GENERAL DYNAMICS MACHINE LANGUAGE TYPEWRITER: REPORT AND FINDINGS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01139A000200110024-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: January 4, 2017
• Document Release Date: July 13, 2005
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: January 3, 1966
• Content Type: REPORT

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3 January 1966
UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE BOARD
General )pnamies Machine Language 'Typewriter:
teuo t and Findings
Attached for information is a copy of the report to the Chairman from
the Working Group on Remote Systems Input (WGRSI) referred to in para. 2
of the minutes of the last meeting (CODIB-M-G8, 23 Dec 65) As noted in
para. 7 of M-68, this subject will be taken up by the Committee when Dr.
Davis has developed an approved DDR&E position.
Oi3P I
-:-R-E-T Excluded from automatic
downgrading and
=e : l assif ication
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SUBJECT: General Dynamics Machine Language Typewriter a
leport and la indings
1. Background
i in December 1960, COMB set up the Working Group on Remote
systems Input. Its immediate purpose was to compare the requirements and
specifications of USIB agencies for remote systems Input devices in order to
combine them into a single set covering all essential features. The Group
duly formulated a statement of requirements for an Input/Output Typewriter for
typing classified information at jointly used installations abroad. The statement
included functional specifications common to all participating agencies, as well
as those of major significance to one or more agencies. NAG-1A/TSEC (later,
FS .222) was subsequently designated as the security standard for the equipment.
20 Buships, Department of the Navy, was selected as executive agent
by DOD to contract with industry for the development and production of the
secure machine language typewriter. The R&D Contract was awarded to
General Dynamics/Electronics. GD/E in turn chose the MITE Corporation as
subcontractor for mechanical assemblies. Work on the project commenced in
early 1964, and the initial briefing of the Working Group by the BuShips Project
Officer in May of that year indicated a satisfactory beginning.
1. By October 1964, when the Group was again briefed on the progress
of the development, some problem areas were becoming evident. It was reported,
for example, that the size and weight, as well as certain of the security require-
ments, would be difficult to attain.
2. As additional problems were identified and corrective measures
applied G and as additional requirements were levied - the equipment began to
take on a character substantially different from the original USIB functional
specifications. The complexity and projected unit cost have, at this point,
reached alarming proportions. This, together with some problems operational
GROUP I
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and security) which have not yet been resolved, leads the Working Group to
conclude that there is little hope for obtaining an equipment from this effort
which will meet USIB requirements and gain user acceptance. The problem,
then, is whether to continue to support the effort as programmed, attempt to
redirect it, or recommend cancellation of the contract now. Facts bearing
on the problem and on the Working Group's recommendation are presented below.
lit. Discussion
1. During the early stages of development, it became apparent that
(a) the machine would be larger and heavier than anticipated and (b) it would
? eve to be completely enclosed - in fact, virtually sealed - In a "quiet" cover
to meet the acoustic requirement of Federal Standard 222. A decision was made
to go into microelectronics and provide a recessing keyboard to reduce the size
and weight. Even so, it now appears that the machine will exceed the 100 pound
weight limitation by 30-50% and also be two or more inches wider than the design
goal. The effect of the "quiet" cover concept is that of making access to the paper
and tape, for correction purposes, difficult. This factor may well affect typist's
acceptance of the device.
2. In order to develop a machine with the broadest possible customer
appeal, the scope of the contract was modified to provide for on-line communications
capability and direct code conversion. By including a variety of optional features
to increase the demand, it was felt that the unit cost would be held down. However,
despite the original quotation of $3,400 per unit in lots of 1000 machines, General
Dynamics is now talking of a unit cost approaching $10, 000. Some members of the
Working Group feel the on-line feature has complicated the design and will lead
to increased maintenance problems. The contractor has affirmed, however,
that the existing problems are not related to the on-line or code conversion
capabilities.
3. Inspection of the Engineering Model at the contractor's facility by
members of the Group along with engineering and security advisors, pinpointed
some of the problems and objectionable features These range from poor design,
to the use of questionable materials, to probable operating and foreseen maintenance
difficulties, to doubts about the ability of the equipment to meet the requirements
of Federal Standard 222. It was determined that, if the effort is to continue, some
redesign involving additional R&D funds is imperative.
4. The contractor was called to Washington 9 November 1965 to review
the problems and discuss redesign recommendations. A summary of the results
of this meeting is outlined below.
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Prototypes
1) t dciitional R&D Costs Related to Recommended Redesign
A. Solenoid Power to Assist for Keyboard $ 24, 500
1). Reduce Sneed to 120 WPM to Minimize RFI
'J?oblem 58,600
e. Redesign Case for easier access to tape 19,100
d. Provide Gear Reduction System for
Motor Drive 11.900
Total $114,000
e2) Extension c( B& D Contract
Estimated at Six Months - to August 1966
B. Production Models
(I I), TO-Oki W
a. Preproduction Engineering
$ 303,000
b. Mechanical subsystem Processing
115.000
c. Tooling
],030,500
Total
$1, 448,500
(2),
Unit Cost for First Lot of 1000 Machines
a, Typewriter Only
8,500
b. Teletypewriter
9,000
o. Teletypewriter with Code Converter
9,300
Startup Costs Amortized Over 1000 Units
Additional $1, 448 per unit.
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!(3) Y)eiivery of First ProNetion 141achines
27 Months After Approval of Prototypes - About Nov-Dec
1968
Accelerated Program - 17 mos. after Approval
of Prototypes, achieved by Starting Preproduction
Engineering during Prototype Evaluation ? About Jan 1968
(1) Estimated Production Rate
(Beginning in 1968) - 50 Units per Mo.
(2) Delivery of First Thousand Units
(20 Months Co 50 Units per Month) Late 1969 or
Mid 1970
D. Some Unanswered Questions
(1) Required Length of Maintenance Training?
Electronic/Mecho Engineer?
(2) Security Standards In 1969 - 1970?
(3) Operator Acceptance?
IV. Findiggs -
1. The working Group has agreed unanimously that production of the
General Dynamics typewriter under contract by any USIB Agency is highly unlikely
in view of the projected unit cost, production schedule, and other problems cited
above. The Group has considered alternatives to recommend to CODIB In the
framework of the Group's interest as potential users of the equipment. Thus the
questions of operator acceptance, maintainability overseas, and cost of the end
product were primary considerations; security specifications (Federal Standard 222)
were formally ruled beyond the competence of the Working Group in discussing
alternatives, though the security aspect could not be discounted as a practical
matter as each member decided upon his position.
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2. The Group felt that there were two alternatives it could recommend
to CODIB:
a.. outright cancellation of the project, or at least withdrawal of
CODIB's endorsement of continuance, on the grounds that further expenditures
in redesign and prototype delivery and testing are not justified. Each agency
would then re-examine its own resources, and developments in industry, in
hopes of finding a substitute which would meet the original specifications. Any
breakth roughs would, of course, be shared with the community.
b _ continue the contract, with redesign estimated at $114, 000
and 6 months delay to meet the most basic criticisms of all parties concerned,
in order to provide prototypes for testing. Given the investment to date, the
experience to be gained from prototype testing would be worth the additional cost.
Should this alternative be adopted by CODIB, BuShips should be responsible for
scheduling testing of the prototypes by those agencies concerned, and prepare a
final report on test results for CODIB.
3. The Working Group Is deadlocked in recommending either alternative.
Each of the 7 members has registered a formal vote In light of his own convictions
and the technical advice available through his own agency. The Air, Army,
and Navy members vote for continuing the project through prototype delivery and
testing. The CIA, DIA, and NSA members vote for cancellation of the contract
forthwith. The State member abstains.
4. It is recommended that CODIB consider this problem at the earliest
opportunity, since the contractor is effectively stalled until further direction
from the government is received. It is also recommended that CODIB solicit the
opinions of the technical security experts most familiar with this development
in weighing the problems discussed herein.
5. The undersigned and other Team members will be available should
CODIB wish further oral elaboration of this report in the course of its
deliberations
/s/
O
Chairman, CODIB
Working Group on
flemote Systems Input
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