MISSILE-LIKE OBJECTS SARATOV AIRFRAME PLANT 292, SARATOV, USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04751A000300080027-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 4, 2001
• Sequence Number: 27
• Publication Date: May 31, 1960
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For ReleaWAOSW UTC IGCC 01Rg8F27 6 4
g
Copy No--5-2
JOINT PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
ARMY-NAVY-CIA.
(Published and Disseminated by CIA/PIC)
SUBJECT :
Missile-Like Objects
NO :
PIC/JB-107/60
LOCATION:
Saratov Airframe Plant 292,
DATE :
31 May 1960
Saratov, USSR
WA.C :
235
MAP DATA:
Air, ACIC. US Target Mosaic, Series 25, Sheet 0235-9999-4-25MA.,
3d ed, Dec 57 (C)
Ai.r, ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0235-2A, 1st ed,
Aug58(S)
REFERENCES:
CIA. PIC/R-1/58, Soviet Guided Missiles, 7 November 1957 Moscow
Parade, Oct 58 (S)
REQUIREMENT: CIA/RR/E/R3/60 requesting a study of missile-like
objects at Saratov Airframe Plant 292 and a.search for a missile plant
northwest of Saratov, USSR; and general Army and Navy requirements.
This brief presents a photogra hic analysis of three groups of missile-
like objects appearing on photography of Saratov Airframe
Plant 292, Saratov, USSR. The objects in two of the groups have some re-
semblances to Soviet missiles and are probably missile components, but
none of the objects in any of the groups can be identified as a known air-
frame or a component of a known aircraft or missile. Each of the groups
(arbitrarily numbered 1, 2, and 3) are discussed in turn (see Figures 1 and
2). All measurements given are approximate.
Declass Review by
NIMA/DOD
Approved For Release-2_00a gg TCI,~HF,pg 0080027-6
 Approved For Releal6)AoSfiCJRfTC 80027-6 25X1A
PIC /JB-107 /60
Group 1 includes approximately 60 slender white objects, located
within a, separately fenced area of the plant site. This area, apparently
used for packing and crating, also contains ten irregularly-shaped
objects, probably canvas-covered, which are probable aircraft fuselages
or portions of fuselages; a number of large packing crates; and miscella-
neous equipment. The white objects are 25 feet long and have what
appear to be fins with possible packaging around them. In their length
and in the positioning of the protrusions, the objects somewhat resemble
the main body of the Guideline missile, except that the size of the for-
ward fin is different and there appears to be no steering fin aft of what
could be the stabilizer fin. A. com arison of these objects with the mis-
siles at Istra appearing on photography is
precluded by the quality of this coverage. However, the
Guidelines present at Kapustin Yar in would look similar if the boos-
0
25X1A
25X1 D
25X1A
25X1 D
Group 2 includes approximately 110 cylindrical objects located outside 25X1 D
the fenced area and arranged in clusters of from 6 to 14. The objects are
The forward end has a bulbous nose_
at its widest point. About 1rom the for- 25X1D
ward end is an indentation similar to that on the lb-nautical-mile ballistic
rocket shown in the 7 November 1957 Moscow Parade (see referenced
report.) No rear fins appear to be attached, but they could be added in
the field,
Group 3 includes four objects located just outside the separately fenced
area. They appear to be cylindrical and are 5 feet wide, but their length
cannot be determined because of the heav shadow cast on the forward end
by the fence. The tail section is and has a 25X1D
.70-degree sweepback on the leading edge. These objects are not similar in
either size or shape to any known aircraft or known Soviet missile.
Although the plant contains no visible evidence of which buildings might
be connected with missile production, the flow is probably the same as has
been used for aircraft production. Plant products could be loaded at either
of two shipping platforms or at any point along the rail spur serving the
plant site. Also, nearby Saratov South Airfield could be used for outgoing
air shipments.
A thorough scan of the area 20 kilometers northwest of Saratov pro-
duced no evidence of missile plants.
Approved For ReleasOP0agentCJQ-gyp 0080027-6 25X1A
 Approved For Release 200TM'I'%05:`fit mBPY-~Tq t 5 -6
PIC/JB.'L07/6d
FIGURE 7. SARATOV AIRFRAME PLANT 292 AND SARATOV SOUTH AIRFIELD. The three groups of missile-
like objects discussed are located in the plant area as shown.
Approved For Release 2001/11/05 : CIA-RDP78TO4751A000300080027-6
SOP SECRET CHESS 25X1A
 Approved For Release 200199/O?Ec&UDPM~51 27-6
PIC/JB-107/60
L-- 70?
FIGURE 2. APPROXIMATE CONFIGURATION OF OBJECTS. Those in Groups 1 and 2 are probable missile
components; those in Group 3 are unidentified airframes.
Approved For Release 2001/11/05 : CIA-RDP78TO4751A000300080027-6
TOP SECRET CHESS 25X1A