IMAGERY EVALUATION, 118-A CAMERA (TYPE IV)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130003-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 24, 2014
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: December 13, 1965
• Content Type: MEMO

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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130003-9
-- �
:05NTROLISYSTEM ONLY
BYE-60709-65
Copy tc
13 December 1965
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Plans and Development Staff, NPIC
ATTENTION:
SUBJECT:
REFERENCE:
1. General:
Imagery Evaluation, 118-A Camera (Type IV)
NPIC Project 22107-6
a. In response to referenca requirement the Photographic
Analysis Group (PAG) NPIC, has conducd and concluded a limited evalua-
tion of imagery obtained with the 118-A (HR-333) camera system under the
OXCART test program. The purpose of the_evaluation was to determine the
amenability of 118-A imagery to the various analytical functions performed,
and equipment utilized, in the exploitation of operational reconnaissance
imagery.
b. The evaluation was limited in that the relatively small
number and limited types of targets covered by the test mission precluded
a colk�ete exercising of PAG resources. However the ,anctions performed
by PAC _n mission scanning, target identification, location and preliminary
analy_.3 were evaluated by comparing the 118-A camera system to that of the
1ffi73-E j3-mount) camera system. The general procedures to be followed, the
equir,:ant utilized and the overall utility of the two systems is determined
to be caite similar.
2. Discussion: The results of the PAC. .evaluation are summarl.zed below
under two major "Test Objectives" encompassing the areas listed above.
a.' Objective 1: Determine the amenability of 118-A imagery to
the functions involved in mission sca=ing ahd target location.
(1) Utilizing a two-man team, the scanning of the test imagery
was completed with no difficulty. The method for accomplishing the task
most e:Teditiously, is to employ two 9 x.18 inch light tables placed :side
by si&e. The film is positf_oned on tn. light tables in such a manner as
to insure viewing of the two halves of the split-frame format in the same
orientation along the flight line.
(2) The most practicable film packaging for rapid scanning
and flexibility is by employing 200 foot reels (133 frames) and separating
the riEht and left sides of the format as is currently done with most of
the B-mount imagery.
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GROUP 1
Excluded from aufornatit HANDLE VIA 13YEMAN
doringradIng and
declassification TOP SEC;:: i �jOART ONTROL:, SYSTEm
I Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130003-9
STAT
� TrIP r-vt,r� n rmnr
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130003-9
.CONTROLT SYSTEM ONLY
SUBJECT: Imagery Evaluation, 118-A Camera (Type IV)
BYE-60709-65
(3) The ground area coverage afforded by this camera system
is considered to be adequate. However, due to the gap of approximately 0.5
inches between the right and left sides of the film package loss of photo-
graphic coverage in the vertical position occurs. At an operational
altitude of 90,000 feet, this loss represents a ground distance width of
approximately 900 feet.
(4) The mission data presented on the imagery format is
considered adequate. The inclusion of the geographic coordinates of the
aircraft are very helpful to the photo interpreter and proved to be reliable.
The lack of a camera position indicator on the right half of the format was
a hindrance to rapid exploitation as it necessitated frequent referral to
the left ,side of the format.
(5) Titling data consisting of mission number, date, frame
number, indication as to right or left side of the format and security
classification as presented on the test imagery is an absolute requirement.
In the event of.a Malfunction of the automatic frame counter, the illeg-
ibility of the write-in mission number, or illumination failure in either -
of the data windbws or the lack of all of the above cited titling data
would significantly increase the time required to obtain the information.
(6) The most feasible method of obtaining photo reference
data on imaged targets is by the use of the Universal Grid (Number One).
-By positioning the grid with the 0/0 line intersection at the lower left
hand corner of the frame with respect to the titling data in readable
position, X-Y grid values are obtained. This procedure would be followed
for either side of the format and would reduce possibility of error. .
b. Objective 2: Determine the amenability of 118-A imagery to
include target recognition, identification, analysis, mensuration and
.reporting.
(1) The 118-A imagery has no unique characteristics affecting
the recognition, identification or preliminary analysis except when stereo
viewing is required to perform these tasks. Stereo viewing can be accom-
plished by the simple expedient of cutting stereo pairs of the selected .
target(s) from a work copy of the film. A second method which is suitable
for a "quick" analysis not requiring high resolution, is to procure stereo
pairs throUgh the use of the Polariod copy camera which is available in PAG.
(2) No problems are anticipated in obtaining mensuration
throughout the entire 118-A format as long as the INS tape containing the
necessary data is furnished along with the film to the Technical Intelligence
Division (TID), NPIC.
TOP SECRET OyCART
HANDLE VA
SYSTEM ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130003-9
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24 : CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130003-9
'CONTROL: SYSTEM ONLY � - � I
SUBJECT: Imagery Evaluation, 118-A Camera (Type IV)
BYE-60709-65
(3) The exploitation equipment and reporting procedures
currently utilized in PAG are readily adaptable to the 118-A imagery.
3. Summary and Conclusions: The PAG evaluation of the 118-A test
imagery has revealed no critical shortcomings with regard to either the
sensor system or to the PAG capabilities to exploit such imagery. Two
problem areas which might detract from the efficiency with which the 118-A
imagery may be exploited were identified. Most serious is the possible
loss of priority target ground imagery on vertical exposures resulting
from the gap in photographic coverage due to the split format. The other
problem area lies in the difficulty in readily obtaining stereo viewing
throughout the format. Three advantages of this camera system were noted.
First is 'the similarity to the B-mount camera system with which all photo
interpreters in PAG are familiar. Second is that all necessary equipment
foiexploitation of the imagery is readily available in the PAG area.
The third advantage to the system and a highly desirable one is the
relatively large scale and high resolution potential of the imagery.
4. Recommendations: Based on the assumption that the most rapid
exploitation possible-consistant with accuracy will be required and that
the timeliness of the information derived may be extremely critical, the
following recommendations are submitted:
a. Packaging of the imagery should be on 200 foot spools.
b. To minimize loss of critical target imagery on vertical
exposures, operational flights should be planned to insure that priority
targets be imaged just to the right or left of nadir.
c. That the camera be modified to include a position indicator
on the right hand portion of the format as well as the left.
d. That titling data and mission data as included on the test
imagery be retained.
e. That a "work copy" duplicate positive be reproduced during
original film .processing so that necessary stereo pairs can be rapidly
prepared for initial exploitation phases.
- STAT
uolonel, ub.A
Assistant for Photographic Ahalysis, NPIC
Distribution:
1&2 - P&DS/NPIC
3 - IPO/PAG/NPIC
---4 - Gio/PAG/NPIC TOP SECRET OXCART HANDLE VIA E3YEi'ilAid
ONTROL SYSTEM ONLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130003-9