SPECIAL C-54 AIRCRAFT CARGO DOORS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03642A001200020033-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 10, 2011
• Sequence Number: 33
• Publication Date: March 10, 1959
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/10: CIA-RDP78-03642A001200020033-0
10 March 1959
AQti't 3MANDUH FOR: C /PP/PW
ATTWION
SUBJECT : Special C-54 Aircraft Cargo Doors
1. On 3 July 1958 a request was received from PP/AIRD for the
fabrication of five (5) sets of inward opening cargo doors for the C-54
type aircraft. These doors will enable air crew to safely open and
close the cargo opening while in flight for aerial dispatching purposes.
As a result of this request a research and development effort leading
to the fabrication and installation of the initial prototype inward
opening cargo dears was undertaken in August 1958. In addition,
the inward opening door arrangement was filtered to allow for a larger
exit opening. The increased exit width wail permit the use of larger
air drop bundles. Upon satisfactory installation of the prototype
inward opening cargo doors, four (4) additional door sets in kit form
will be fabricated for field installation by air crews, requiring
hand tools only.
2. A concurrent program was also initiated to provide an aerial
dispatching conveyor, compatible with either the standard or inward
opening cargo doors. This program was requested by C/PP Staff for
the ZRM tICK project.
3. At present there are no inward opening cargo doors installed
in any C-54 aircraft. Consequently a capacity does not exist for
using the inward opening type of cargo door.
4. Initial installation of the prototype inward opening cargo
doors we scheduled for aid January 1959. Due to an urgent request
from PP/PWL), a concentrated effort was made to complete the serial
dispatching conveyor program. This effort, unfortunately, was at the
expense of the inward opening cargo door project and resulted in
rescheduling the prototype cargo door installation for March 1959.
5. At this time a decision was made to abandon the initially
conceived dispatching conveyor and redesign an'erial dispatching
conveyor to be used in conjunction with the inward opening cargo
doors only. From this standpoint it appeared desirable to coordinate
the aerial dispatching conveyor and prototype inward opening cargo door
programs for dual installation.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/10: CIA-RDP78-03642A001200020033-0
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/10: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01200020033-0
CONFIDENTIAL
6. In addition, a mock-up of the aircraft door section was
deemed necessary as a final aback point to insure minimum installation
time and proper door to airframe alignment prior to actual cargo door
installation. This mock-up will be used for the initial prototype and all
consequent inward opening cargo door kite.
7. Approval for funds necessary for the mock-up fabrication, over-
run expenditures, and design changes., deterred the inward opening cargo
door program appraas:imately one month, resulting in an April installation
date for the prototype door.
8. Boom manufacturing time was lost due to unforseen changes
in the initial design of the inward opening cargo door*. At the present
time the week of $ Iby 1959 has been definitely established for in-
stallation of the aerial dispatching c nveyor and the prototype inward
opening cargo doors, pending aircraft avaai2 ability. The above data is
based upon the contractor's normal wort rate. Delivery of the four
(Ii) additional inward opening cargo door kits is scheduled as follows:
a. Second door set - aid July
b. Third door sat - first August
c. Fourth door set - mid August
d. Fifth door set - first September
The log time between the initial prototype door installation and delivery
of the first kit (second door set) is necessary in order to complete the
installation instructions, fabricate details, and provide rework time if
required.
9. This resume of the progress being made on the inward opening
cargo doors w . requested by Our project engineer,
patching conveyor and with ontie cargo doors. T 3/ i- 25X1
nearing Division is under ession at the $ May 1959 installation
date for the inward opening cargo door prototype is satisfactory. Con-
currence to this effect would be greatly appreciated.
Chief
TSS/lingineering Division
DD/Pry /iM/ " - - gat
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/05/10: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01200020033-0