CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS, PROJECT AQUILINE

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: Aquiline
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 03065153
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: July 16, 2020
• Document Release Date: July 30, 2020
• Publication Date: January 15, 1968

Approved for Release: 2019/11/05 C03065153
DEA LIST Nimpo
3.5(c)
3.3(h)(2)
IDEA 0059-68
Copy /of 7
15 January 1968
MEMORANDUM FOR: Comptroller, OSA
SUBJECT: Concept of Operations, Project AQUILINE
1. This memorandum will outline the OSA concept of
operations for project AQUILINE for FY 1969 thru FY 1974.
This concept is based on the following assumptions:
a. OSA will support AQUILINE in the test phase
through completion of the Proof of Concept (FY69).
b. OSA will operate AQUILINE in the operational
phases (FY70 thru FY74).
c. "Proof of Concept" ends at the completion of
the final test phase of the model aircraft
(early FY 1970).
d. The airframe, sensors, ground control unit,
to be used for full operational employment by OSA,
will be determined prior to the final test phase of
the model aircraft (start of FY 1970).
e. Operational range of the
will not be more than
f. Operational ran e of the
will not be more than
model aircraft
model aircraft
g. Targeting for project AQUILINE will be dependent
upon On-going sensor development, and it is not possible to
describe accurately the exact mission role and functions
of the project at this time.
2. Interim Operational Concept FY 1969:
OSA will initiate actions to integrate AQUILINE
into the OSA structure starting with FY69. The OSA concept
for FY69 will be training, testing and exploring the methods
of employing this system. To implement this concept it will
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be necessary for OSA to use the existing AQUILINE ground
facilities and to have six flyable model aircraft.
With this equipment it is conceivab e that should an
emergency situation arise there could be a short range
mission flown in FY 1969.
3. FY 1970 Operational Concept:
Starting with the first of FY 1970, OSA wil
to man and operate the AQUILINE project using the
model aircraft. By mid 1970 project AQUILINE is to be
manned with sufficient personnel to provide for two mobile
and one fixed units. The mobile units will be deployed to
and from the parent fixed base as and when the situation
dictates. To implement this concept, ten model
aircraft and three ground control stations plus the associated
sensor systems will be required by end FY 1970. During the
last quarter of FY 1970 it will be possible to conduct multiple
missions with the AQUILINE vehicle.
4. FY 1971 thru FY 1974 Concept:
It is assumed that there will be ten missions per
year for project AQUILINE. This should require the purchase
of a minimum of five aircraft per year for replacements and
spares.
SAS/O/OSA/
Distribution:
1 - COMPT/OSA
2 - D/0/OSA
3 - D/R&D/OSA
4 - D/M/OSA
5 - C/COMM0/0/0SA
6 - C/SS/OSA
7 - RB/OSA
Lt. Colonel, USAF
Assistant Deputy for Operations, OSA
L
15 Jan 68)
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Approved for Release: 2019/11/05 C03065153