SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Animal Partners
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06638341
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: September 6, 2019
• Document Release Date: September 12, 2019
• Publication Date: August 2, 1976

Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341
�
6.2(d)
2 August 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chairman, TACANA TCT
FROM
SE/COPS
SUBJECT System Development
1. Whereas recent flight tests in Oklahoma showed that -
an A-B-C pattern Can be flown under overt conditions, TACANA
is a long Way from being a clandestinely deployable collection
system. As an operations element SE cannot judge Whether there
is solid scientific basis for continued development of such a
collection system. However, we offer the following comments
as an approach to that question.
2. A requirements/target study should be made of
installations in the Leningrad and Moscow areas which could
be covered by TACANA. These Must be high Priority, not
accessible by other means, and geographically suitable for
a TACANA capability. Once catalogued these targets should be
evaluated carefully against projected TACANA capability. We
assume TACANA might photograph-targets in two ways: flying
directly to a distinctive target which they locate, due to its
unique shape, size, etc; flying an A-B route Which Passes'
over targets of interest which are photographed while in
flight (birds do not recognize any specific target).
3. A description or TOD of the desired clandestine
TACANA collection system should be written. This requirement
must emphasize the conditions under which it would be deployed
to and in the USSR.
4. Using the two above papers the DD/SET should prepare
a proposed research-development plan with estimated costs and
timetable. This would be used to decide whether to spend more
money and effort on TACANA.
WARNING NOTICE � SENSITIVE INTELLIGENCE SOURCES AND METHODS
INVOLVED
E2 IMP
CL BY
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341
2
5. Observations of TACANA over the past eight months
do not make us as laymen optimistic that a clandestine
collection system can be developed. However, a more systematic
scientific/zoological study approach seems essential before
embarking on any expensive development. One final note concerns
the TACANA camera system. This appears to have excellent
capability; indeed, it far exceeds delivery capability. Thus,
we suggest further engineering on it might be deferred pending
decision on the aviary capability.
cc: NIO/SA
C/SE/USSR
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341