PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00285R000200050014-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 13
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 7, 2004
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: July 18, 1973
• Content Type: MF

Approved Forelease 2004
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Copy of
18 July 19 7 3 j
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director, CIA Reconnaissance Programs"-
SUBJECT: Program Progress Report
Forwarded herewith are three copies of the IDEALIST
Program Progress Report for the period 1 April 1973 - 30 June 1973.
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Attachment -
As stated
NRO review(s) completed.
.
Brigadier General, AF
Director of Special Activities
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 Annrn~inrl Gn~+rDLLln~cn 7nndl
C/SAS/O/OSA
Distribution:
1 - D/CRP
2 - D/CRP
3 - D/CRP
4- DDS&T Reg
5 - D/ SA
6- SAS/O/OSA
7 - D/O/OSA
8 - IDEA/O/OSA
9 - INTEL/O/OSA
10 - D/M/OSA
11 - AMS/OSA
12 - RB/OSA
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OPERATIONAL MISSION SUMMARY
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IDEALIST
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY AND STATUS
(1 April 1973 - 30 June 1973)
IDEALIST TACKLE operational missions were alerted
during this period. were flown, one was cancelled by Project
Headquarter s for weat er
IL--- I'All missions were planned to be flown no closer than
nautical miles to the China mainland coast. The following is a
summary of the missions flown:
2. Mission C143C was flown on 13 April 1973 along the
north central China coast. This mission was designed to
collect E information using the "H" configuration.
The northern portion o the route was not flown due to unsuitable
weather. The pilot reported 20 percent coverage of the planned
southern flight lines prior to aborting the route for weather.
Thirty-
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seven of 135 programmed targets, two bonus COMIREX, and
two non-COMIREX targets were photographed.
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3. Mission C153C was planned along the central China
coast from Quemoy north to Shanghai.. This mission was flown
on 25 April 1973 utilizing the "H" configuration. Due to weather,
the northern portion of the mission was not flown; however, the
pilot diverted to the east and flew the southern portion of the
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mission. Seven of 120 programmed targets and two bonus
non-COMIREX targets were photographed.
4. Mission C163C was flown on 26 April 1973 around
the Paracel Islands and along the coast of Hainan Island to
collect information using the "H" configura-
tion.
Eleven of programmed
targets plus one bonus non-COMIREX target were photographed.
5. Mission C183C, an "H" configured
mission, was flown on 10 May 1973 along the north central
China coast. Only 30 percent coverage of the planned flight
lines was obtained due to unsuitable weather along three por-
tions of the route. Several (more than. 10) fast moving ships
heading east were sighted abeam Shanghai. Thirty-eight of
135 programmed targets were covered. Three bonus COMIREX
and five non-COMIREX targets were photographed.
6. Mission C193C was flown on 22/23 May 1973 in the
vicinity of the Paracel Islands and Hainan Island, utilizing the
"H" configuration. Detailed analysis of the mission revealed
that 80 percent of the route was covered by clouds. Four of
the 36 targets programmed were covered. Three bonus targets
were covered; two COMIREX and one non-COMIREX.
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RED DO
A. T - Six sorties were flown in support of continuing
film tests using various film types and camera configurations.
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D. IB-3 Camera Test - Seven sorties were flown with the
modified{ configuration.
E. 1 H" Lens Test - Eleven sorties were flown to test the new
color corrected lens.
F. I- Four sorties were flown to provide
photography y in support 7-this test program.
G. COMPASS TRIP - Four sorties were flown over the Central
Ferry S a ion poppy plantings. The Delta and multi-spectral configura-
tions are being used for this phase.
H. I- Three sorties were flown to photograph
the areas ode by the Mississippi River.
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J. Pilot Training 25X1
pilots, completed training and became operationally ready on June 1973.
Each pilot flew 13 missions during this quarter to complete the flight
phase of training.
and a third candidate completed T-37 training. Two of the candidates
are now in T-37 training with the third candidate in T-37 continuation
training. will be selected for U-ZR
qualification.
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 PILOT AND AIRCRAFT STATUS (AS OF 30 JUNE 1973)
A. Detachment "G" (Edwards AFB - North Base)
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B. Detachment "H"
Aircraft
Pilots
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Section
IDEALIST
DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY AND PROGRESS
(1 April 1973 - 30 June 1973)
A. Inspect and Repair as Necessary (IRAN) - A decision to extend
the IRAN cycle from 2500 hours to 3400 hours was made on 3 May 1973.
This decision was made in view of the favorable condition found on
U.S. Air Force airframes previously submitted for IRAN.
B. J-75P13B Engine - The installation of improved third stage
turbine blades to increase engine life expectancy has continued during
this quarter as engines come due for overhaul. Two additional sets of
improved first stage turbine blades have been procured and a three engine
test program will commence during the first quarter of FY 1974. These
improvements should permit extension of Hot Section Inspection (HSI)
an additional 100 hours, and of Time Between Overhaul (TBO) an
additional 200 hours.
C. U-2R Flight Test and Operational Training Summary
1. IDEALIST Program accomplishments in U-ZR aircraft
since introduction include 11, 270.6 hours on 3476 sorties as of
30 June 1973.
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2. Flight test and operational data are depicted below:
1 APR-30 JUN 1 APR-30 JUN
FLIGHTS TIME
1 - 051 42 110.5
2 - 053 44 102.4
3 - 054 53 204.3
4 - 055 47 171. 7
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A. "H" Configuration - Serial Number 002 reentered flight testing
during this quarter; however, a secondary or "ghost" image was
observable in high oblique angle testing. The mirror has been removed
from the configuration and returned to the contractor's facility for
further testing and analysis. At the end of this quarter, ultrasonic
scanning of the mirror's brazed joints indicated separation had occurred
in two areas. A math model indicated differential temperature gradients
due to brazing separation and short term temperature changes could
also be affecting test results.
B. "B" Configuration
1. Serial Number 229 experienced defocusing problems early
in flight testing and was returned to the contractor's facility for
solution. After duplication of in-flight problems in the altitude
chamber, a plane of best off-axis focus was established and the
unit reassembled with this plane aligned with the platen. Following
further altitude chamber testing, the unit reentered the flight test
program on 20 June 1973.
2. Serial Number 230 has completed all functional ground
testing and altitude chamber testing and is scheduled to enter flight
testing early in July 1973.
C. Camera - The second f/3. 5 apochromatic lens
installation and variable slit modification to the scan heads of the
camera have been programmed to start during August 1973. The unit
is scheduled to be in the modification process until January 1974.
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have been made available to the Wright-Patterson Project Office.
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E. Q-E Bay Simulator - The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
simulator of Q-E Bay vibration, pressure, and temperature effects
has been completed and will be operationally tested with an IRIS
configuration during September 1973. Drawings necessary to construct
hatches so that IDEALIST configurations can be.tested in this simulator
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E. LORAN Navigation System - OSA arranged to borrow a LORAN
navigation system for use in a 90 to 120 day test program
designed to determine the applicability of this system in U-2R operations.
Feasibility testing is planned to be completed by September 1973.
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Det "G" Man Hours
Sorties Flying Hours TAC Maint Avionics
1 - 056 4
12. 6
22. 7
480
608
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AERO MEDICAL AND LIFE SUPPORT ACTIVITIES
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1. AMS/OSA Medical Consultant - 25X1
I recently chosen as consultant for
AMS/OSA, visited Washington, D. C., for a briefing during mid-
June.
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3. '1 1 Medical Technicians - One of the OMS medical
technicians resigned. By agreement, the Air
Force is entitled to fill the slot with an Air Force medic. It is
reported that the Air Force personnel interrogated 6, 000 IBM cards
to get two candidates, one of whom visited the site and declined the
job. An excellent OMS candidate will accept the contract position 25X1
if the Air Force is unable to fulfill this requirement.
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Life Support Activities
1. Shark Deterrent Screen - Contact has been made with
Dr. C. Scott Johnson of the U. S. Navy, the inventor and principal
investigator of a new shark deterrent device or as it is more
commonly called, a shark bag. Dr. Johnson is forwarding one of
the bags along with the early test results to Headquarters Life
Support for evaluation. The major problem to date appears to be
in miniturization packaging of this bag? In addition to its primary
use in shark protection, the bag can also be used in overland
survival as a sleeping bag, a water-collection device or for
signaling.
2. Glove Bladder Improvement - The full pressure suit
manufacturer, David Clark Company, is still investigating an
improved, bladder cloth for gloves. A weak area is evident in the
stitching in the crotch of the fingers. Presently, in order to
resolve this problem, a seamless glove has been fabricated using
urethane as a part of the compound. Field evaluation should take
place during the fall.
3. Helmet Bearing Seal Improvement - Six sets of redesigned
seals are being field tested at Detachment "G". Initial results seem
to indicate a considerable improvement, however, one seal did
cause excessive abrasion to the mating teflon surface. The cause
of this specific problem has yet to be identified.
4. 51010 Pilot Protective Assembly (PPA) Pressure Suit
Fit Problem - It has become readily apparent in the past six months
that the lower calf circumference must be increased for all subjects.
Across the board enlargement in this area will be accomplished as
pressure suits are returned to the factory for maintenance or
rework.
5. Parachute Harness Retaining Strap - The RQ-225 parachute
retainer strap that insures the proper position of the main riser has
been causing some interference with the suit controller and vent
hardware. The retainer is to be len thened one inch and test jumps
will be accomplishedi n August 1973.
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6. Glove Disconnect - A full pressure suit glove disconnect
has been redesigned to reduce weight and bulk, improve easy entry,
and improve ventilation. Prototype hardware will be available in
July 1973.
Training
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1. u Life Support Conference The semiannual Life Support
Conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 6 May 1973 in
conjunction with the Aerospace Medical Association annual meeting.
I Ithe Detachment TrG" Flight Surgeon, 25X1
represented OSA at this meeting.
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