NRO ADDENDUM, PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 02808885
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: February 10, 2021
• Case Number: F-2011-01575
• Publication Date: March 16, 1967

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ET Noy
MEMORANDUM FOR: Comptroller, DD/S&T
ATTENTION: Col. William A. Seward
SUBJECT: NRO Addendum, Program Description
BYE-1907-67
Cy / of
g MAR 1967
oxbril
1. As requested, a program description for the NRO Addendum
to Optics Division's Agency Program Call follows. The addendum is
prepared in two charts: the first chart covers items already NRO
funded and indicates forecasts of future budgetary needs, the second
chart covers new programs and on,-going programs for whigh NRO funds
were not provided. This program description follows this format.
DOW
111 COPY
2. NRO Funded Programs
a. Infrared Imaging. This category includes:
(1) Research Scanner. This scanner incorporates unique
design features to permit separation of emissive and tempera-
ture contributions toward IR image formation. In addition,
the unique recording system will permit recording images over
selected 8 bands of information. Use and tests will be con-
ducted over the next five years to obtain empirical data to
support research and new concepts toward applications.
(2) 1[10 (Formerly 1/2)Milliradian Viewer. This item is
in response to the important need for real time viewing during
hours of darkness in Vietnam. The 1/2 mrad viewer represents
the present state of technology, although the design and devel-
opment of a 1/10 mrad is presently visualized. The increases
in 1968 and 1969 are for flight tests of the 1/2 mrad viewer and
initiation of the development of a 1/10 mrad viewer, which is
required to see objects smaller than trucks and sampans.
(3) 1/10 Milliradian IR Scanner. NRO provided toward
the completion of the operational prototype. That prototype has
been completed and is under oin U. . te
of the tests
ion
;
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No FY bb fund request was made in FY 66
for this item. in view of the latest requirement, it is
requested that funds be granted to provide the necessary
modifications and maintenance to utilize this equipment in
the field, and for other applications through FY 70.
b.
FY 68 is the "year of truth"
where equipment, techniques, and procedures developed under this
program to estimate crop yield will be applied to the wheat fields_
of North Dakota. FY 69 and 70 work covering rice fie11263-Taiwan
and sugar cane in Puerto Rico, for confirmation under operational
environmental conditions, is predicated on success over North Dakota.
An operational system is foreseen in FY 1970, when work will cease
unless otherwise directed.
c. Low Light Level Reconnaissance Systems.
(1) Channel Image Intensifier. This is basic work in
microchannel plates to increase the resolution and light ampli-
fication above present day image intensifiers. Intensifiers
capable of resolutions from 50 lines per millimeter to 300 lines
per millimeter are feasible to produce with gains in light
amplifications up to 100,000. Microchannel plates also offer
the possibility for transmission of the data, which will also
be investigated. Present image intensifiers have resolutions
approximating 25 lines per mm.
(2) Image Intensifier Driftsight. This is an application
of the above image intensifier to provide the pilot with a view
of the world (at night with 1/4 moon or better) that he has in
daytime through his driftsight, for navigation purposes.
d. Image Processing/Data Reduction
(1) IF Image Scanning Processor. The utilization of IR
imagery in a stereo mode has provided a technique where three
dimensional presentation has permitted identification of targets
not identifiable from non-stereo imagery. However, the scan
lines are a source of fatigue, and an optical means of removing
the scan lines has been developed. The work remaining is the
development of an operational prototype.
I
Orrirr"Ir
i
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(2) IR Imagery Study. The work to be accomplished is
the preparation of predictive models for various potential IR
targets of greatest interestIto provide a mission planning
guide for the operational officer.
e. Materials Research
(1) Hi Resolution IR Matrix. This work is directed
toward production techniques of microminiaturizing multiple-
detector matrices and arrays for a framing type IR camera.
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
(2) IR Electrophotography. This is a basic study and
development toward obtaining a true 8-14 micron infrared film
which will lead toward a conventional type camera operating in
the long IR wavelength region, with the possibility of obtaining
silver halide resolutions. The successful research and develop-
ment of this material will revolutionize the infrared concepts.
New Programs Requested for NRO Funding
a. Infrared Imaging. The war in Vietnam has focussed
importance of seeing and recording activities occurring in
IR is the only passive means available to accomplish this,
creased resolution is required to acquire information on tRrapt
smaller than a truck or sampan.
the
the dark.
and in-
work represents progress in our IR work, and the high cost is under-
standable.
b. Image Processing/Data Reduction
(1) High Speed Isodensitracer. Increasing use of the
isodensitracer for readout points to the importance of this
program, which will increase the rate of readout 60 times
faster than present equipment. It is used with black and
white, and IR transparencies. Monies requested are to complete,
install, and test the equipment.
(2) Automatic IR Data Reduction. It is expected that by
FY 69 there will be a need for the automatic reduction of IR
data, such as there is a need for automatic data reduction for
conventional photography. IR imagery is unique in that it is
formed by the emissivity and temperature of the target. The
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research scanner has the capability of separating the contri-
butions of emissivity and temperature, and thus provide data
whereby an automatic system can be devised.
(1) New Photosensitive Material. Previous research has
produced a film with resolution beyond 2000 lines per milli-
meter with a speed rating of ASA 1.5, which places it beyond
films presently available. Funding was not forthcoming in
FY 67, and the request for funds is toward the development of
production equipment and techniques to produce this material in
quantity and quality for operational usage.
(2) Phosphor Film. Most real time displays utilize a cathode
ray tube similar to that of a TV tube, because electron beam writ-
ing requires a vacuum environment. The development of new devices
such as microchannel plates whose output does not require electron
beam writing can utilize a simple non-vacuum device for viewing.
It will also require higher resolution phosphors to meet the
forthcoming resolution requirements. This project is toward the
development of higher resolution, color contrast phosphors, and
the design and development of non-vacuum real time viewing devices.
(b)(1)
d.
Systems. This program basically upgrades the
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
systems on a periodic basis. The reauest for
(b)(3)
(b)(1)
in FY 68 is for
tttIIIzes
experiences guinea, ana new aeveLopments since the in-
ception
of It will also include requirements obtained
(b)(3)
tu)k I)
field commanders,
from the
(b)(1)(b)(3)
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
e sums requested fo
research and development of
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Offi
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esearcu anct iJevelopmen
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
uing (b)(1)
(b)(3)
v
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