PROSPECTIVE DECLASSIFICATION OF U-2 HARDWARE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90B00170R000200230017-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 23, 2008
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: January 13, 1982
• Content Type: MEMO

A ck, way to" declassify U-2
o , the 'Air~_ & Space
would. appreciate your reaction
DUE DATE:
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'ATE:
Office or the DD/S&T
TO: DDCI
 Approved For Release 2008/07/23: CIA-RDP90B00170R000200230017-0
DDSF,T-130-82
13 JAN*1982
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
FROM: Leslie C. Dirks
Deputy Director for Science and Technology
SUBJECT: Prospective Declassification of U-2 Hardware
1. In keeping with your instructions, we have been
working for some time now on the question of declassifying
those aspects-of the U-2 Program which can be made public
without conflicting with the Agency's responsibilities to
protect intelligence operations, sources and methods. We
have carefully examined available records, both in CIA and
within Lockheed's Advanced Development Projects Division and
found them to be in some disarray. Reviewing and declassifying
these data would not only be time consuming but less than
meaningful.
2. As an alternative,
ictained by us as a consultant based upon his familiarity
with the U-2 effort, has suggested that we could act to
declassify the aircraft and its basic camera payload by
arranging to have one of three mothballed U-2s in storage
for over three years at. the Lockheed facility in Palmdale,
California, donated to the Air and Space Museum of the
Smithsonian. Several years ago the Air and Space Museum
people made verbal overtures to the Air Force for the
donation of a U-2, but were turned aside on the grounds that
it was classified. These early model U-2s, including the
one that made the initial flight over the Soviet Union, are
now excess to Air Force requirements. (As a matter of interest,
the U-2 which first overflew a denied area, was originally
purchased with funds from the Director's reserve.) Even .
NASA, which operates two in its upper atmosphere program, is
starting to transition to the specially configured ER-2
version of the newest successor to the U-2, the TR-1.
3. Recent contact with~~ the Assistant
Director of the Museum, reveals renewe ent usiasm for such a
move. has been approached by on
Approved For Release 2008/07/23: CIA-RDP90B00170R000200230017-0
 Approved For Release 2008/07/23: CIA-RDP90B00170R000200230017-0
SUBJECT: Prospective Declassification of U-2 Hardware
the subject and is quite keen on the idea and has. indicated
that Lockheed would be prepared to underwrite refurbishing
of the aircraft and its flight to Washington by one of the
original. Agency U-2 pilots now with NASA. This airplane
could be displayed with the first mission camera payload,
the "B" camera which is in storage at Warner Robbins Air
Force Base in.Georgia, as is the initial version of the
tracker camera. Air and Space already has pilot's personal
equipment and survival gear obtained from CIA following an.
exhibit in the building several years ago.
4.',A possible scenario for accomplishing this would
.begin with a letter from you to General Lew Allen, Jr.,
Chief of the 'Air Staff, seeking Air Force cooperation and
logistics support. At an appropriate time after the details
have bee.n.wo.rked out we could arrange a public unveiling
ceremony..:-You may want to personally invite Senator
Go nfa-r 'nn aircraft buff himself and an ardent friend
of
5. Taking this step would accomplish "instant declassifi-
cation"' of.the airframe/engine combination, plus the basic
mission payload. Other sensors would not be included in the
display..',Both Russia and China have battered U-2s in their
respective national--museums. It seems that the time may be
ripe to display the authentic whole article under more
.hospitable surroundings.
...6. With your concurrence, we will continue to explore
this possibility and will report results as they become
available.
. Dirks
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,S TAT