TECHNICAL BACKGROUND FOR EXPANSION OF DALMO-VICTOR CONTRACT FOR CHIGOE

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02770279
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: February 10, 2021
• Case Number: F-2011-01575
• Publication Date: December 16, 1965

Approved for Release: 2021/01/12 CO2770279
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DD/ST# 6 _6th
OD-35t8-65
16 DEC 1965
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for Science and Technology
SUBJECT: Technical Background for Expansion of Dalmo-Victor
Contract for CHIGOE
1. Dalmo-Victor Company was tasked to produce a low light level
TV system for CHIGOE at the inception of the program. The contract
provided for a camera, one monitor display/control unit, and spares.
The camera unit was to be hard mounted.
2. In development and engineering implementation of the CHIGOE
concept it was determined that the TV unit could provide a dual function,
as both a targeting device and as a pilot aid. This is a pert of what
we have referred to RS "technical upgrading" of the system. The primary
advantages to be realized are in aircraft safety at low altitude.
3. The proposed change in scope would add the following features
to the TV system:
a. two additional monitor displays, at the pilot and bow
observer stations, with CRT spares and harness
b. an az-el steerable, stabilized camera mount, previously
developed by Martin Company for another task
c. a manual override of the camera pointing function at the
pilot station, permitting him to capture control of the syetem
when required by low altitude, night maneuvers, and allowing him
either to steer the camera to a checkpoint, visual reference or
other ground feature, or to "snap" the camera straight ahead, to
show upcoming terrain. In the latter mode, this would provide a
real image of what is seen in radar display, and. would provide
for high pilot confidence in TAR/TFR programs.
d. a video dieplay of the aircraft axis on all three CRT tubes,
as an aid in targeting. Because the mount is completely articulated,
there could be confusion, especially at low V/h, as to where the
camera points.
Approved for Release: 2021/01/12 CO2770279
Approved for Release: 2021/01/12 CO2770279
SUBJECT: Technical Background for Expansion of Dalmo-Victor Contract
for CHIGOE
e. a aervoed, iris-type neutral density filter in the
optical train to provide full dynamic range in daylight. Our
system will be particularly useful in daytime search of water-
ways because of the S-1 photocathode response, and this minor
change will provide increased pictorial quality of that scene
in display.
f. engineering services and technical support during in-
stallation and checkout at the airframe contractor facility.
4. By providing the system complete to the airframe contractor,
with mount, cables, displays, and control unite, an appropriate re-
duction in time and post of integration will be realized. There will
also be an overall improvement in TV system performance in the target
search mode. But the real payoff will be in aircraft safety, in that
this system, will allow the pilot to commit the aircraft to very low
altitudes, at night, with full confidence that the TAR/TFR function
is backstopped by visual displaya of the terrain ahead. This considera-
tion alone justifies implementation of the expanded program.
5. The estimated cost of the package is $85,000, and is detailed
in an accompanying memorandum to Director of Logistics, for your approval.
ROBERT M. CHAPMAN
Director of Research and Development
L
2
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Approved for Release: 2021/01/12 CO2770279
SUBJ'ACT:
1. The
SECRET
tor of Logistics
,q2/274
misia-5906-65
16 DEC 1965
nsion of Contract with the Delmo-Victer Cemeany
cc of Research end Development requeste thet Contract
with the subject firm be expanded for dhaage of scope
required by this office. The proposed new work, System Integration of (b)(3)
Low Light TV in CHIGOE Aircraft, will provide additional hardware and
engineering services to increase the utility and effectiveness of the
SEC vidieon camera system in CHIGOE, end to facilitate its integration
into a specific aircraft in our possession. The estimated additional
cost is $65,000, end it is requested that the perfermance eeriod be
extended to 3,C June 1,966 in order to complete the additional tasks re-
Tared by the aircraft installation-.
2. The specific items and services to be furniahed are listed in
the attached propoeal (itens 1 and 2). In addition, item "option
provides n, feature described as "aircraft video axis indicator" which
we desire to incorporate in the finished system. This proposal was
submitted in resnonse to a detailed technical discussion with the
CHIGOE Program Manager.
3. Because of the lead time on one subcontracted item, the steer-
able stabilized camera mount, it is requested that you informally author e
Balsa-Victor to proceed with their order (to Martin Company) at the earliest
practicable moment, to prevent costly delays, in installation of the com-
pleted system In our aircraft.
Director
Attachments
1. Delmo-Vietor ,roposel
2. SeenefORD-306 Amend. 1
APPROVED: ,
ROBERT M. CHAPMAN
of Research and Development
Distribution:
0E41 - Addressee 1 - DD/S&T
1 - AO/ORD G-1 DD/S&T Reg.
1 - B&F/ORD 1 - LO/DD/ST
1 - Project File
1 - 0/Chrono (b)(3)
1 - ORD Reg.
0/ORD/DD/S&T:WABreyer:sj/4235 (15 Dec 65)
ALIErRir D. WliTEL0111
Deputy Director
for
flee and Technology
21
DEC 1965
(b)(3)
Approved for Release: 2021/01/12 CO2770279