gondola equipnent in order to test
effectiveness of sea and shore based radars against balloon in stripped-down
condition.
lipa,ht Schedule for 12000?2.1gLi
1 - 302 P balloon 65.130
1 Gondola 10 .50
Irutr.Box (ClocksVariometersAltimater) 4.00
PIC-14 (lost) - 34.00
VRFBeaconsBag & Ant (lost) 7.00
IF Beacons Bag & Ant. 5.00
RCA Equip.(lost) and recorder 3.00
Fad Packet l,00
Gibson Girl 37.00
LiSe Raft lik 2 47.00
Bo tex Camera 1.00
Fits Recovery Can 3.60
Recovery Drum (lost) 9.00
Pilot & Gear (CompasssColdbar Suits
It anti-exposure boots) 165.00
429.50
335.00
7114Thir
Added at launch-Tape? Recorder (lost) 3.00
ECM Recorder (lost) 3.00
750.50
@ 751 calculated altitude 11,800k ft.
tritti
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
.6 U. It ka T
Enclosure (3)(a)
Planned Flight Altitude and Duration: 12,000:, about 2-1/4 hours?
Tracking Aircraft - 2 AD:s with ARN/6,'D/F equip, and ARC/27 UHF,
one containing photographer to record touchdown.
Tracking and Recovery Vessels
PC 579 03 which had been installed 1 PRD-1 and 1 URD 2-A radio direction finder.
Photographer,
Albatross.(EAMSel), 1 PRD.1, 1 URD 240 photographer,
1 Submarine (Sennett, fleet snorkle type, with SV-l.radar).
1 AVRmith photographer,
1 Blimp.
Control and Tra?ng Vessel (Berthed at Key West) USS Bushnell (AS-15)
equipped with 1. PRD1,1. URD4k and excellent air search radar SPS-60
Meterologist and balloon expert on board,
Tracking Shore Station Naval Air Station, Key West - using VHF radio
direction finder and Gd i radar traddng equipment,
Other Search and Rescue Facilities - Helicopters, seaplanes and AM::
at Nit, Key West, available for emergency use.
Operations . Sdbmirine (Sennett, 55408) underway 1800 25 April, Took
pibal sounding, using theodolite, surface to 120001 before dark. Using reports
of weather and air soundings from Fleet Weather Central, Miami and NiS0 Key West"
Bushnell radioed preliminary estimate of launch position (24-18N, 82-121) and
touchdown (24.18N, 61.45W)o
Submarine launching personnel made final decision of launching position,
using all weather available (Sennett Pibal at 1900, NAS, Key West rawinsonde
at 2200 and at 0230 26 April, FM,C. Miami earlier forecast for 0600,
26 Aron, and Sennett 0557 pibal to 130000. Decided to launch at Lat,
24.14N? Long 82.12d (4 mi.south of Bushnell estimate) aid drew up a flight
plan to touch down at Lat. 24-19N, Long 81447W, for average course
078?, distance 23 miles, At 0704 opened forward hatch and commenced layout
of equipment, 0734 commenced inflation, Speed 7 knots with zero Whd over -
deck and completed inflation at 0808. With submarine 3 miles out of position
? at Lat, 2617N, Long 82.11W, launched balloon at 0817, Flight altitude 11750:0
Touchdown at 1025 in Lat. 24-21N, Long 81446W. 'Balloon:8 average course was
actually 0800, distance 23 miles, Track was 2 mi0 north of intended track,
which was due to launching position being 2Miles too far north. Balloonist
inflated boat while in water and climbed into it, AVR made recovery, with
411 submarine, PC,cand Albatross within 200 yards and Blimp and 2 Ws circling?
Results: Accomplished the purpoiee.xeept for lose of same equipment due
to failure of closure on watertight -container. Actual track was practically
*dentinal to intended track,
grenrr
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-F
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
?
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POSITION
s 6
CASIA"?"C.
121
108
6 LAUNCH 114
12
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co ?
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229
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LAUNCH ..... +.
145
POSIT ION Mit 4r... M 298 290 287 290 c"
9
32
167
Are(
345
110
410
320
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402 - 405M 369
478 Co Al
415
co
252
347 ?
274
E ARVA
Pt- ED WITH CAUTION
369
297
Co hi
720
404
320
I ST FLIGHT
26 APRIL 1955
450 PLANNED LENGTH OF FLIGHT-23 MILES
co m 507
508
sco
52! '
ohs 650
515
687
v0.411
590
800
541
4021
387
EXPLOSIVES
DUMPING
AREA
420
DISUSED
800
540 L
675
EXPLOSIVES
DUMPING
???1117.-? ? ==??=-111111=-?RI=EN==??==?10=1M111===?==??=-1111r==11111C=INE?
xr 82'
r-
\ L-4
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30 : CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
50'
40'
20'
Jo-
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
SECRET Enclosure (3)(m)
?
Second Flight, 28 April 1955
(Flight Chart and K2O Air Photos Appended)
Purposes
To develop techniques using oxygens medium altitudes complete photographic
and survival equipments to determine ability to overfly and photograph at
flight altitude a specific target 140 miles from launching points and preserve
equipuent in a water landing?
Weight Schedule for 180001s 605#
302 P Balloon
65.00
Gondola
18o0
Variometer
1000
Altimeter
2,00
PRC.1/4
34,00
VHF Beacons Bag & Ante
7000
IF Beacons Bag & Ant.
5,00
Gibson Girl (wet)
45000
Life Raft
45.00
Parachute
118000
K 20-6" Camera
21000
K 20-15" Camera
22000
Flan Recovery Can
3000
2 Recovery Drums
18000
Pilot & Gear
165.00
02 equip
28.00
77:65
Ballast
1140000
607000 lbs0
Launched heavy ballast
50000
657000 actual gross weight
0 657# pressure altitude calculated at 15,700 fte
SECRET
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
?
Enclosure (3)(a)
Plumed Flight Altitude and Duration: 18,0001, 3.4 hours.
Tracking,Recovery,COntrol and Search and ReSeti Facilities -.Same as
for first flight except blimp had photographer aboard,
Operations Prior to departure from Base, Stock Island was selected
as target because midway between Key West and Naval Air Station with excellent
photographic targets 23 miles abeam, Initial estimate of launching position
was 2449N, 82.431. Submarine (Sennett) underWay 1900, 27 April, Took night
pibal readings using theodolite and/Or radar at 2000, 0230 (25 Apia) and
0445; two highest were 130001 and 140000. On basis of new weather data,
launching personnel directed submarine to proceed to a new launching position
6 miles further northeast, at 0148 received warning from Bushnell that launching
position could shift 10-15 miles ENE and that next submarine pibal would be
important, At 0345 received Bushnell recommended launching position Lat. 25-08N0
Long 82.08W0 ,However, at 0532 Submarine radioed its intention to launch from
Lat 25-04N, Long 62.14W, with total flight time 3.4 hours. (At 0549 Bushnell
radioed it concurred), 0545 opened forward hatch and began layout. Sunrise
at 0557. At 0559 were ready to inflate but .decided to wait in view 0700
launching time. With zero relative wind, speed 6 knots, began inflation at
0831, stopped, at 0645, re4emenced at 0655, stopped at 0705, began 0708,
completed 0714, (shifted tO new bottles twice on low pressure). 0722 launched
balloon in Lat.:25-03N, Long 62.16d. Photographic target 40 miles distant,
Due to 50 lbsOoo'much ballast aboard, discovered shortly after launching,
balloon leveled off at 15000?. However, winds from 140000 to 180000 were
identical and balloonist knew this in staying at 150000. Balloon closely
followed predicted trajectory, crossed over NAS Boca Chic% took photographs,
and began descent, It mad, an excellent water landing at 1122 in Lat, 24-32N,
Long 81-32W0 AVR made recovery with PC, Albatross, Blimp and 2 ADIs standing by,5
Results ?)Accomplished the purpose. Balloon followed planned track, passed
2 miarEag target, secured desired photos, and recovered all equipment,
Enclosure (3)(a)
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/30: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200020001-9
,ii)L11113: 7
?
31
4
15
13
7LI
17 s
FINAL ESTIMATE ,??hs
AND
ACTUAL LAUNCH
POSITION
13 2
S
S SA
'SA 411 15
INITIAL ESTIMATE
LAUNCH POSITION
16 IS
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11
12
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8 8
91
10
SECOND ESTIMATE
LAUNCH POSITION 9
113k _
101
2ND FLIGHT
28 APRIL 1955
ii TARGET: STOCK ISLAND, 40 MILES DISTANT FROM TAKE OFF POINT
PASSED 2 MILES ABEAM OF TARGET
S
PLANNED LENGTH OF FLIGHT TO TOUCHDOWN: 51 MILES
ACTUAL LENGTH OF FLIGHT TO TOUCHDOWN: 50 MILES
8
S
9
8
SO
9Y S
71
8
8
71
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6
58
61
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