IMAGERY EVALUATION, 116-A CAMERA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 24, 2014
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: October 21, 1965
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
TOP SECRET
CONTROL NO
7/77 5-_Y
REFERRED TO
OFFICE
RECEIVED
RELEASED
.
SEEN BY
SIGN TURE
DATE
TIME
DATE
TIME
NAME & OFFICE SYMBOL
DATE
6,p
,-
11,S
....
14 0
(OVER)
Handle Via Indicated Controls
BYEMAN- TALENT -KEYHOLE
Access to this document will be restricted to those persons
cleared for the specific projects;
WARNING
This document contains information affecting the national security of the United States within the meaning
of the espionage laws U. S. Code Title 18, Sections 793 and 794. The law prohibits its transmission or
the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person, as well as its use in any manner
prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States or for the benefit of any foreign government to the
detriment of the United States. It is to be seen only by personnel especially indoctrinated and authorized
to receive information in the designated control channels. Its security must be maintained in accordance
with regulations pertaining to BYEMAN-TALENT-KEYHOLE Control Systems.
TOP SECRET
GROUP I
downgrading ono declassification
Excladed from automatic
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5 --
D I C.IYIH111- I eiALt N Y IIOLLVI aLum.
CONTROL SYSTEMg 'JOINTLY
GROUP 1
Excluded from automatic - -- HANDLE VIA*
doringradthg and IBYEMAN-TALENT-KEYHOLE
declassification TnP QFPPFT
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800136-667-5
MEMORANDUM FOR:
AMMON:
SUBJECT:
REFERENCE:
BYE-41873-65
21 October 1965
.Copy
Chief, Plans and Development Staff, NPIC
1. General:
Imagery Evaluation, 116-A Camera,
NPIC Project 22036-6
a. In response to reference requirement the Photographic
Analysis Group (PAG) has conducted a limited evaluation of imagery
obtained with the 116,A camera under the OXCART test program. The
purpose of that evaluation was to determine the amenability of 116-A
imagery to the various analytical functions performed, and equipment
utilized, in the exploitation of operational reconnaissance imagery.
STAT
b. The evaluation was limited in that the relatively small
number and limited types of targets covered by the test mibsion precluded
realistic exercising of the PAGresources. However, while the overall
impact which a full, operational mission might have on the PAG could not
be absessed it was possible to evaluate the general utility of the test
imagery with regard to the PAG mission. During the course of this evalua-
tion the functional areas of; "Analytical Exploitation Procedures",
"Exploitation Equipment Utilization" and "Exploitation Support" were
examined with regard to utilization of 116-A imagery in performing those
functions.'
2. Discussion: The results of the PAG evaluation are summarized
below under two-major "test objectives" encompassing the areas listed
above:
a. Objective 1: Determine the amenability of 116-A imagery
to the performance of the tasks involved in mission scanning to include
target location, identification, analysis and reporting, and equipment
utilization.
(1) Utilizing a two man team the scanning task was accom-
)lished without particular difficulty. The method for accomplishing
the tqsk most expeditiously is to employ two Richards 940 MCE light
tables with two photo interpreters facing each other and the film oriented
so that they view the image scene in the same orientation along the flight
line. This method allows for coordinated scanning of those areas covered
by both cameras (fwd and aft) and allows the added flexibility' of "scanning
ahead" by one team member as required. It is possible to scan one camera
'th the Richardson Viewer but the area of no convergent camera overlap
HANDLE VIA
� �
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
,fi VA
I CONTROL SYSTEMP JOINTLY
BYE-41873-65
SUBJECT: Imagery Evaluation, 116-A Camera
requires scanning with periodic use of the B&L zoom microscope (mono
mode). It is not feasible to require one team member to scan both
frames with the B&L zoom microscope as is done with the 112-B camera
system imagery. The limiting factor with the 116-A is the frame hze
(8"x36"). The use of the Richardson Viewer is not considered essential
to the scanning task since the scale of the imagery and the amount of
overlap between and within the two cameras furnishes adequate assurance
that significant targets will be detected with at least as_m_u:!_r_eli-
ability as would be the case utilizing the Richardson Viewer.
(2) The 116-A imagery has no unique characteristics
affecting the tasks of target location and identification except when
stereo viewing is required to accomplish the latter. Since stereo
viewing is required in order to accurately identify some targets and is
required even in a preliminary analysis of most targets a problem area,
does exist in utilizing 116-A imagery for these tasks. The 116A-catdra
system as indicated earlier furnishes overlap suitable for stereo viewing
in two methods.. The first of these is the overlap furnished by successive �
scans Of the same camera. The second is the overlap resulting from the
dual camera convergent coverage which extends out to 300 on each side of
nadir. The problem of obtaining stereo of selected targets can be solved
in a straight forward manner by cutting stereo pairs from work copies of
the film. A second method which is suitable for many "quick" studies not: -----
requirihg high resolution, is to produce stereo pairs with a polaroid -
copy camera. It is possible to obtain stereo using both camera images
(convergent stereo) by joining the two light tables (front to front)and__ r
wi
vieng the selected area with the B&L Versatile-Stered Viewer". This
this method produced satisfactory stereo it was also a time consuming ,
this evaluation involved the employment of the fiber optics viewer. While
method is awkward and time consuming. The fourth method utilized in
process and, is not considered feasible for use on an extensive basis during
first phase mission read-out operations. A fifth method of obtaining - -
stereo is to remove the frames covering the selected area and view the
target with one of several suitable stereo viewers including the B&L
Versatile Stereo Viewer.
(3) Other than the problem of obtaining stereo discussed
above no problems of a unique nature were encountered during analysis of
selected targets. The availability of both Convergent and successive
stereo of targets out to 300 from the flight line enhances target analysis
(only successive stereo is available beyond 300).
(4) The reporting procedures presently employed by the PAG
are readily adaptable to the 116,A imagery. The excessive size of the
film reels caused delays in scanning due both to the difficulty in handling
HANDLE VIA
- 2 -
3-013) SECRET BYEMAN-TALENT-KEYHOLE
CONTROL SYSTEMS JOINTLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
Li Apont r IIA � �
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2014/06/24 : CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
LYLAJI IL. I
CONTROL SYSTEMS JOINTLY
BYE-41873-65
SUBJECT: Imagery Evaluation 116-A Camera
and the limitation on the number of analyst who could be employed (full
rolls contained 107 frames). The X and Y references were Obtained with-
out difficulty utilizing the universal grid in the manner described in
the TID memorandum, BYE-41849-65. Handling of the .grid_template was
facilitated by trimming off all excess border area. Frame numbers are ---
available in the binary data block but should be included in the man
readable titling data in order to reduce analyst time and insure accuracy.
(5) The utilization of viewing equipment currently in use-
within the PAG for exploitation of the 116-A imagery presented several
problems. The primary problem, that of obtaining stereo is outlined
above. The format length dictates the use of a 9"x40" light table for
full frame viewing though the 9"x18" light table can be used for scanning. ---
However it is not feasible to use the-9"x18" equipment if X-Y references
are required. Utilization of the Richardson Viewer for scanning is
feasible though not considered necessary for the reasons listed earlier.
The minimum successive frame overlap encountered4W approximately 35%
thus the entire ground area covered by a single camera could be scanned
on the Richardson in one continuous scan at the 5X enlargement position.
It was found that tbe film width (8 inches) presented no particular
problems with regard to the PAG exploitation equipment. The test imagery
was evaluated in both 8" and 9" film widths (same image format size) and
found satisfactory in each case. The standard 9" take.,41�Ms-------
utilized in each case.
b. Objective II: Determine the amenability of the 116-A
camera system imagery to the accomplishment of the various support
functions involved in mission exploitation.
(1) The two major functions performed by the Technical
Intelligence Division (TID), NPIC, that of "Mission Plotting" and
"Mensuration", were examined. The methods developed by TID for accomplish-
ing these tasks will meet the needs of the PAG.
(2) Analysis of the unique capability of the OXCART system
to furnish mission data from an airborne data recorder with additional
information presented in the binary block on the imagery was also examined.
This examination included attempts to correlate man readable titling data
(assumed for this test), binary block data and the mission flight data
derived from the in-flight recorder.
(3) At present it is planned that the man readable data on
each frame include frame number, camera, mission, date and classification.
This is considered adequate in view of the fact that the latitude/longitude
and elapsed time are coded in binary on each frame, as is the frame number.
- - 3 -
HANDLE VIA
BYEMAN-TALENT-KEYHOLE
TOP SFr.111-7 CONTROL SYsrmwr
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2014/06/24 : CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
o LIVIHIN- I iaLt.N.1 -1St MULLI vi oLuri EL I
CONTROL SYSTEMS JOINTLY
BYE-41873-65
SUBJECT: Imagery Evaluation 116-A Camera
(4) The print-out of the flight data recorder includes:
VA aircraft altitude and heading, elapsed time, velocity, longitude and
latitude. This data can be very useful to the photo interpreter hs well
as to the technical analyst. It should be noted' however that the frame
number is not included in this listing, thus there is no direct man-readable
correlation between the listing and the imagery. Inclusion of the frame
number in this listing would eliminate the need for decoding the data
and thus could save considerable analyst time.
(5) No unique problems were encountered wit-I-I-regard to
reproduction of test imagery for analysis. As indicated earlier 9" film
stock was used for contact size reproduction.
3. Summary and Conclusions: The PAG evaluation of the 116-A test
imagery has revealed no critical shortcomings with regard to either the
sensor system or to the PAG capabilities to exploit such imagery. Several
problem areas which would detract from the efficiency with which the 116,A
imagerr may be exploited were identified. These include, the difficulty
encountered in obtaining stereo viewing with present equipment; the
utilization of large capacity film reels resulting in handling difficulties
and exploitation delays; and the lack of-a-man readable eorrelation
between the INS print-out and the imagery. A distinct advantage in handling
flexibility and target analysis is derived from the multiple coverage
resulting from the convergent and consecutive format overlap.
4. Recommendations: Based on the assumption that the most rapid
exploitation possible consistent with accuracy will be required and_that
the timeliness of the information derived may be extremely critical, the
following recommendations are submitted:
a. That a "work copy" du pos be reproduced during original film,
processing until such time as adequate stereo virwing equipment is available.
b. That the feasibility of cutting the "work copy" by frames
at the time of reproduction (in order to expedite distribution of selected,
target coverage to photo interpretation teams) be determined.
c. That all other film copies .be packaged on- reels not to excee
5 inches in diameter. -
d. That a man readable correlation between the INS data print-
out and the imagery (preferably the inclusion of frame numbers in the IRS-
print-out) be furnished.
-
HANDLE VIA
'V ElYFIVIANI_Tel CAM tZt-V1 fekt
Declassified in in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
�
Declassifiedin-P;W- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130007-5
LS T tiLc.rt
JUl ULUULI
cONTROL, SYSTEMS JOINTLY
SUBJECT: Imagery Evaluation) 116-A Camera
Distribution:
1 & 2 - P&DS/NPIC,-
3 - Asst Ops/NPIC v
4 - PD/NPIV 7 7
5 - CSDAPIC t/, 0/
6 - TIDATPIC l3
7 - PSD/NPIC
8 - IPDMPICI qg
9 - TAD/01A/q9
10 - PAG/NPIC,--
11 - IPO/PAG/NPIC''
12 - GMD/PAG/NPIC
13 - SPO/GMD/PAG/NPIC
BYE-41873-65
AssistSnt for Photographic Analysis, NPIC
STAT
- 5 -
TOP RFCRIT HANDLE VrA.
BYEMAN-TALENT-KEYHOLE
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/06/24: CIA-RDP78B05167A00180-0130007-5