STATUS OF EQUIPMENT CHANGES SUGGESTED BY (Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00313A000600010007-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2002
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: May 2, 1958
• Content Type: MF

Approved For ReleUe 2002/1 0/29 P6d [ P63-0''!'13A0060010007-8
CHAL o0L 3
Copy ,' of 6
2 May 1958
25X1A
THROUGH: Deputy Project Directo
NEHMORANDUM FOR: Project Director
SUBJECT: E pinent Changes Suggested by I Status of
1. In response to the referenced memorandum, the following action
has been taken on the recommendations contained therein:
a. Fuel now Meter. P & W has approved the use of a fuel
flow meter in the - in place of the present pressure-ratio gauge.
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation is at present taking steps to procure
suitable flow meters that will be of the same size as the present P/R
gauge. The exact status of procurement is unknown at the present time,
25X1A
but during
visit to LAC next week, he will endeavor to
determine the date
in the U-2.
at which these will be available for installation
b. Speed Brake Control. This modification has already been
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authorized by and is presently being installed in the U-2's
as mod kits become avai a le.
c. Milk Wagon. The staff visit to EAFB in early April 1958
revealed that the pilot conveyance vehicle had been completed to the
exception of a 28 V electrical generator to operate the UHF radio equip-
ment. Air conditioning, seating and oxygen facilities had been installed
and, at that time, the vehicle could have adequately been used for its
primary function. In a telephone conversation with the EAFB Physiologist
on 25 April 1958, information revealed that the 28 V generator had been
purchased and installed and that the vehicle now completely functional was
well accepted by the pilots.
d. Dual 0 en System. The document outlining requirements and
plans for a dual aircraft oxygen system, "High Altitude 02 System and
Pilots' Equipment" dated 14 February 1958, submitted by WRSP IV pilots
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REFERENCE: SAPC 25306, 12 March 1958
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IA-RDP63 313AOQQ600010007-8
was discussed during the staff visit. The schematic available at that
time lacked certain features considered necessary for a functional emer-
gency oxygen system. Several improvements were brought out during the
discussion, and it was agreed that an improved schematic could be en-
gineered by the physiologist and LAC engineers. The improved system
schematic will be forwarded to headquarters for evaluation. Headquarters
feels, as the pilots do, that an emergency oxygen system in the aircraft
would be desirable.
Approval was granted to the physiologist to parallel 2 each f-21j.00
oxygen regulators in one. seat pack. These regulators would be connected
to a selector switch permitting choice of #1 or #2 or both regulators.
This modification was approved for one seat pack as an R & D endeavor.
If it should prove satisfactory, all project seat packs may be so modi-
fied. The pilots have always expressed a desire for a second oxygen
metering device to preclude serious results ensuing from the loss of the
only regulator, as presently provided.
e. Face Plate Latch String. The problem of the face plate
latch string entangling in diversed equipment is not a serious one.
Shortening the string to provide a loop large enough for the pilot to
insert two fingers for operation and short enough to ride over "wires
and connections" is the common and effective solution. The present face
piece has a multitude of shortcomings. Replacing the entire head gear
is the only true solution. A new type helmet is being secured for EAFB
evaluation. Pending results, we are forced to use the MB-5 helmet -- the best
available at this time. If the new helmet proves successful, a quantity
adequate to satisfy all of our pilots will be requisitioned.
The in flight feeding port was not a factor in purchasing the MB-5
face piece. The emergency face heat circuit was the primary advantageous
consideration. It is agreed that the feeding orifice is a badly engineered
and leaking device. All Project feeding orifices have been sealed off and
the manufacturer has been encouraged to redesign pressure flight feeding
facilities. In the meantime, there is no safe method of taking food or
liquids during flight. Adequate pre flight intake indulgences at this time
will have to suffice. We will continue to seek improved designs and
methods.
f. ~F7. in Boots. The Project issue flying boot is of less than
mediocre accep a i i.ty. Consequently, Headquarters has approved and financed
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the purchase of pilots' individual choice of flying boot. The type boot
mentioned in the referenced report is being procured for the pilots who
desire them.
g. Cold Weather Gloves. Each Personal Equipment section has
been provided with an ample supply of cold weather ground wear mittens
(wool and leather). A pair of these is included in the pilotst survival
gear for winter survival. A supply is also available in the P. E. stocks
for pilot used as they deem necessary.
JWT: bm
1 - Addressee
2 - Dep Proj Dir
3 - Materiel
4-Opssubj
5 - Ops chron
6 - CHAL chron
Approved For Release 2002/10/29 : CA
Acting Director Operations