CPX ATF-91B (OXCART)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130009-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 24, 2014
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: February 24, 1965
• Content Type: MEMO

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e 7EP SEMIET e
OXCART. ,
:C.OILTRO2, 13Y,sT.Em ONLY
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MEMORANDUM FORt Assistant for Operations, NPIC
SUBJECT: CPX ATF-91B (OXCART)
* REFERENCE: USIB 8-65, NPIC Project No. 11016-5 7)//72-7-2-
1. In response to reference requirenent, subject project (OXCART
Mission NX-501 of 28 January 1965) was received in Photographic Analysis
Group (PAG)/Geographic,Military Division (GMD) on 15 February 1965. PAG/
GMD was requested to evaluate the readout (exploitation) cycle to determine
if any improvements were required so that recommendations could be made to
�
OSA.
2. Plans and Development Staff (P&DS)/NPIC was requested to prepare
and present a briefing on the NX-501 camera system (115-A) utilized in the
CPX. OXCART cleared personnel from PAG, CIA/Photographic Intelligence
Division (CIA/PID), Publications Division (PD), Collateral Support Division
(CSD), Technical Intelligence Division (TID) and Production Services
Division (PSD) attended the briefing at 1000 hours, 15 February 1965.
Camera characteristic and data block information, INS data, and the NX-501,
mission profile were presented. The film, for CPX exploitation, was re-
ceived in PAG at 1400, 15 February 1965.
3. Only a limited number of PAG/GMD personnel are now OXCART cleared.
The exploitation phase was conducted under the direction of Chief, GMD and
exploitation personnel included
1, all of the Western Hemisphere Branch, GMD. A limited access
(OXCART cleared) area was established in PAG/GMD/WBB for the exploitation
phase. Exploitation of NX-501 included PAG/GMD, PD, and CSD personnel.
PSD (Photo Lab) and TID (Mensuration and Plotting) support was provided.
PID and P&DS personnel visited the WHB during the course of the readout and
viewed/reviewed the film and precedures excercised by PAG/(2MD.
4. The following report/exploitation phases were processed during the
course of the readout and remarks, as considered appropriate, are provided
for your information.
BYE 35547-65
24 February 1965
Copy.
A. Reporting Procedures.
1) IPIR, It is considered that the present IPIR reporting
procedures no utilized by PAG/GMD in the processing of manned and
drone missions are entirely satisfactory for OXCART. NX-501, eon-
taming approximatelY 940 frames of photography along an approximate
STAT
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� TOP SEMI'
OXCART
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I.
BYE 35547-65 ,
24 February 1965
SUBJECT: CPX ATF-91B (OXCART)
975 nautical mile linear track (in two parallel parts), is com-
parable to a GT Mission. Had mission NX-501 been flown against
. Cuba, and had the two parallel tracks overlapped, it is estimated
that approximately 90% of the island would have been covered, and
a majority of the priority COMOR targets would have been observed
under cloud/haze free conditions.
a) Equipment/Film/Personnel Requirements. It is
� considered that the 940 MC Light Table with associated B&L
�� *Zoom Microscope (Mono Mode) is the most satisfactory
exploitation equipment. It is also considered that the
Richardson Viewer might be utilized in conjunction with the
940 MC, however, geographic area and target density would
govern its use. It is concluded that two copies of the
"DP" should be provided for each mission accomplished.
This requirement has a two fold purpose: one, it provides
' for the use of the 940 MC and the Richardson Viewer in
conjunction with each other; and two, it provides an
immediate means of constructing stereo pairs for more
complicated and/or detailed "OB" readouts. (At present,
� t NPIC does not have a stereo viewing capability for OXCART
In its original roll form. The Fiber Optics System, how-
� ever, should provide this capability. It is understood
that NPIC will receive delivery on this equipment in the
spring of 1965.). Based upon a very limited exposure to
OXCART, (NX-501), it is judged that a mission over alba
and similar in scope to NX-501 would take five two man PI
teams approximately eight hours to readout the mission.
,(Wo man team composed of one each 940 MC and Richardson
Viewer.). Based upon continuing use of this system and
' experience gained by the photo analyst, the time frame
-should reduce to approximately five hours or approximate
that of a present GT mission. One Editor, one 826 Operator
and one CSD Analyst,pr ample support for an OXCART (GT-
Type) mission. PSD and TID staffing on a standby basis is
considered appropriate. Geographic area and an increase
in target density based upon the geographic area would
probably increase the need for PI, CSD and PD support.
2) MCI. Those procedures outlined in 1) above are considered
. appropriate for the production, of an OXCART MCI with an increase in
PD and CSD support to insure expeditious processing of report sheets
and proofs.
,
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, ANDLE. VIA bit.IVIHIM
1Corsdnop SYSTEM ONLIt
SUBJECT: CPX ATF-91B (OXCART)
TOP SEDET
0XuART
BYE 35547-65
24 February 196
. B. Target Reports.
1) IPIR/MCI reports as derived from OXCART materials would be
similar in content and presentation as manned and drone reports,
(GRC, GT, BS, Op.) with the exception of adding the x - y coordinate
for each report e4 target utilizing the Universal Grid (Number One).
The x - y coor4iate shall be presented as a part of the photo data
� line entry. iw..;Obange in the IPIR/MCI format is anticipated.
2) Detailed reporting as derived from OXCART materials would �
be similar incontent and ,presentation as is now accomplished by the
NPIC. Greater?system resolution, (one foot ground target resolution)
at peak operating efficiency coupled with optimum weather conditions
will provides, however, an increase in detail of reporting and an �
attendant increase in report processing time.
C. 'GAB orders/Support.
1) There are two means presently available for the ordering of
iGAB's. An x - y,coordinate can be utilized in requesting photo lab
support (GAB orders and/or stereo pairs) and/or an acetate overlay
. can be prepared by the PI/GAB analyst to accompany the GAB order.
Based upon the limited experience gained in the subject project, the
acetate overlay method is judged to be the most accurate and timely
and is preferred by the PI, PD/GAB and PSD/Photo Lab personnel.
. .
2) The final preparation of Briefing Boards, Vu Graphs and
report attachments from OXCART materials is the same as now utilized
by the NPIC.
1..�
D. Universal Grid (Number One).
1) The utilization of the Universal Grid presents no serious
-�problems to the pi. However, it is noted that the technique as now
:designed leaves something to be desired and efforts by P&DS/PAG should
be exercised in .at effort to devise a new system and/or refine the
present system.'
2) The present system, utilizing the Universal Grid Template,
.relies upon the registration and orientation of the template upon
the upper point of the lower of the two small triangles imaged in
the data block frame, �These small triangles, indicators for the
principal point of the frame, are faint and in some observed instances
almost indistinct.
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t_ONTROd SYSTEM ON1,Y.
SUBJECT: CPX ATF-91B (OXCART)
TOP SEM
OXCART
BYE 35547-65 .
24 February 1965
3) All references to this method are based upon the frame
being oriented so that the data block and title information are
readable. (This orientation is in reverse of the line of flight).
For the frames of the camera system (115-A) on which the data block
-appears to the left of the frame, ( Aft exposure), the grid
template is positioned with the intersection of x-O/y-12 registered
on the uppermost 'point of the lower triangle nearest that frame.
The template is oriented by making the abscissas of the template
parallel to the edges. of the film. (Curved imagery edge precludes
alignment along template "Y" line edge). X - y coordinates are then
read "right and up" beginning from the lower left corner of the tem-
plate. For those frames having corresponding data block and title
information to the right of the frame, (Forward exposure), the
same procedure as outlined above is used except that the intersection
of x-92/y-12 is registered on the upper most point of the.lower
triangle nearest that particular frame. Again x y coordinates are
read "right and up" using the lower left corner of the template as a
starting point.
4) As previously stated, the above system poses no serious
problems to the PI. However, in instances where minute target
imagery is being indicated for reporting and/or TID mensuration it
may cause difficulty due to the manner in which the PI must "eye-
ball" the alignment of the grid template in registration and orienA
tation upon the small, faint triangle and then the orientation of
the template by making the abscissas of the template absolutely
, parallel to the edge of the film.
E. Photo Interpretability.
1) Photo interpretability for mission NX-501 is judged to be
from good to excellent, (based upon those standards (quality)
necessary to accomplish an IPIR/MCI report). No detailed effort has
been made to judge the technical quality of the photography and no
comparative materials (GT-Type) are available to PAG, over the test
area for this purpose. However, both cultural and man-made targets
appear generally sharp with only minor degradation noted in the ex-
treme oblique areas. Optical and phottl enlargements up to approxi-
mately 40x were accomplished with good to excellent results. Stereo
pairs (contact scale) were reproduced and reviewed under Various �
L Zoom Stereomicroscope enlargement factors with good to excellent
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HANDLE VIA EJYLIVIHN
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SUBJECT: CPX ATF-91B (CXCART)
SEMI.
OXCART'
CIA-RDP78B05167A001800130009-3
BYE 35547-65
24 February 1965
results. Image characteristics remained sharp and target/installation
detection, recognition and identification results were excellent.
There are three basic means of obtaining stereo coverage: (a) 50%
forward overlap between successive scans by the aft camera; (b) 50%
forward overlap between successive scans by the forward camera; and
(c) 62% forward overlap between successive aft and forward cameras.
All means of steteo were processed and evaluated with good to excellent
results obtained
2) It was noted in the imagery that some areas appeared soft -
and in some instances blur was encountered. No attempt by PAG to
isolate and define this soft and blurred imagery has been accomplished,
however, it appears to be attributal to IMC difficulties. This may
have been caused, in part, by the near constant change in indicated
ground speed, (displayed in knots as a part of the photo data block
information), and the inability of the IMC system to react to these
.coridtant changes. Judgement on the technical aspects and attendant
quality of the mission will be left to P&DS and TID to report, however,
F. TID Mensuration.
1) TID/TAB statement of Mission NX-501 115A camera test film..
a) The INS recorder was operated during the camera
operation, however, it did not operate according to speci-
fica fications.
.b) The V/H signal from which altit#des must be de-
termined gave gross differences of plus or minus 20,000
.feet from the programmed altitude.
c) The V/H signal operated as if there was no
, variation in velocity or height although the ground speed
indicator showed a considerable variation during the flight.
d) The ground speed as recorded by the INS tape did
not agree with the ground speed recorded on the film.
� .e), 'The clock was recording in local time rather than
Greenwich Civil Time as.required. ,
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W
0? SELti
SUBJECT: CPX ATF-91B (OXCART)
OXCART
BYE 35547-65'
24 February 1965
0 An attempt was made to correlate all the
parameters necessary for the reduction of the data
requested on Project 11016-5. This proved fruitleso.
since the large altitude variations attained from
the V/H signal gave highly suspect answers.
g) Since no complete correlation of data was
available between the film and the INS tape the
probability of gross errors exists in any answers
derived from this mission.
h) The latitude and longitude recorded on the
film was also in error, therefore ho correlation could
be made in this fashion.
1) Further testing of the data derived from
.this'mission may allow mensuration studies in the
future but no data for publication is available at
this time.
G. Camera Data Block/Title Block.
1) Data available on the format data block includes: (a) Time
Track (Frequency marks); (b) Clock Time (with two sweep second hands
operating showing exact and/or approximate exposure time for the aft
and forward firing sequence; (c) Vertical Indicator; (d) Latitude-
Longitude; (e) Ground Speed (Knots); (f) "Write-in" Data (Mission
Number, Date, Camera Serial No., etc.); (g) Caged Status; (h) V/H
Status; (i) "Principal Point" Indicators - Vertical; and, (j) Left
and Right. Frame.
2). PAG processing (exploitation) of the mission positions the
photo analyst in respect to the flight line, that is, facing the
direction of flight. This analyst to mission relationship places
the data block and its information in reverse. This causes only minor
difficulties except when an x - y coordinate must be derived. The
analyst then must go to the other side of the 940 MC and compute his
reporting/mensuration coordinates. The tenuous method of coordinate
derivation precludes the analyst computing them from the "PI" side of '
the table. Perhaps some consideration could be given to changing the
present reverse presentation to read right from the analyst position.
3) The principal point indicators, triangles, are quite faint.
Effort should be made to enhance their readability.
rP SECIIIET
!WHAT
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eic? sanot
OXCART.
SUBJECT: CPX ATE-91B (OXCART)
BYE 35547-65
24 February 1965 .
4) Write-In Data is not readily readable. �Efforts should be �
made to select a high contrasebackground material on which the
write-in data is more readily readable and also seek more even
illumination in the data block chanter.
5) Latitude-Longitude presentation in plain text vice a binary.
presentation is excellent and exceedingly helpful to the PI/CSD
analyst.
H. INS and V/H Sensor Indicators (Mag Tape).
1) Only a very limited exposure to PAG of the INS and V/H
Sensor Indicators Program print-out was accomplished during the
NX-501 exploitation phase. However, the plot accomplished by TID
utilizing both the INS and Visual methods are considered very satis-
factory. .No trouble utilizing the plots was experience4,however,
PAG does fiot have a "feel" for plot "timing requirements" for the
two methods employed by TID in support of NX-501, (INS and Visual
Plotting).
2) The title block; mission, date, classification, etc. -- no
problems experienced with its utilization. . The information is printed
large, clear and is concise in its presentation.
5. SUMMARY.
A. The pre-operational introduction into new programs and systems
and their availability to the rank-and-file photo analyst is considered a
"boon" to the exploitation phase of the operation. In all too few instances
have the photo interpreters, mensuration analysts and collateral and other
support personnel had an opportunity to use, test and exploit new-type
systems/collections prior to their operational deployment. The NX-501 '
exercise is considered highly beneficial and productive in its application.
It provided a means to test our present, standard, reporting systems and
out. on-line exploitation equipment. No major difficulties were experienced
in its processing. The lack of an on-line stereo viewing capability and the
difficulty experienced in the application and orientatiOn of the Universal '
Grid in respect to the principal point indicators and the film edge were the
most noticeable.
B. Photo interpretability is judged to be good to excellent with
.some indication of image degradation noted in the mission. Correction of
5inlEt
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OXCART
BYE 35547-65
24 February 1965
SUBJECT: CPX ATF-91B (OXCART)
this apparent image deficiency and realization of the one foot ground target
'resolution factor indicated by the system specifications will of course
materially affect the exploitation of imaged detail.
C. The programming of "OXCART" in an operational area such as
Cuba would be a more realistic exploitation exercise than was Mission NX-501.:,.
The availability of a data base in depth and the reporting of COMOR targets
in detail would prove more effective and would constitute a more refined
gauge for comparison of present operational systems and OXCART.
Distribution:
Cys 1842 Asst for Ops/NPIC
3 - P&DS/NPIC
4 - CIA/PID (NPIC)
5 - PD/NPIC
6 - CSD/NPIC
7 - TID/NPIC
8 - PSD/NPIC
9 - IPD/NPIC
10 - PAG/NPIC
11 - IPO/PAG/NPIC
12 -GMD/PAG/NPIC
Colonel, USA
.Assistant for Photographic Analysis, EPIC
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SEdliEr
OXCART
STAT
HANDLE VIA BYEIVIAN
COMM= SYSTEM OM%
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