SEARCH FOR HELICOPTER PADS AT MRBM AND IRBM LAUNCH AREAS USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04759A003500010044-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 5, 2003
• Sequence Number: 44
• Publication Date: February 1, 1966
• Content Type: REPORT

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PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETA
SEARCH FOR HELICOPTER
PADS AT MRBM AND IRBM
LAUNCH AREAS
USSR
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SEARCH FOR HELICOPTER PADS
AT MRBM AND IRBM LAUNCH AREAS, USSR
This re ort is issued in response to NSA
requirement which requested
an examination of pertinent photography to
determine what MRBM/IRBM launch areas are
equipped with helicopter pads, whether helicopters
have been noted at these pads, and construction
timing of the pads. This report supersedes NPIC
report R-20/63 of March 1963,11 which reported
the presence of helicopter pads at 5 launch areas.
A complete reexamination of all 188 launch
areas and the 1 launch facilit on available
photography from Missions F_
revealed no identifiable helicopter
landing pads at any MRBM or IRBM launch
area or facility. The earlier identification of
helicopter pads at 5 launch areas was based on
and previous
missions; subsequent photography of improved
quality and scale revealed the reported pads to
have been early construction for settling basins
for the launch area sewage systems. These basins
have been identified on recent photography at a
large number of the launch areas.
Although no helicopter landing pads have
been identified at any launch areas, areas suitable
for helicopter landings exist at or near many
launch areas, if it is assumed that helicopters
need only cleared areas with little or no prep-
aration.
In common with most other military forces,
the Soviet forces provide facilities for athletic
training/ recreation at practically every military
installation. At MRBM and IRBM sites, such
facilities normally consist of a soccer field with a
surrounding track; obstacle courses are also pres-
ent at a number of installations. While soccer
fields vary in size, few are less than 90 by 40
meters (approximately 295 by 131 feet), which is
more than ample for helicopter landings.
The proximity of airfields to launch areas
has also been reviewed during the study for this
report. Fifty-six of the launch complexes and the
launch facility have airfields of various types
within 20 nautical miles (nm); 46 of these have
airfields within 10 nm. A number of the airfields
appear to be used primarily for support of the
launch complexes, for example, those near the
following launch areas: Dyatlovo Launch Area
No 1 (TDI name: Dyatlovo Launch Site), Jonava
Launch Area No 1 (TDI name: Karmelava
Launch Site), Novosysoyevka Launch Area No 1
(TDI name: Novosysoyevka Launch Site 1), Sary
Ozek Launch Area No 1 (TDI name: Kara
Babau Launch Site 1), Kurgancha Launch Area
No 1 (TDI name: Kurgancha Launch Site 2),
Smorgon Launch Area No 1(TDI name: Smorgon
Launch Site 1), and Zagare Launch Area No 2
(TDI name: Zagare Launch Site 2). The airfields
are maintained, but generally do not appear to
have assigned tactical units, nor do they have
normal support and servicing facilities. Similar
airfields exist in the vicinity of a number of other
complexes.
During the review of photography, facilities
having undetermined functions and suitable for
helicopter operations were observed at 8 launch
areas. These facilities are shown in Figures 1
through 8, and a brief description accompanies
each.
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A r ctan ulor cleared area measuring 210 by 165 feet and containing an outlined rectangle app, roximatel
as constructed immediately north of the existing soccer field and track between
ly as early as small building is located at-the middle of the sourh a ge at the area; adjacent
to the building is a small pole, which could conceivably be a small stick most or a support for a wind sack. There is
no evidence to indicate the cleared area is for helicopter usage, although it is large enough, as is the adjoining
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An area on the north edge of the site support facility was cleared and leveled between
and surfacing of an indeterminate type was begun by the surfacing was approx-
imately 75% complete, although little progress has been apparen rough The completed size of
the surfaced area would be approximately 295 by 200 feet. As the launch area has no athletic/soccer field, the rec-
tangular area may function as such. It is of sufficient size to provide a helicopter landing facility.
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Prior to a rectangular cleared area approximately 195 by 130 feet vas graded and ou
mediate north o an exis ing athletic field. Evidence of snow being cleared from the a,e:a was apparent in
uggesting its use as a skating rink or other trawling/athletic field. It is large
enoug" [of e i p usage, cer field to the south and the small probable runway to the north.
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An area at the northeast corner of the support facility was cleared aft nd apparently hard sur-
faced prior to The surfaced area measures a roxrmatel ter-, his area appears to be a
soccer field; this is indicated by the addition by late of a pro a e track around the area. The area is
large enough for helicopter landings.
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Clearing was begun northeast of the site support facility ofter The cleared area
is approximately 235 by 125 feet. Its function is not apparent on p otograp y wever, the area
is probably not an athletic field since one already exists near the facility. The area posse y may a used for vehicle
shed/garage construction.
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FIGURE 6. VSELYUB LAUNCH AREA NO 1 (TDI NAME: VSELYUB MRBM LAUNCH SITE 1~.
A cleared area of unknown function has been visible since along the south side of the launch area
service road between the launch site and the site support facility. The area is approximately 330 by 150 feet, which
is ample for an athletic/soccer field, as well as for helicopter operations.
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FIGURE 7. KONKOVICHI LAUNCH AREA NO I I TD! NAME: PETRIKOV MRE,A LAUNCH SITE).
Lh
opter operations.
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FIGURE 8. BREST LAUNCH AREA NO 2 ( TD) NAME: BREST MRBM LAL1:44CH SITE 1~.
A rectangular cleared area approximate) feet is located immediately ncth of the site support facility.
Clearing and leveling of the area began a er a irs week of appeared and a re apparently complete prior
to Surfacing was started before when it abou 20% complete. The area is of
amp a size tor an athletic/soccer field, as well as for helicopter operations.
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DOCUMENT
1. NPIC. R-20/63, Helicopter Pads at Soviet MRBM Sites, Mar 63 (TOP SECRET
REQUIREMENT
NSA. P0432/R111-65
NPIC PROJECT
11229/66
II
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