'VAN' CONCEPT FOR FIELD PROCESSING AND EXPLOITATION CAPABILITY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81T00990R000100150008-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 6, 2002
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: July 8, 1966
• Content Type: MF

Approved F
MI!
elease 2002/UWWRETA-RDP81 TOO R000100150008-9
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XM4DRARE FO
R:
Spec siatant Vietnamese Affairs
25X1 A
ATMI ION:
Chief, l .gery Anal;pjs Division, CIA
25X1A
M:
SUBJZCT:
"Van" Concept for Field Processing and Exploitation
Capability
I I meeting in Your office on 29 June 1966 we discussed
25X1 A proposal for a Target leaner in Southeast Asia. During the
course of the discussion I mentioned the possibility of thinking in terms
of a "van" approach instead of a permanent or fixed installation for such
a Tart Center.
2. During this peat week a considerable effort has been s nt in
obtaining information sufficient to give you a better idea of the "van"
concept. The information which follows represents not only the vi of
IAD and RPIC officers, but also the views of 25X1 A
representatives who were called in to report on their latest activity in
providing the military with a "van" housed PI processing/exploitation
facility.
3.. Basically, the "van" concept is based on a system of air
r,alocatable vans or shelters - designed, engi>aheared end fully equipped to
provide a photo processing and exploitation capability in forward fiefd
areas. Several such systems are operational and in use by the military.
The air relocatable aspect refers to the air transportability of the vans
(approx. 22 x 8 x 8feet) in increments of one, two or three - depending
on the cargo space and weight limitations of the 0-121, C-130 or C-133
aircraft.
25X1 A A possible drawback in proposal is the lack of
mobility and recoverability of the planned for assets; redeployment of
aircraft and personnel in place would pose only minor problems, but not
so in the case of a processing/exploitation facility. If the Agency was
to acquire a photo proceasing/oxploitation capability based on an air
relocatable system it would at once possess the mans to respond to the
short range needs of /FB in Laos and to a lesser extent the long range
iv--ods of the Agency in having its ova; reconnaissance/exploitation
capability.
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25X1 A 4. Given the impetus of priority and assigning an EPIC
representative as PI 3BCP no time for comittee meetings): the
Aagney could probably have operational in the field a van-housed PI
exploitation unit within 60 to 90 dues and a. van-wed photo processing
lab within 90 to 1Z) dom. Me matter of the PRQJECT OFFICER is most
important; if the Agency wants results within 60 to 90 days the designation
of an EPIC individual - well qualified to monitor all the contract work
and completely knowledgeable of the problem - is essential. There is
no R&D involved and all of theequips nt is readily available.
5- . fteliminary study on our part indicates a minimum photo
processing, exploitation capability could be realized for a sum of less
25X1A than This miniuazt ilecility would be oamprieed of:
5 Processing/Prinbing/StorW Vans
2 Exploitation Vans
1 Admin/) intenance Van
25X1A
Personnel requirements for ouch a facility would call for
photo interpreters and spmulmtely []photo lab personnel. As
a minimum facility it would hwre the capability of handling the inputs
from any reasonable reconnaissance program - such as processing and
printing an input of 2,000 feet at any given time. And this minimum
facility would be or sized so heavy increases in film inputs - occasioned
by higher frequency of missions or inputs frcnF- _j - would be met
by the simple expedient of awing one or t WO VAWe vim.
6. Briefly then,` the van concept offers an air relocatable system
which is , bal. recoverable and indeed operational. Esher less t
25X1 A the Agency could have a processing/exploitation asset
capable o war -vide service in crisis areas where iasQediate information
is required from Agency or military obtained reconnaissance inputs.
7. We are prepared to discuss with you at any time the "van" concept
greater depth.
Approved For Release 2002108TUT'-CIA-RDP81 T00990R000100150008-9
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