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SHORT HISTORICAL EXPLANATICE, NS 117E

DISCOVERER, S®ITRT AMD XMAS MONOLOG!

1946-1959 27 Sop 1959
s•

VflU

1

.

RICCOMMAISSANCE

Introduction .

itilLku.

,

Agri r Anowtril

I AtaA 42_

During the summer of 1943, an era in aerial reconnaissance

ended. The final group of Air Corps observers was being trained

at Brooks Field', Texas, bat these men The Eyes of the Air

Corps" the sigh arching over the main gate calledtima0 were

never to fly a photographic misaion in combat esnept by sheer

chamce. *As they were familiarizing themselves with the

vagaries and vapors of the g-33 and 16.20 cameras installed

in lumbering and underpowered CurtiCs'0 6-52 s s, sleek stripped

down P-38'. (7-5 0s) had already proved over North Africa that

a pilot alone could bring back good quality combat photographs

and zaps and that the observer was an anachronism.

. To be sure, bombers would continue to carry a few cameras

(particularly to cover bomb drops), but these mould be operated

by regular crew members who were radio operators or gunners

first end cameramen second.

The advent of high speed reconnaissance aircraft and

of camera location, remote from the operator ushered in a

whole series of new and complex design and operational concepts; the concepts themselves ushered in Rubel* series of

raw and very expensive aerial cameras.

DOWNGRADED AT 12 YEAR • INTERVALS: NOT AU rOKIATICALLY DECLASSIFIED. DOD DIP 5200.10

Sieja/

• i17 •tizA:44. 2 3
UNCLASSIFIED

1711.12 •

Higher and higher speeds meant that no longer mull camera

'NJ:slows* be mere boles in the aircraft fuselage. Aerodynamic

considerations made the addition of glass ports a necessity,

thus adding to the problem of transmittance. The cameras

and their accessories needed fully automatic control systems,

since the pilot_could not perform too many motions or calculations

at the high speeds he had to fly?

Moreover, when operational altitudes of 80,000 to 100,000

feet were forecast, intricate optical systems, stabilized

......JmounteLAnd methods of maintaining constant temperature and

pressure around the whole photographic installation became

necessary. For example, lens cones had to be designed to

compensate automatically for the effects of rare atmosphere

on focus; and while camera mounts, vertically stabilized try

gyroscopes, were , capable in 1949 of maintaining cameras level

to within 10 minutes of arc, better performance would be required

of then. Ten minutes off vertical at 100,000 feet altitude

2

represented a ground distance of some 300 feet.

To be relatively safe from enemy interception, a photo.

graphic reconnaissance aircraft would be forced to fly either

at vary high altitudes (80,000, 100,000 feet and higher) or

at very low altitudes. Within limits, very high altitude

reconnaissance called for longer focal length cameras to

UNCLASSIFIED

•
•

1(

1

Low Altitude Target Photo--6-Inch Focal Length K-17 at 400 Feet

Without Image Motion Compensation

•

•,6

ro.
VII-33

provide photographs with acceptable detail. Very low altitude

reconnaissance called for ever faster shutter speeds (which

in tura called for wider aperture lenses with high light transpittance values), faster cycling rates, and for synchronizing

movement of the . film with movement of the image across the

.focal plane (image motion.campensatioz).

3

By 1949, camera development costs had skyrocketed to

levels unheard of dui ing World War II. World War II cameras

of 24-inch focal lengti cost %bout $20,000 to develop. Developmont cost of• postwar 43-inch camera jumped to $256,000.

A 100-inch camera developed for use at 40,000 feet involved

woutlzy of $760,000. Altitudes of 100,000 feet Jared

camera development costs in the millions of dollars. •

In August 1955, the Air Research and Development Command

. •

issued a revised technical program planning docament entitled

"Photography." The document, together with an accoammving

set of five technical requirement*, substantially accelerated

tlia entire fir Force photographic development program and

set ambitious goals for the 1960-1965 period and beyond.

The "ultimate" goal«to be attained with all possible speed--

• A camera "cycle" is the time necessary to open and close

the shutter for a single exposure and then to move the film

into position for the next exposure.
d I

VII-14 •

►

 • I

•

was a reconnaissance subsystem capable of transmitting to

earth frmaan ' unmanned satellite high acuity photographs

-

.

tram +44 small details could be identified by examining

the developed prints under a microscope.

By-products of the satellite-oriented development program would be smaller, lighter, and simpler airborne camera

systems of progressimely higher resolution. Planners foresaw

reconnaissance altitudes of 100,000 feet for day photography

and 70,000 feet for night photography by 1960. In 1965, airborne photographic systems—by then immune to external env&ran-

=U.-were to be operating at 500,000 feet. The eater- .

borne system was to come into being as soon after 1965 ao

6

possible.

The requirements were still far in advance of the state

of the photographic art. in 1955. Using 1955 components and

techniques, a camera system capable of producing high reselution

photographs from even 70,000 feet and in sufficient =tars

to satisfy General Operational.Requirement 92 (Very iilz4 :.%titude

Reconnaissance Weapon System), would need a focal length of

seven feet., would produce negatives 12 feet square, al4 would

require 50 times the film capacity of available magazines!

7

'* Photographic acuity is the ability of a camera system

L3 resolve detail.
I

•

Cameras installed in 1955-mintage, 500- to 600-knot operational.

aircraft were capable of producing high quality black and

white photographZ at altiudesbetween 1,000 and 55,000 feet

during clear daylight and up to 40,000 feet during clear night

conditions. Above these altitudes, the bulk and weight of

the , camera equipment became prohibitive. Available cameras,

equipped with automatic exposure controls, bad focal lengths

of from three indhes'to 20 feet and format sizes varying from

five square inches to almost five square Zee,

Resolution theoretically obtainable Was about 40 lines

per millimeter, but because of vibrations and camera location,

actual resolution was about 10 to 14 lines per millimeter.

(The 1965 requirement for 500,000-foot photography was 100

lines per millimeter.) Image notion compensation was automatic

up to 8,000 feet altitude; above 8,000 feet, altitude information

8

had to be set manually into the camera control system.

The planning document specifically emphasized that improved

photography could no longer be expected through improvement

of the camera alone. In the past, the installation of ever

larger and hilavier cameras had resulted in improved acuity

and resolution as altitudes increased. The limiting point for

this type of "improveMent" had been reached, however. Supersonic aircraft, into which were crammed fantastic amounts of •
I I I

VII-16

equipment and in which every cubic inch was at a premium,

made necessary a photographic installation that was light

and =pact, and that had a frugal appetite indeed for either

9

electrical or mechanical power.

Needed improvements in airborne photographic equipment

could be described, in general, under three principal bead:J:47i

improvements in the camera; improvements in the instillation;

and insulation of tiie equipment from the operational environment.

-What kind of reasonably-sized camera could be developed

to fly a satisfactory reconnaissance mission from 100,000

feet altitude? Arbitrarily, a requirement might be set up

for a 36-inch focal length camera capable of realising at

least SO percent of its theoretical acuity while airborne.

It might also be assumed that as of 30 June 1956 a camera

of 36-inch focal length with an aerial resolving power of

about-22-lines per-millimeter could be built. Such a camera

would be theoretically capable of resolving a five-foot cube

from 100,000 feet altitude. Resolution, however, was not

synonymous with identification. Was the cube a jeep, a storage

shed, a large picnic table, or a light tank?

These_questions conld probably be answered if the resolving

power were doubled—i.e., to 44 lines per millimeter. Since
UNCLASSIFIED

1111-17

the camera would realize only 80 percent of its theoretical

resolving power, however, its resolution would have to to

raised to 55 lines per millimeter. This figure, being marginal,

would have to be boosted to 60 lines per mdllimeter for safety.

-- Would a camera of such high resolution be feasible? '

During World War II, the Army' Air Forces bad one type of camera

that occasionally (whenphatographic conditions were practically

perfect) would resdlvd 40 lines per millimeter from 20,000

• •

Zest altitude. Improvements in camera components =din installation methods since that time seemed to indicate that

a camera with a resolving power of 60 lines per millimeter

could be designed and built.

In addition to increased acuity, increased reliability

of cameras and components was necessary. Promising in this

regard would be extensive testing of cameras and components.

to insure durability and environmental resistance, and simplification of camera design to make use of unitized or nodular

10

construction for easy replacement of defective parts.

Improvements in camera installation consisted principally

of the develciment of stabilized "torquern mounts which not

only held the caneri: in a predetermined position at all times

but also isolated it from aircraft vibrations and flight movements. The mount itself, which eliminated mechanical igearing

UNCLASSIFIED
•

UNCLASSIFIED

,between the camera gimbals and the Metals*, .had been a unique

. development of Ifrigict thotographic Laboratory, and

it enabled an airborne camera to realize about 80 percent of

its inherent acuity.

Another installation improvement was the oduplamine

of cameras (i.e., the combination of two optical systems and

of two separate film magazines in a single camera body), which

made possible convereint photography with the use of a single

mount and a single window. Dopamine not only saved space

and weight, it simplified prevention of camera center of gravity

shifts with advancing of the film, since film rolls could

be arranged to mark in opposite directions. Moreover, since

the dual mechanismirlthin the camera body provided equal

and opposite moments of inertia in operation, camera stabilization would be simplified.

The protection of airborne photographic equipment from

environmental conditions of high speed, high altitude flight,

without undue drain on the aircraft's power•supay, was to

be accomplished in the immediate future by providing a pressure.

sealed capsule to contain the camera and mount, and by insulating

the camera with a "blanket" of some kind. A capsule, whose

interior remained at ground air pressure for the duration of

a mission without requiring additiocalpressurizationim flight,

UNCLASSIFIED
11111111 

CONFIDENTIAL VII-19

would avoid draining. aircraft power vitally needed elseehere,

and would help insure good electrical operation of the camera, •

proper film positioning in the format area, and meintaining

proper focus during photographic runs.

Protection of cameras and mounts against excessive temp-

..eratures generated within the earth's atmosphere at speeds

of Bach 2.0 and above meant some kind of insulating cover

and possibly a supply of dry ice for positive cooling as well.

For best focus, an aerial camera had to be kept at a stable

temperature for several hours prior to picture taking. However,,

once the photography ceased, the camera temperature could

be allowed to rise to the maxim= safety limit of the film

for the balance of the flight home. Other environmental problems of high speed night had to do with maintaining laminar

flow of air past the photographic window in the aircraft fuselage

mld the fabrication of the window itself froiglassi that would

u •

4. .7•F:tically stable at high temperature.

Augumi. 1955 planning document pointed out deficiencies

Ia..- em.zted i.;& a number of spscializei types of airborne

photer.:1,. .:::ic equipment. Recording the strikes of modern weapons

The best method of holding film flat during exposure is by

use of a vacuum plate in tho format arca. At 100,000 feet,

creation of a pressure differential between the font' and rear

surface of the film becalms impossible unless the camera conpartnt is pressurized.
II

VII-20

_-CON-FIDENT1-At

posed a substantial problem. While the Air Force called for

the ability to record rocket and missile impacts at ranges

of 3C,OCC test within a 65-degree cone ahead of the aircraft,

and to record bomb bursts either ahead ce astern, the strike

cameras of 1955 could photograph madhinv-gtml and rocket. impacts

only to about 1,500 feet.

• The need for high-resolution radarscope recording cameras

grew more urgent as fire contra, bombing, navigation, and

missile guidance systems . nultipliecrand as airborne cathode

ray tubes grew large in size. With operational nualear-pcwcrod

aircraft looming on the Air Force horizon, development-of

radiation-resistant photographic systems also gained in importance.

Increasingly in evidence throughout the Air Force was

a strong interest in airborne rapid-processing devices which

could produce high resolution photographs within seconds after

exposure. High speed movements of many ground forces in

tactical situations made reduction in processing time imporative.

Connected with the rapid processing devices would be either

a television system by which the developed prints could be

transmitted to receiving stations on the ground or ejection

equipment by which the prints could be dropped to tactical

conmanders in the combat area.
I ! I

MriCENTIAL

The issuance of the August' 1955 planning document also

marked an attempt to coordinate and unify a photographic development program which, to that time, had emphasized hard-

. •

ware rather thin the solution of known technical problems.

The result of this emphasis had been a wide variety of photographic components of great similarity. While reconnaissance

systems and techniques were, by their nature, more specialized

than some other Air Farce functional areas, and while no system

.

.

could fit= jobs, there was still a great deal to be done

in developing cocmon items such as lenses, &utters, magazines,

control and drive systems, and mounts that could be used in

as =r; camera systems as possible. Standardization of photographic components would mean not only a considerable saving

in money, but would also prevent the saturation of limited

laboratory time and redlines with a multiplicity of similar

12

projects and tasks.

The acceleration of aerial photographic system development

brought about a situation in which not only . the cameras already

installed in operational aircraft were obsolete, kout_in‘dlich

the cameras slated to replace them were obsolete also. The

projects reoriented and the tasks initiated in late 1955 and

early 1956 to meet the requirements laid down in the planning

document still; for the most part :contractors assigned

CONFIDENTIAL

. •
I I I

VII-22

to them by the end of June, but performance characteristics

for the new family of advanced camera types had been clearly

set forth. These characteristics were such that they would

enable the Air Force to•collect, in relative safety, accurate

aerial photographs containing intelligence information of

the highest quality and value.13

Daytime Area Reconnaissance from IU.gh Altitude 

Daytime aerial photographic reconnaissance had three

basic divisions: area reconnaissance from high altitude;

specific target reconnaissance from high, medium, and low altitudes; and mapping reconnaissance from high and medium altitudes.* Area and specific target reconnaissance could be

accomplished using cameras mounted either as verticals or

obliques. The purpose of area reconnaissance wis to provide

information on the route to the target and on the target's

* The terms "high," "medium," and "low" altitude were not

cagy to define. The principal difficulty was that "mediumM

altitude for an aircraft like the RF404 was "high" altitude

for-an aircraft like the RB-50; and "high" altitude for the

RP-104 was "medium" altitude for the projected reconnaissance

vehicle of 1960, flying at 100,000 feet.

In these pages, for the sake of convenience, the term "high"

altitude" will apply to missions at 30,000 feet :nd above; those

between 5,000 and 30,030 feet will be referred to as "medium

altitude" missions, and those below 5,000 feet as "low altitude"

missions. The low altitude category could be further broken down

rather arbitrarily into low-low, medium-low, and high-low (treetop

level, 100 to 1,000 feet, and 1,000 to 5,000 feet, respectively),

although such categorizing would only, detract from the clarity

of the narrative.
tl

CONr1DENTIAL

surroundings, in ordei to aid in its identification from the

air. Specific target reconnaissanc e provided detailed photographs of the immediate target area, frees ldaLeh venerable

points could be located and target defenses assessed. mapping

photography produced' extremely accurate charts of relatively

large areas. These charts were indispensable for navigation

14

and were a further aid to target identification.

The high altitude area search mission, as a distinct

type of photographic reconnaissance, was accepted as such

by the Aerial Reconnaissance Iaborata r y during its April 1956 •

conference at Monticello, Illinois. • Area reconnaissance

had been carried out for mar years, of course, bat it had

not been distinguished in any clear-cut manner from T7f.eific

target reconnaissance. For example, in 1948 a

•

aircraft flew a non-stop mission from Ice Angeles to !41;

at 4C,000 feet altitude making a continuous strip photogimph

of the ground below. The coverage was from horiton to horizon,

since—the 'aircraft employed a atri-metrogonn camera arranM.

=ant of one. vertical, one left, and one right oblique. This

15

was area reconnaissance with a vengeance.

Sea Chapter VI and VIII of this history.
-CONFIDENTIAL1111-24

In 1956, operational aircraft were equipped with

several types of cameras capable of performing the area

'search 111133:10D at altitudes then attainable. The cameras

themselves were of either 6- or.22.Andh focal length,

since such relativ4e•short lona cones provided wide ground

coverage from high altitude, although on a very small

scale. '

Ths 6-inch cameras used for area search included

. the K-17C, the E-22, the KA-2, and, the T-110 The 12.

inch camerae included the K.38, the RA.L, and thelL14. •

Aircraft iL which one or another of these cameras we '

installed (or schedeled for installation) were the RB.36,

the RB•52, the RB-66, the RF.84F, the RF-101, tne RF.104,

and•the RF-105. The 88.66 and the latter three fightertype reconnaissance aircraft were not yet operational, but

their complement of cameras had been at least tentative)i

established, and the =eras themasives were in existence.'

The X-17C =era, which in 2956 was still being

used in RB.36 aneRF.84F 'aircraft, produced mine-inch

square negatives fled held a megazine with 390 feet of

film 9.5 inches wide. It could accommodate 6:3A0h (f/6.3),**

12-inch (r/5.0), and 24-inch (1/6.0) lens cones (although

only the 6-inch lens was used for the area search mission).

Its shutter speeds ranged fro:al/50 to 1/400 of a secoed,

and it could take pictures at a rate of one every one and '

on ►-half seccsds. Its weight varied trawl 30 pounds with ,‘

the 6-inch lens to about 53 pounds with the 24-inch leas."

Installed iv the RB.36 aircraft at the formrd vertical

camera station, a single, 6-iach focal length K-17C could

-handle a pert of the area search mission. To obtain

For a detailed listing of missions, weapon sisters,

.caneras, and focal lengths, see the charts and tables

in the Supporting Documents section for this chapter.

The charts and tables were compiled from sources listed

in Document VII-1.

* The f-mmber of a lens is also called the *relative

aperture" and is obtained bEv dividing thelecal length

by the diameter of the lens's "effective" aperture. It

is a an• 

of indicating tae amount of light the lems

transs:LI:at various settings at the iris diaphragm.
VII-25.

coverage froa horizon to horizon across the line of !light,

three 6-inchs K•17Cos could also be mounted in a stri:n

metrogon" array just forward of the vertical statics 17

The RF.84F aircraft utilised three 6.inch K3.7C's

to perform an ~area search mission. One camera was mounted

at the vertical station and two more were mounted just

behind it at right and left oblique stations. This was

called a "tri-camera" array rather than a tri-metrogon

since the cameras were not mounted in so prowls, a relation to one•another as in the latter case.4°

The K-22 was another camera used occasionally for

area reconnaissance. This camera could also be found

in RB.36 and RF.84F aircraft and, like the K.17C, produced

nine-inch square negatives, and held 390 feet of 9.5-inch

film. The K-fl could accommodate 6-, 12., and 24-inch

lens cones with the use respective f-stop numbers as the

E..17C cones, and. its shatter speeds ranged from 1/150

to 1/800 of a second. There were in existence 40-inch

lens cones designed especially far the 1•22, but none'

of these was installed in operational reconnaissance

aircraft. The 6-inch model weighed about 25 pounds, and

the weight increased to 107 pounds with the 40•inch lens.

Weight increases were approximately proportional for

the 12- and 24-inch models.19

In the RB-36, the forward vertical station was equipped

to handle a K-22 camera as a substitute for the K-17C.

The area search mission might thus be apoomplished by„.,

using either camera equipped with a 6-inch lens cone."

The RF..84F camera compartment provided a forward oblique

mount for the 1-22; when the camera used a 6-inch cone,

it could perform a 44.nd cf area reconnaissance-fUnietion

from this position."

Another camera capable of performing the pioneer

area search misston from high altitude was the X.4.2.

It wasamuhnewer camera than either the K-17C or the

R-22, but, although it was in production, it was intended

for use in reconnaissance aircraft that were still in

the development stage. The RF-101, 1/6104, and 116105

all had provisions for utilizing K&-2 cameras, and, of

these aircraft, only the 1176101 was res,sonabl; close to

operational status.

Whenever a term like "6-inch" is appli,- to a camera,

it refers to the focal length. Focal length, roughly

defined, is the distance from the optical center of the

lens to the film rex

•
CONFIDENTIAL--

ITLT-26

The XAm2. 8 format site was the same as that of the

K-17C and K.22 and it utilised film of the same length

and width. It could accommodate 6.4nch (t/6.3), 32-inch

(f/4.0), and 24-inch (f/6.0) lens cones, could accomplish

a cycle in 1.75 seconds, and had shutter speeds from

1/25 to 1/500 of a second. It was a considerable improvement over the other two cameras in that its operation

was completely automatic, and could be installed in a

'torquer mount as will as in standard mounts. The weight

of the 24-inch model as about 65 pounds.22

Although the camera itself was in production, two

tasks aimed at improving its operation were still in

the development stage at the end of June 1956. One was

for an improved intra-lens shutter with an aperture of

three and one-half inches to replace the 4rapidyne" shutter

in ihe current model. The other was for an advaneek,

torquer mount, which was given the designation IS-6.')

The area search mission was tentatively allotted

to 6-inch KA-2's in tri-camera array in both the B76101

and RF-105 aircraft, and 12-inch KAa's in the RF-104.

In the RP-101, the three 6-inch KA-2's were mounted just

behind the forward oblique station. The two side oblique

cameras, however, faced inward instead of 'outward. Thus

the right oblf.::ue camera took a picture of the terrain

to the eft or the aircraft's line of flight, and vice

The R1-105 called for a slightly different arrangement. The three KA-2's were mounted th the same plebe

across the aircraft's %sane and were placed directly

behind a single forward "rotatable" station. In this

case, the two side oblique cameras faced outward as in

most other tri-camera arrangen3nts.25

In tie RP-104, a single 124nch KA-2 in a "rotatable"

mount would perform the area reconcaisiance mission from

high altitude. The longer lens come was required since

"high" altitude for the RF-104 was somewhat higher than

for the RP-101 or RF-105. The camera requirement for

the RP-104, howelveri ,was not firm and was subject to

change at any tlee.e0

The T-11 camera was designed and built to extremely

rigorous standards; its lens had to be especially free

from distortion, since the 7.11 was essentially a mapping

ceases. Wherever the Sill was mounted as a single vortical

=era, its mission was strictly that of mapping. However,

the reconnaissance "capsule" of the RB-52 had provisions
--CONFIDENTIALfor a tri-met7-.1on army of T-11 1 2 which could btused

for area reco..issanoe as veil as for charting.

The camera itself used the same film and produced

the same negative sizes.as the 1462 and I-17C. Its lens

was a 6-inch, f/6.3 "motrogon;" and it cycled once every

3 seconds. Its shutter speed range was from 1/10,to 1/500

of a second. The camera weighed about 70 pounds.'

Of the cameras having 12-inch lens cones 'On addition

to the KAR.2) the K-38 and the KAel were capable of accomplishing

•the pioneer a.rea search mission from high altitude.

The K-38 was sifted for use in the 88.66, while the KA-1

was tentatively schedulerfor installaticn in the RS=105.29

The 16.38 had a 9-by48-inch format and could hold

500 feet of 9.5. inch fila• Itomald accommodate not

only the 12-inch (f/6.3) cone, but 24-indh (f/6.0) and

36-inch (f/8.0) cones as well, and its shutter could

be operated at speeds of from 1/50 to 1/230 of a second.

The 1-38 cyc54.. once every 1.6 seconds, weighted from

37 to 62 poems depending on the lens cone, and operated

either from an intervalameter or from the universal camera

control system"

The 3.5-inch aperture, intra-lens shutter being developed

for the KA-2 camera was being considered as an addition

to the 1638. Two torquer mounts (the IS-3 and IS-4)

were intended or the K-384 though they mere also still

in the devolt :int stage. 34- • The ED• 6.i vas scheduled to mount a 22-inch R-38

in tho vertical position just behind the triamamera station,

and provisions were already incorporated in tie aircraft

fortion of the camera in a stabilized or torquer

mount.

One other camera, the KA-1, 1013 tentatively planned

for installatton in the RP-105. With a 12-inch lens

C0=3, it coati ecmceivably be used for area reconnaissance

missions alien ..anted in the rear vertical position.

The KA-1, like the 10.38, had a 9-by-18-inch format and

could handle 500 feet of 9.5-inch Slim. Its lens Coma

.had • focal lengths of 12 inches (f/6.3)„ 24 inches (f/6.0),

and 36 inches (f/8.0), and its shutter operated at speeds

of from 1/25 to 1/400 of a second. Its weight ranged

from 55 to 78 pounds depending on focal length, and it

.cycled once c-wy 1.5 seconds. Its operation was completely

automatic, it %..16 engineered to fit any standard aircraft

camera mount, and plans called for incorporation of the

3.5 inch aperture itl -lens shutter in its optical system

at some future date.
V1148

Except for the KC.1 and the IA-3, these Calor.s comprised

the entire stable of operational Air Force day cameras as of

30 June 1956. Used with different lens cones, they served

to perform, in addition to area reconnaissance, the other

daytime Air Force missions tram high, medium and b y altitudes.

Obviously, these cameras were already on the verge of being

put out to pasture, in view of the rigorous requirements laid

down in the August 1955 revision of the Technical Program

/' Planning Document. This was net only true of the K-17C, L.22,

K-38, and T-11 camerns,'but also Or the KAml and KA-2, since

all of these bore a "standard" designation--and, in the Air

34

Force, "standard" was virtually synonymous with "obselete:"

Under develop:tent in 1956 were a number of cameras scheduled

to replace those installed in operational aircraft. While

none of than would bo able to achieve completely:kb. performance

,

. .

specified by the planning document, they did. repreeent a substantial int:revenant over the cameras in servic • use.' Although

some might never become operational, others certainly would.

At the very least, each would contribute its•share to the

advanco=nt of photographic technology.

- Amengthe cameras either in the service test or late

development stage and conceivably capable of a high altitude

pioneer area search mis4; the E..2 panoramic camera,

.4110

•
V11-29

the-EA-5 and KA4 cameras, the LA-11 camera `body, and the

.KA-25 camera. The latter, being developed specifically for

the RE-58, was the only one of this group planned for a de-

-35

finite weapon system.

•

The idea of a "panoramic" camera--ane that could take_

horizon-to-horizon photographs without resorting to multicamera arrangements—was not new in 1956. In March 1949,

the Porkin-Elmer Corporitionwas developing what was then

called.a "transverse" panoramic camera using a rotating prism

to obtain a wide "sweep" of the terrain below. The camera,

designated the B-1, carried its film supply in the "roof"

of the aircraft from whence it fed down through a sleeve into

the format area. This arrangement allowed the use of tremendous

lenths of film without the disadvantage of having to stabilize

a camera weighed down with oversized magazines. The E-1 used

a 48-inch lens and produced negatives 18 inches wide by several

36

feet long.

The E-lcamera served to demonstrate the feasibility

of the panoramic principle. It was a very bulky machine,

however, and in July 1953 the Air Force began to develop an

E..2 panoramic camera that would fit in a container "similar

to a wing tank." By Nay 1955 the contractor (Vectron, Incor.

porated), had fabricated an expert= of the E-2
UNCLASSIFIED

3111-30

suitable for "nose installation in fighter type airc*ft."

While multi-camera arrays (such as those in the REs3641.4

BB-$2) were capable of obtaining about 15-lines-per-minifeeter

resolution, the E-2 was-expected to provide something between

20 and 25 lines, since only the focal plans and the optics

of the camera needed stabilization, and since the maximum

area of exposure on the femme only nine inches long and

37

one inch wide.

The experimental model of the E-2 was a "breadboards'

type piece of equipment and was primarily for study purposes.

It provided 150 degrees of coverage across the line of flight

and incorporated a coded data recording system. It also provided "graded" image motion compensations•i.e., the compensation

varied from zero at one horizon to a maximum value of 12.6

inches per second at the vertical and back to zero at the

other horizon. Anothermore, exact exposure control was available for every point on the negative from horizon to horizon.

This was possible because the camera utilized a focal-plane

shutter which consisted of a variable-width alit sweeping

across the negative plane.

A camera's focal plane is the area perpendicular to the

lens axis, in which the image quality is best for a given

focal length and lens aperture.

UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED

VII-31

The LL2 • s weight (1,600 pounds loadeawas slightly less

than that of multi-camera arrangements of the same focal length

(24 inches) and its bulk was about half as great. It was

more reliable, too, since its moving parts were fewer and

moved at low speeds, thus cutting down the shock and vibration

to'which the camera was subjected. At the maximum cross section

point, the Ei.2•was about 31 inches in diameter.

The Aerial Reconnaissance laboratory planned to provide

an B-2 camera for operational suitability testing tram fiscal

year 1957 funds. This model was to give a coverage of 180

degrees and to have,the ability to resolve an object four

feet square from 100,000 feet. At the same altitude, the amen

would provide "recognitions" of an object 16 feet square.

•

The E-2 was designed to carry 5,000 feet of film which, since

it moved at constant speed, was suitable for the application

38

of rapid processing techniques.

By the end of May 1956, the experimental model of the

E-2 panoramic camera was nearing its "final" configuration.

The principal difficulty still remaining was the need for

a practical vertical gyroscope. The difficulty arose because,

although there were usable instruments in existence, the better

ones were assigned to projects that carried higher priorities.

The contractor was thus forced to patch up gyroscopes that

UNCLASSIFIED
-CONFIDENTIALM-32

no one else wanted, but Vectron had not yet succeeded in putting

39

one into operating condition.

.Another camera originally intended for low altitude, high

speed reconnaissance, the KAw5, was in June 1956 being considered

for the high altitude, area search mission: The camera pro. •

duped negatives 2.25 inches square and used a magazine holding.

100 feet of Q0-millimeter film. its.shwtter was capable of

speeds between 1/25 and 1/2000 of a second, and it could cycle

ten times a second. The camera weighed about 21 pounds, operated

automatically, and provided "graded" image motion compensation

for all counting positions, either vertical or oblique.

The contractor for the KA-5, J. A. &u m, had by &rich

of 1956 delivered the first develepeent model to the Aerial

Reconnaissance Laboratory. Laboratory teats were nearing

completion at the end of June.

While the low-altitude potentialities of KA-5 were not

forgotten, laboratory thinking gave the camera an important

part to play in high altitude reconnaissance also. In order

to try the camera's abilities at high altitude, the laboratory

had sot up a one-time test (for some time in 1956, if possible)

in which several KA-5 • s would be installed in an F6104 in

"fan type" array. At the forward camera station, five cameras,

with different focal lengths, would be arranged to give horizon
to horizon coverage. The vertical SA-5 Would have a 3-inch

focal length; on either side of it would be an oblique with

4.5-inch focal length, each of which would be aimed to overlap the verticals field of view; and on the outside of each

of these would be another oblique of 6-inch focal length,*

again with overlapping fields of view. The future of the

F.A•5 as a high altitude. camera would, in part,. be conditioned

40

by the results of this test.

The Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation was contractor for another developmental camera with high altitude

possibilities. This was the ItA• !'all-purpose„ camera, which

had begun development in May 1953. From the beginning, the

Lt-8 was planned as a highaltitUde camera, a far altitude

camera, and a napping camera. The laboratory received the

first experimental model from the contractorjin . October 1954

for preliminary tests, but it was September . 1955 beforeccontrols had been fabricated which would permit the camera to

begin flight testing. In January 1956, several low altitude

test flights were mado with the KA-8, using its full image

motion compensation rate of 21.6 inches per second. During

the summer of 1956 comparative testa in an RES-47 were to be

flown with a regular Air Force mapping camera (the T-11 or

KC-1) used as a standard; after these tests bad been completed,
-CONFIDENTIALv33-34

environmental testing would begin. The experimental model

was equipped with a 6-inch (t/6.3) Nestrogonw lens, but the

service test model was to incorporate a "planigon" lens of

ths6same focal length and speed.

The KA-8 itself had a 9.by.9.inch format and used either

250 or 500 feet of 9.5-inch film. The exp.riaentkl model

weighed about 90 pounds without film, but the service test

model would proboArweigb* . about 60 pounds. Itishutter operated

at speeds from 3./50 to' of a second, its cycle rate was

six per second, it provided image motien compensation film

speeds of from 0.5 inch per second to 23.6 inches per second

during exposure, and it incorporated the latest improvements

in automatic camera controls.

The IA-11 camera body was the product of a December 1952

task intended to provide an impred camera body 'which could

use existing K.22 lens cones. Ths primary goal was to develop

a body that was simple, reliable, durable and easy to maintain,

since the K-22 body was outstanding in none of these attributes.

Using a 6-inch lens, the lAmll would be able to fly a high

altitude area search mission and produce photographs of better

quality than those produced by the K-22.

By April 1956 no experimental model of the LA-11 had

yet been received from the contractor, the Bycon Manufacturing
VIL-33

Company, the reason givenbeirginability to obtain a high enough

"curtain spade to satisfy the requirements. The laboratory

hoped, however, that a model would be delivered in the "next 43

Law months."

The IA-11 differed from the K-22 body in that it utilized

a focal plane shutter capable of speeds between 1/100 and 1/1600

of a second. This was actually the fastest shutter speed

available for any large-format, Air Force camera, either in

existence or under devplogrant. The body was to incorporate

automatic 'ontrols; it weighed about 30 pounds and bad a

44

cycling rate of two per second.

One of the three. cameras being developed especially for

the R3-58 aircraft by Fairchild Car.ora and Instrument Corporation,

was the FA-23. It was equipped with a 6-inch (f/6.0) "metro-

._ .gon" lens juice the T-3.3. and KA-8) and could be. ueed, at high

altitudes for area recornaissanoe. Like the KA78,_it.waa..._

also a mapping camera and a low altitude. reconnaissance camera.

Its format was nine inches square, and Its magazine held as

much as 500 feet of 9.5-inch film. Its controls were being

specially designed, as was its stabilized mount, and it weighed

approximately 60 pounds. It could cycle at a rate of four

frames per second and provided image motion compensation at

rates of between 0.16 inch and 16 inches per second. Its

0

. ••

6
shutter. speeds ranged between 1/50 and 1/700 of a second.

Exposure was automatically controlled. The camera itself

was still, in the early development stage in June 1956, but the

project:swimmer 

45

anticipated that envirceseental testing would

begin in October.

In April 1956, the laboratory began to work toward a

reconnaissance camera for high altitude area search, to meet

as fdLly as possible the requirements of the August 1955

Technical Program Planning Document. No contractor had been

assigned to the development of this "sweep camera" as of 30

June 1956, but some design parametere had been tentatively

established. A focal length of 100 inches vas called far,

the lens to be of the highest possible acuity and the , camera

itself to be of the smallest possible size and weight. The

design was to incorporate automatic exposure controls asfwell

as an automatic focusing device, and provisions were to be

made to isolate the camera from its operational eaVironment

as completely as possible.

'Graded image motion compensation was to be provided up

to a rate of 3.6 inches per second, with the parameters automactically derived fram the aircraft's navigation system.

The sweep camera was to make use of 'unitized" construction

in order to give it the ability to use several different lens.
UNCLASSIFIED

copes, and it was to be adaptable for use in a "rotatable"

mount so that it could take advantage of a mati-mindow arrangement and switch quickly from left or right oblique to vertical

ti •

and back again.

The task called for a focal plane abutter, on the order

df that used lathe E-2 camera. A rotating prism would provide the

single lens with a-40-degree sweep of the terrain below. Such .

. .

an angle of view would enable the sweep camera to cover the

same area on the ground as four single 100-inch cameras of

9-by-l8-inch format. Cycling rate - was to be one'per second,

46

and each exposure would use six feet of 9.5-inch film.

nualamisteetios / remalesantotrolLaighA=ide.

High altitude reconnaissance prior to World War II meant,

for all practical purposes, reconnaissance at 10,000 feet.

This was about as high as prewar, 12-inch focal length cameras

could fly and still produce photographs that showed "pinpoint"

targets in acceptable detail. A camera of 12-inch focal length

yielded photographs from 10,000 feet altitude with a scale

of . 1:10,000, and this was the scale demanded by photo interpreters

in order to evaluate targets properly. (It resolution could

be raised from the usual 8 to 10 lines per millizter, then

a slightly sma.11er scale would be allowablei) Using these

11!

UNCLASSIFIED
•

va-38

pre-Werld-War41 parameters, useful specific target reconnaissance

from 40,000 feet altitude, then, mmuldrequire a camera of

48-inch focal, length.'

. By themid4950's, however, the resolution of aerial cameras

was consistently averaging from 32 to 18 lines • per millimeter,-

and the cameras in operational use for the high altitude specific

target reconnaissance mission had either 24-inch or 36-inch

focal lengths. At 40,000 fast, these cameras yielded negatives

with a scale of 1:20,000 and 1:13,333 respectively. While

n

photographs at such scales were "marginal." from the photo

interpreter's standpoint, it was usually possible to extract

from, then the minimum information necessary for target evaluation.

The cameras in production as of 30 June 1956 for

'1230 in the high altitude specific target mission were

• the K-22, tho K-38, the KA-1, and the KA-2. They used

either 24-inch or 36-inch lens canes (sometimes both),

and they were either installed or planned for instillation

in the RB6.3§A RB-47, B2652, +7, BB RF6101, BF-104,

.,and BP-105."1

Each of these cameras with a shorter lens cone; was

..used in the area search mission. The RB-36 carried a

pair of 24-inch K-22's, one at the left and one at the

right oblique statics, and they were used to obtain high

altitude photographs of specific targets from relatively

long slant ranges. The 88-36 might also mount a 24-inch

K-22 at the vertical station (in place of the 6-inch

K-17C or K-22 for area Neconnaissance) to obtain target

evaluation photographs."°

The BP.84F provided two positions in which the 24-

inch K-22 might be located for flying specific target

missions. One was the forward oblique station, and the

other was the left oblique position, just behind the

tri-camera array. The forward oblique K-22 doubled as

a low altitude camera, but, as might be expected, lest

altitude photographs with a 24-411ch camera exhibited

extreme foreshortening effects."Y

—CONRDENTIAL" •

•
. . -CONFIDENTIAL--

- In 1956, the &CB camera.was being used for the

high altitude apecific . target mission in more aircraft,

in more configurations, and in more mounting positions

than'any other. In the RB-36, a pair of 24-inch

were mountetat the "split vertical" station, for target

evaluation shots; just behind them, five 36-inch IL-38's

were set up in a "multiple" array for the same purpose.

The split verticals performed a second bastion whenever

the RB-36 was on a mapping mission. While the mapping

camera (which had a9-by.9-inch format and a 6-inah Um)

made one exposure, the 'fit verticals (each of which had

a 9-by-18-inch format and a 24-inch lens) would have made -

four. Thus the split verticals produced 36.inch•sq0are

negatives of the same field of view covered by the mapping

camera. The quadrupled scale of the X-38 photographs

assisted in positive identification of details on the

mapping prints.

The multiple array of 36-inch,&38'e was also capable of performing a missicer secondary to that of specific target reconnaissance. These cameras could 'be used,

over limited ground distances, for area search missions.

They provided lateral coverage of about 108 degrees,

and, whenever the aircraft's viewfinder indicated an especial* interesting area below, they could be operated to obtain overlapping photographs of the terrain at a

relatively largo scale. Here again, the X-38 shots would

aid considerably in identifying detail on the small-scale

phot

camerae ogr."'

uhs taken by 

• 

the 6-inch focal length "area search"

Single vertical X-38 cameras of either 24-inch or 36-inch focal length were mounted in both the 88.47 and

0684F. The RB647 also carried a 24-inch forward oblique

and a pair of 24-inch or 36-inch split vertical I-38

while the Fa 0 s. r-84F was capable of moentlig a 36-inch E-38 obliquely in its nose compartment. All of these were

-

u

high al

selprimarily

 tulle, 

for spe

the

cific target reconnaissance from ti split verticals in the RS.47 supplementing the upping camera in the same manner as

those in the RB-36."'

The RB-52 and RB-57 also bad mounting provisions

for K-38 cameras. The RB-52 reconnaissance "capsule"

E

was des igned to carry a multiple array of four 36-inch

-8's for specific target high altitude missions. The

. RB-57 could utilize a pair of 2A-inch split vertical K-38 11 s for either high cr mediae altitude target evaluation work. As in the case of the split verticals in the 

1121-36 and RB-47, those in the BB:57 supplemented the work of

the 6-inch mapping camera.54

• -COMMAITIAL_
-CONFIDENTW7 •

.• •

The newer ICMl and ZA.2 cameras mere all Assailed

for installation in fighter type recconvissance aircraft,

none of which mere yet opastional. The R111.101 was to

carry a pair of split vertical 36.inch Wars for specific

target reconnaissance from high altitude, and the RF•0.011

a single vertical of the acme focal length. The . bad provisions for.11.3. 0s in three diethrent.scauting

positions. it the split vertical station, the aircraft

could early a pairof 36-inch focal length cameras.

In the vertical spot could be placed either a 24.1nch

or 36-inch WI, and the as chaos of camerae spas availabie

at. the forward oblique position.A,

There was a possibility that the EA-2 camera might

also be used for specific target missions frcs high altitude. •

The 117.105 vas to have the ability to carry a single

24.inch . /C1.21n the forward oblique comparbiont in place of the IC1.1.7'

In the "service lest" categozy as of 30 Jtms were fox/

" asu cameras or bodies which, presumably, mould be Me to

perform a high altitude specific target mission under open-

:

ational conditions. These !ow were the LA41 body, S4.5

camera, pins .the 11.13," sad the 1.4.27 3.110 the U.25,

vas being developed for used in the R73.58.onle.► ...Thit*I3l_

body, using . a 2/4.inch image, mat expected to Immo-markedly

on the perforsvusce of the 1.22 camera 55 . .

; • .

While.the 11.5 camera vas being developed allizat.cpsidneivilly:

as a lcm altitude reconnmtasenoe camera, math a seocoday.

:possibility of flying a high altitude area searoh.misslon,

the Aerial Reconnaissanoe Liberator" intended te'• tay it out

on the high altitude specific target mission as wall.. Dtaring •

the use FAO .test *flight as which the.fivi• short focal lailith
air

Ili-5's Imre to be teat td as area search cameras, the laboratory

intended to testa tri-camera grouping . of 12-inch fq.allength

56

Do.,51a.

Under development for operational use in the immediate

future as a high altitude camera fowspecific target reconnaissance

was the KA0,13, averse:2a with a 90p484.1mdiformat using:up

to 1,000 feet of 9.5-inch film. The Itroonitanufacturing Company

reported is June 1956 that an experimental soda would be:

delivered to Wright Plild "shortly."

The KAR.13 as not a radically new or different design,

but merely incorporated a number of•state-cf6ibephotographic•

art advances in a relatively conventional camera body. It

was to have image motion compensation, which existing 944,-

la-inch format cameras did not have. It was to be equipped

with automatic exposure controls and with a coded . data recording

device. It was also to have a fast focal plane s"itter (with

speeds up to 1/800 of a second) and a cycliEg 'reit pf two • •

.,

..• .

See page 32.

• ••11•10•4

•

frames per second. t

The camera would utilise four different lens cones for

photographic Elation. at various altitudes. In addition to

accepting the 12-inch (f16.3),.24-inch (f/6.0), and 36-inch
.\.

•

C"'"1"INTIAL _

(f/8.0) lenses originally planned, the IL-13 was also to take

. .

cones containing 48-inch (f16.3) lenses olewhitpaylzwercalready

in Air Force stock. These cones were annsable in any other

Air Force camera, since they were designed to be used with

4 focal plane shatter.. There was hope that, with improvements,

the 48-inch cone would extendphotcgraphic altitudes at a

sufficiently early date far. enough above 60,000 feet to.sstisfy.

the "100,600 feet by 1960" requireemm& in the Technical Progra;

Planning Document.

57

• The KA-13 would weigh about 330 pounds with its 48-inch

lens cone and 1,000 feet of film. Its image motion compensation

rates varied between 0a inch per second and 3.6 inches per

second, and it was to be compatible with most standard aerial

58

camera mounts.

The KA•27 was a 34=inch focal length camera being developed

for use in the RD-58, strictly for the high altitude specific

target reconnaissance mission. Like the 11.25 and IA.26,

it was being built by the Fairchild Camera. and inetrument

Corporation, and, as of June 1956, was still in the early

development stage.

It was to have a 9•bre18-inch format, could Use up to

500 feet of 9.5-inch film and was to be compatible with lens

bones longer than the 36-inch (2/8.0) cone currently planned

••
_soANDEiglik.

VU-43

for it. Its shutter was to be of the intmilens "rapidyme"

typo with speeds of between 1/100 and 1/300 of a second.

TheACA-27 was not a fast cycling camera; its fastest rate

was one frame ivery.1.25 seconds. Its rate of image motion

compensation bdilt up to a maximum of 3.2 inehes per second.

•

Camera weight was about 100 pounds. Controls mere of special

59

design, an4 its mount was to be gyro-statdlised.

More advanced than the requirements for any of the above

four cameras were those laid down in January 1956 for a "very.

40 high altitude duplex"' s camera. No contractor had been assigned

to the development by June 1956, but the performance parameters

were designed to Meet as fully as possible the requirements

of the August 1955 planning document.

The purpose of the task was to provide high resolution,

moderate scale aerial photograph, from future operational

altitudes by camera systems mounted in supersonic aircraft

compartments that are neither pressurized or rsici thermally

controlled. . . ." The camera itself was to have a 9.by.18. !

.

inch format, actually two formats, since it. was a duplimc with

two optical systems in -one body, and focal lengths of 36 (f/8.0)-

or 48 (f/11.0) inches. The task called for elimination of

mechanical tolerances betwebn the lens mount and the focal

plane, hinh quality production lenses, complete elimination

of internal and external vibration of the camera system, and improved*

film. CONFIDENTIA-L-
• •

UNCLASSIFIED

Perhaps the most remarkable development goal was a resolution of 100 lines per millimeter ("on the bench"). An

antra-lens shutter With an aperture of three and one-half

inches was to be designed for use in the 36-inch or 48-inch

cone. Shutter speeds mould range from 1/50 to 1/2000 of a

second. It was contemplated that a single photoelectric cell •

would control both shutters.

There was to be ho image motion compensation in the ordinary

sense, but movement of the image was tO• be offset by using

a swinging torquer mount. Total weight of the loaded camera

was to be about 190 pounds. The camera was to carry up to

- 500 feet of aerial photographic film or more if thin-base *

film could be successful!, developed. Using 500 feet of film,

the camera could cover a strip 35 miles wide . and 580 miles .

long (using the 36-inch cone) at 60 percent overlap frost 100,000

feet altitude. On a normal development basis, an experimental

—model—of-the camera'conld be expected within two years after

60

signing of a contract.

Development of high resolution lenses held an important

niche in the high altitude camera research structure. Of the

score or more lens developments underway in the Aerial Reconnaissanoe

laboratory, three were of special importance for high altitude

reconnaissance, one-for the area search mission, and two for the

specific target mission.

UNCLASSIFIED
•

UNCLASSIFIED

1111. ►5

For possible future use in area search reconnaissance,

the laboratory early in 1956 established a task calling for

a 12-inch focal length.lens for a 4.5-inch square format.

No contractor bad been selected by the end of June, but the

lens characteristics required that it resolve 60 lines per

millimeter, that it have reasonably high speed, and that it

becapable of obtaining extremely high quality photographs

from very high altitude. Aspheric-surface lens elements or

even a curved inage plane would be permitted in the design

161

of the lens.

Tiro other high altitude lenses, one of 36-inch foci' length

and the other of 48-inch focal length, still lacked

a contractor by the end of June 2956. The 36-inch lens was

to.have 60-lines-per-millimtCr resolution (more, if possible),

and it was to be designed especially for use in the very high

altitude duplex camera. The laboratory planned to procure

62

two competitive prototype models of the lens.

•

Portions of a lens surface that are nos.spherical are

'called Naspheric. N 1 curved image plane is incorporated in

certain experimental cameras to bring every part of a photo•

graphic image into sharp focus. ♦ flat Joao plane cause*

areas away from the center of an image to be less sharply defined than those nearer the center.

dh.

UNCLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL

V111.46

The 118-inch lens vas to bave at least twice the resolution

of any . coepariblelans (this meant between 30 and 40 lines per

millimeter). Project engineers planned to investigate a °faded"

lens system which would permit the length of the camera to be

63 along the longitudinal as of the aircraft.

21.3111112-214g11221/2131ailaila22-traialdbal-altitn4

Medium altitude reconnailisance was on the way out by

1956, although great numbers of operational aircraft still

were equipped with cameras suitable for the medium altitude

mission, and several cameras in development were aimed at the

same mission area. •

"Medium* mean% generally speaking, between 5,000 and

30,000 feet, and geuerally required a focal length of 12 inches

to obtain the necessary detail. Thus, the 12-inch cone was

characteristically mated with one of the operational high

altitude cameras whenever medium altitude reconnaissance's=

• require.d.

The B2.36 and itF.84F both had provisions for mounting a 12-inch K-17C or 1-22 at vertical stations. In addition,

the B1.36 could utilise one forward oblique and two side oblique Cleft and right) 142's of 12.inch focal length for medium altitude specific target photographs.. The 1F.84F could carry the samehcameras at both forward oblique and left oblique stations.'

Vertical 12-inch 1.38's were to be mounted, on occasio,

in the 112.66 and lathe reconnaissance capsdle of the 1B652; there was also a provision for the 8?-103 to carry
-CONFIDENTIAL---

VII-47

•

a single:vertical 12-inch IAA. The other existing camera

planned for medium altitude work was the XL-2. "Rotatable's

12aminch . KA4 • s wire scheduled for instillation in both

the BF-104 and 816103, while forward Obligee XA.2's of the

same focalielength were to be mounted in 816103 and 816101

aircraft.

Medium altitude cameras still in development included

the ZA-13 and IA-11. Both 24-inch and 12-inch WOOS were

planned for the IA-1% and this made the camera suitable Mi.

medium altitude work. The li•. body would operat

66

e at mediae

altitude with a 12-inch cone just as the 2-22 did.

•

TheBycon Manufacturing Company was developing a camera,

the KA-4, which represented a considerable step forward on

the road to obtaining a truly yq•to.:date, high.oudtormedium

altitude reconnaissance camera. D nsignid primarily for high

speed, b y altitude photography, the KA.4 nevertheless was

to be usable with a 12-inch come for medium altitude shots.

Its format was four and one-half inches square and it carried

up to 500 feet of five-inch film in its magazine.

It was a fast.acting camera. Its 'focal plane shutter

could operate at speeds up to 1/1000. of a second, it could

cycle six times per second, and its film could be moved during

exposure at a rate of 10.8 inches per second for image motion

compensation. Its lens was fast, too (f/4.0 for the 12-inch

cons), and the camera's weight was about 43 pounds. The.camera.
Ili

UNCLASSIFIED

design allowed installation in any standarlAirlOrce mount,

and,s4ch features as automatic exposure contra and coded

67

data recording were incorporated in the camera body. •

The contractor delivered the first experimental modal

of the IAA to the Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory at Wright

Field early in 1955; flight testing inanRF44F bad begun

by the end of the year. These tests were considered successful

and, by March 2956, plans were 'being made for procurement

68

of a service test quantity of 21 caneias by late 1958.

1 a - 1•4•.• -

The region below 5,000 feet altitude, like that above

30,000, was becoming increasingly important-to .aiiiil reconnaissance

camera designers by 1956. In low-altitude operations, problems ••

of navigation and precise location of targeth were intensified, •

but law-flying reconnaissance aircraft bad the compensating

ability to get in and out of:target areas without overmuch

exposure to defensive fire. The chance of interception by , 1

enemy radar, missiles or antiaircraft fire was greatly lessened.

The value of low altitude recormaismarce wasbrilliantly

illustrated in September 1950, during the Korean fighting,

by three R7680 pilots from the Fifth Air Force. They made

four very-low-altitude flights over the invasion beach at

Indhl on, trying to get piotires which would show the height

UNCLASSIFIED

•
..,••••••••N

•

of the the peawalls and to locate defensive armament, sandbars

..•••••. \, • and shoals which might snag landing atteopts. The BT-80's,

.-------" - using-S-22-eameras,.made both vertical and oblique shots,

some in heavy overcast and drizzling rain. The verticals were

taken from about 3,000 fast altitude, while the obliques mere

shot as the aircraft streaked toward the beach at altitudes

between 100 and 300 feet.

Results were excellent. Invasion forces based their

plans for an assault on the seawall height data derivcd.from

the photographs. Amphibious trcops stormed ashore equipped

with the necessary ladders, and went over the seawalls easily.

The walls proved to be almost exactly the height calculated

from photographs. Oblique VIAWIS of the beaches from various

diitances off shore also proved invaluable to the crews operating

69

landing craft.

In general, low altitude, high speed recennaissance.photogreptvrequired short focal length lenses, high shutter speeds,

and high image motion compensation rates. Bent of the low

altitude cameras omational in June 1956 used 6-inch lens

cones almost exclusively, but some cameras under development

were to have lenses of 3-inch--and even 1.5-inch--focal length.

•

The venerable K-17C and K-22 cameras still served

on low altitude reconnaissance missions in the BF-847.

The tri-camera•arrgy of 6-inch K-17C's used for area

reconnaissance missions did doable duty and performed
q 11

• -CONFIDENTIAL-- .

vn—so

low altitude Missions as veil; the same held for the

forward oblique 6-inch K-22, but, on occasion (as in

the case of the Ma-a in Km ), a 24 iemt, X.22 vss

mounted at the forward Oblique station for low altitude

reconnaissance.70

• Other existing cameras planned for operational use

in reconnaissance aircraft still in the development stage

were the Kiva and L' 2. Tentatively, a 12•ioch KA•.

camera, mounted. at the vertical station of the RF-105,

was to serve in Clor altitude capacity in addition to

performing area search and median altitude reconnaissance

functione. Cameras with 6•inch lenses were slated

for instillation in both BF-104 and RF-105'aircraft;

in :he RF404, the KA•2 to be installed in a rotatable

mount and used strictly for low altitude work. In the

.11F-105, however, a tri.camera arrangement of 6-iech KA..24s

doubled as high Altitude area search cameras. The EX105

was hang engineered to use both 12...inch and 24-inch

KApa's for law altitude missions as well as tha virimary

243310313 for which the cameras were designed: While the

12-inch KL-2 was first of all a medium altitude camera

for either rotatable or tha forward oblique mounting,

usin;islbrlowaltitude adssicna VaS certairay possible and such a contingency was provided for. Similarly.

the 24-inch model was intended largely for high altitudetarget reconnaissance, but.(again as in the case of the

24-inch 1-22 in Korea) when mounted as a forward oblique

. in the RE14.05, it could be valuable for low altitude

missions."'

The only production camera specifically designed for low

altitude missions was the KA.3. Equipped with 6-inch lenses,

_these cameras were installed in the tri•metrogon mounts of

72 EB•47's fez: exclusive use in low altitude reconnaissance.

The KA-3 camera had a 9-inch square formatand used up

to 390 feet of 9.5-inch film. As of Juno 1956, it could use

only one focal length lens (6 inches) and it was installed

in only one type of aircraft, the EB-47. The camera weighed
•

--CeNFIDENTIALITZE-51

about 30 pounds and was capable of cycling twice every second.

Its fastest shutter speed was 1/400 of a second--rather slow

for low altitude work-•but it provided image motion compensation

rates as high as seven inches per second. The EA-3 bad been

,engineered for installation in a torquer mount, but in oper73

ational use it appeared only as a tri-metrogon.

The Air Force e s stable of devalmmuftal low altitude cameras

bad an Augean look at first glance,simisly because the quantity

of hardware was so large. Appearances were deceiving, however,

and cleaning out the less important items required something

less thanberctlean efforts. Five of the cameras planned for

the low altitude mission were also intended far high and medium

altitude reconnaissance, and. only two were exclusively law'

altitude cameras.

The KA-4 camera was being developed for low as well as

medium altitude work. In the latter application this camera

utilised a 12-inch lens cone. The low altitude model of the

74 •

LA-4:would accommodate either a 3- or a 6-inch lens, however.

The KA...5, ostensibly a high altitude area search camera,

was also a-good bet to perform the low altitude mission. Like

the KA-4, the KA-5 would utilize . both and6-inch lens canes,

but, in addition, a 1.5-inch cone was to to developed espec14.17

for it. There was sons thought among Aerial Reconnaissance
.11 1 I I r I

_CONFIDENTIAr

Laboratory personnel that a 9-inch cone might also be designid

,tor the KAF-5, but the requirement for such a commis not

75

yet firm. •

It was possible that the KA-13 camera, using a 12-inch

• lens cone, would also serve for low altitude nissione,although

plans fax: the KA-13 concentrated primarily on higher altitudes.

The . ICA-25 and the IApll were both definite coqtancUmrs in the

low altitude race. The KA-25, a 6-inch focal length camera

destined for installation in the RB 758, was a high altitude

area search camera like the KA-5 and KA-8 but it could perform

adequately in a low altitude mission, and plans for its development foresaw just such a function. The LA-11 bod y, using

either a 6-inch or 24-inch cone, would almost certainly see

future duty as a low altitude rebounsissance camera, particularly

76

in view of its fast abutter speed (1/1600 of a second).

Except for the IA-5 and KAR.:4, those cameras had one serious

drawback in operating at low altitudes. They had large formats

jeitherl inches square or 9 by 18 . inches), and this meant

mechanical difficulties aplenty when high image motion compensaticerates were attempted. It also meant that for focal

lengths shorter than 6 inches, unnsuelyadde-angle lenses

would be essential. In view of these circumstances, the trend

in low altitude cameras was toward the.usnof 7O-millimeter

film. The KA...4 e s 4.5-inch square for:atlas still somewhat

_CONRDENTIA1c-
CONFIDENTIALVt1-53

large for truly high speed operation, bat the KA•5 used 70-

millimeter film, as did two other low altitude cameras, the

11m26 and Kka6.

The KA,.26 was one of the three cameras being especially

.designed for use in the BB-58; it was to be exclusively&

low altitLde medbanisak It produced a 2.25-inch square ex

posure on 70-miil4miter 'film carried in a 250-foot.capmcity

magazine, and it relied on a 3-inch, f/1.5 lens. Its shutter

was to be capable of , operating at speeds up to 1/4000 of a

second, eliminating any need for image motion . compensation

'and special. mounts. The camera could be rigidly mounted to

the airframe since the fast shutter speed would nullify vibration

and motion effects. The KA-26 would cycle about 7 times per

second and would weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. Like the

KA-25 and KA-27,• the KA•26 vas still in the bench testing

77 •

stage at the end of June 1956.

Very similar to the XAm26, although not being designed_

fora specific weapon system, the KA(46•camera also used 70-

Millimeter film and bad a 2.25-inch square format. The contractor

for the U-].6, the Bdlova Watch Company had by June 1956, de-

.

livered three experimental models of the camera to Wright

Field. The KA.46, like the KA-26,-depended on .high shatter

speed (up to 1/4000 of a second) to reduce image blur and

bad, no provision for synchronizing movement of the film during

_CONRBENTIAT
TII-54

•

exposure with movement of the . image across the focal plane.

Comparative tests of two different lenses, one fi1.5, the

other riz.o, both of 34nchlkoal length, were to show which

was most appropriate for the KAm16 • 11 lariatitaide mission.

The camera would, of coursevincorporate automatic exposure

control and coded data recordingeand it would cycle 6 'times

78

per second. .

dieriaLMapping

The requirements for an aerial napping • camera were ex..

tremalyrigorous, not onlyfrom the optical standpoint of

high resolution, excellent definition, and lack of distortion,

but also from the standpoint of mounting provisions. Such

a camera bad to compensate far or overcome speed and vibration

effects, had to be mounted so that it was vertical, and the

resultant aerial photograph had to be compatible with accurate

• maps of the area covered.

general operational requirements of 1955 called for aerial

mapping from altitudes so bighead with accuracies so great

as to be completely beyond the scope of current equipment or

current knowledge. The Air Research and Development Command

Technical Program Planning Document on photograpkrdeliberatoly
•

understated the problem in cautioning, "considerable develop79

went work will be required to provide this capability."

C:-.mmmnd headquarters, in a technical requirement that

followed in'the wake of the planning docummmt, called for

the establishment of a "sound research and development program"• that would result in a "time-phased increase in the•

amount of detail that can be recorded on film and thus provide an effective substitute for increased focal length, bulk

and weight of aerial equipment, and the present production

of fantastic quantities of negatives and prints." Headquarters

_ • • _ • -

expriMiea the hope:that ultimately, "a single small photograph

taken from very high altitude wi11 yield, when examined by

a microscope, the same amount of information that now is ex*

tracted from thousands of aerial photographs."

The official requirement for aerial mapping cameras specified an exacting development schedule. Any 1960, navigational

naps prepared by reference to aerial photographs were to show

•

details which could be pinpointed to within 1,500 feet of

their true position and within 100 feet of their true elevation

above sea level. larger scale "target * maps were toanable

the pinpointing of details to within 500 feet of their location

and 50 feet of their elevation.
.

1 1

va-56

AY 1965, =amps based on aerial photography were to

meet the requirements of the 1960 "target" maps, and the photo-

.grapti* mapping system itself was bo be of "very high acuity"

and of "half the format size and focal length of present mapping

photography•" Atter 1965, accurate mapping photography from

so

earth satellites was to be the objective.

In 1956, the altitude limits and accuracy of aerial mapping

cameras were tar removed from tun optimistic requirements

of the technical program. Mapping cameras could operate to

about 25,000 feel altitude, considerably below the 60,000 •

feet desired by 1960 or the 300 miles desired soon after 1965.

on the ground could be located'on 1956 aerial photographs

to within 2,000 feet of their true geographic position,.but

this was only possible at relatively modest altitudes.

The cameras in operational use throughout the Air Force

for aerial mapping were the hoary X-17C, the T-11, and the

relatively new IC—i. The K.17c was not ordinarily considered

mapping camera, but it served on occasion in that capacity

in the RB-36. The mapping camera called , for in most operational

aircraft was the T-11. Single vertical T-11 11 21 could be mounted

in the RE6.36, the RB-47, the RB-57, the R8-66, and the RF-847,

whi,e three T-11s ein a tri-mstrogon array could be mounted

Points
-CONFIDENTIAL •

LI the capsule of the 112.52. Naturally, only the vertical

camera of a tri.netrogon group wee the actual sipper. The

two side obliques aided in determining the flight attitude

cf the aircraft hy ahowing the position of the horizon on the

82

left and right.

In June 1956, a replacement mapping camera was in pro.

duction. This was the KC.1, manufactured by the same company

(Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation) that made the

T-11. It Wes interchangeable with the 7.11 in all standard

Air Force mapping wants. The NC-1 differed very little from

•

the older camera, having the same format, film width, lens, •

shutter speed, and mount. It was, however, about 20 pounds

heavior, and it cycled samswhat faster (once every two instead

of every three seconds). The IC-1 was also built with an 83

integral magazine.

All of these cameras bad one thing in common.-thoy were

used for mapping as single verticals only. This was a definite

disadvantage, because as photographic altitudes increased,

the determination of the heights of ground objects became

almost impossible from single prints. Accurate contouring

of maps thus developed into a major problem area. By early

1955, the trend was toward twin camera installations and develop.

neat of the "duplex* camera--one that embodied two convergent

•
•

UNCLASSIFIED

VII-58

optical systems in a single body. Convergent photography

was also strongly advocated by the Corps of Engineers; since

it permitted more accurate determination of ground contours

and object heights from high altitude and aided the photo

interpreter in other ways. The engineers indicated they would

need a convergent mapping system by 1960, and urged Air Force

84

establishment of wdevelopment program to this end.

In January 1956, the Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory

began work on "convergent :rapping cameras" capable of self.

sustained operation at extremely high altitudes and under

extremely low pressures. This high priority task required

a 6-inch, t/6.3, focal length, distortion-free, wide-angle lens,

a 9-inch square format, and very high acuity. The convergent

system was to be capable of resolving a 20-foot object, and

of identigying an 80-toot object at a scale of 1:50,000; it

was to be light and compact

85

, and it was to fit in a precisely :

engineered torquer mount..

On 18 July 1956, the laboratory's Reconnaissance Camera

Section recommended converting the .10.1 into a duplex mapping

camera. The schedule laid down in the task plan called for

delivery of the first experimental model within 18 months of

86

the signing of the contract.

UNCLASSIFIED
I I:

911•59

Ilighliargat222"ailanfatrgaltgLatlidl- .

Might photographic reconnaissance bymid4.9.56 was coo.

centrated in either the high or the low altitude region.

.Bedium altitude night cameras, which included the K-36 and

the newer K-37 and K-47 cameras, would (sentinee to serve until

operational altitudes finally outran their capabilities.

The high altitude requirement fcr night cameras called

for reconnaissanee photography by 1960 at Altitudes of 70,000

feet with the ability to recognize objects five feet square

on the ground. Since night photographs in 1956 were scarcely

able to provide recognition of objects 20 feet square from

30,000 feet, intensive development both of cameras and illuminants

87

was essential.

Night photography involved several serious problems from

which day .

photography was insulated. Perhaps most important

was the need for artificial illAndratats which packed tremendous

candlepower potentialities into relatively small containers.

Even with this aid, night photographs required long exposure

times and this, in turn, required extremely accurate image

motion compensation. Might cameras also needed more control

equipment than their daytime couterparts.-Da • example, a timing

mechanism for synchronizing the shutter with the explosion

of the'photoflash bomb or --rtridge was mandatory. Moreover,
_CONFIDENTIAL

due to their greater complexity, night photographic systems

were more expensive, as well as less reliable, than daytime

88

mzetems•

Night cameras being used operationally in 1956 for

high altitude specific target resonnaissanoe included

the - 1-36 and K-37. While the K-47 (a replacement for the

K.37) was in production, it had not yet been installed

• in operational aircraft,although its use in the 88.66

had been scheduled..

As of June 1956, the somewhat antiquated X.36 still

wan schoduled for installation in the rear vertical mount

of the 88.52 reconnainsamon capsule for high altitude night photography. The cacura would be equipped with

a 24-inch lens cone, and the aircraft would Rix* 24

large nashbombe (11420A1) for inumination.iu

The I-36 it.:7elf had a format 9 kyle inches and

had the disadauntage of requiring 18.5-inch film, of which its magazine carried up to 100 feet. It was engineered to accept either a 24-inch or 36-inch lthough in 1956 no operational aircraft could use the latter

out special installation. The 24-inch model'had an intra.

lams shutter and-.cycled at the respectable rate of once

every second. Its =cum image motion compensation

rata was five inches per second, and the camera Was designed for installation in a torquer mount. With the

cone attached, the R•36 weighed about 260 pounds;.w.

Bost high altitude night missions wore assigned to

the 12-inch focal length K-37 camera. Provisions for

mounting this camera as a single vertical were made in

the RB-36, the RB-47, the RB.5241 e caprule the MN,

the 88.66 and the BP6.80. In addition, pairs of Bu37•1

were mounted in both the B8.47 and 88.57 at split vertical

stations, although they were used penarily for low altitude

photography in the latter aircraft.

The R.37, which was about to be phased out of operationil.

use, was a 9-t-9-inch format camera using up to 390

feet of 9.5-inch film. It had only one focal length

(12.inch, f/2.5) and operated at a top shutter speed of

1/100 of a second. It cycled once every 2.5 seconds 

and weighed in the neighborhood of 57 pounds. A torquer mount (18-6) being developed for use:with it would probably not in operational before the K-37 vent out of service use.7-0
The which rent into production Utile,. 1955,

had the same film capacity and format as the 8637

it ens slated to replace; it could use either 12-inch,

f/2.51 or 24-inch, f/4.0, lens cones. Maxima shutter

or.p.:d was 1/200 of a second, twice as fast as the X-37

shutter, and the camera was capable of eyeing twice

every second whoa used with a magazine with provisions

------""'--fcirimage motion compensation or once every two and onohalf seconds otherwise. It was manufactured by Fairchild,

and was designed to fit the lam torquer mount (IS-6)

being developed for. the I-37.7'

Under development to meet the rigorous requirements of

the 1960 to 1965 peiiod was a camera thrtieould, if perfected,

represent a real "breakthrough" in high altitude night--and

even daytime—photography. This • was the "curved field" night

camera, for which the University of Rochester had developed

alexperiammtal lens as early as 1954. The Aerial Reconnaissance

Laboratory felt that if sufficient Herds were provided, this

type of camera could be developed quickly enough to make the

difficult transition from 30,000 to 70,000 feet in the short

space of five years and at the same time meet the high resolution

requirements.

The f/1.0 lens had been delivered to the laboratory in

mid-1954, and by the end of the year flight tests of a "brea4-

board" model camera were ucder way.. these tests, usable

might photographs ware obtained from 11,000 feet using a onepound photoflash cartridge. This was dquble the altitude

at which night photograpbs. bad hitherto been takenwith the
UNCLASSIFIED

VEL-62

same cartridge and the best 6-inch lens in the Air Foroe inventory. The tests indicated considerable proud se for development of a night photographic system which 'could be relatively

small in size and weight and 'could require a minimum of artificial

95

ill neination from high altitude.

With the feasibility of the curved field camera proved,.

1 •

the laboratory is March 1955 began. to develop a 24-ineh 212.0

lens and curved-field night camera for high altitude reconnaissance.

Test results had shown that such a camera could realize 70

percent higher acuity than Mat field cameras in current use,

and that it required only about one-fourth the artifigial

illumination currently deemed necessary. Plans envisaged

three of these cameras swinging in a single torquer mount

and photographing through a single window. One camera . woad

be a vertical and would aim directly ahead of the flash bomb

96

burst; the other two were left and right obliques.

By early 2956, requirements for the advanced camera were

available in a little more detail. The camera was to have

double the acuity of current cameras, szas to. utilize illuminants

and was to weigh only one-third as much as cameras currently

in use. It was to be capable of self-sustained operation at

high altitudes, low temperatures, and near-vacuum conditions.

Assigns:ma hoped it would resolve a seven-foot object or identify

UNCLASSIFIED
-CONFIDENTIALV11-63

a 28-toot object on the grand at a scale of 1:50,000. Coded

data recording Was mandatory. Since all film handling. would

be rapid and automatic, the Air Force planned to study higher

speed film for possible application in this camera, and even

airborne rapid processing would be considered. The Aerial.

Reconnaissance Laboratory anticipated that coutomparary night

high altitude . photographic system Weight could be reduced

from over . 14,000 pounds to about 4,000 polinds, and that an

experimental model of the camera and lens would be delivered

within 18 months of the signing of a contract and the receipt

97

of funds. •

EiCht-TAXIMiallrait)22==42510110titad2-

The Air Force • s low altitude equipment for night photography was, in 1956, grossly inadequate to meet requirements.

While it was true that when the Korean fighting began'the

Photographic Laboratory at Wright Field had a long altitude

night reconnaissance system ready for use, that system was

extremely crude and unreliable, and whatever useful information

it provided was more the product of skilled operators and

interpreters rather than the excellence of the equipment.

Because of various adverse factors, not the least

of which were the dearth of funds and the relative lack

of emphasis by higher headquarters an law altitude night

photography, by mid-1956 the backbone of the lag altitude

night reconnaissance mission was still the marginally

It,
--CONRDENTtAL'

Vr..L-64

adequate 12,-inch focal length 1•37. A newer night camera

With a smaller format (4.5 inches square) and shorter focal

length (7 *ladles) we t K-46. but it was scheduled

for installation laAthe BB-66 and RP-10l, neither of which

was yet operational.' •

Lau altitude night photographic missions could be

flown by the aB.4? and R847, each aircraft utilizing

a pair of split vertical 1.07 cameras. The 82647 carried

200 flash cartridges (86112) for illumination, while

the R8-57 could carry 208 of theses-or 80 of larger size

(M-123). The 044F could use its single vertical 1.,37.

for low as well as high altitude night missions; 10r

iilumination„the aircraft carried 208 seal (8412) or

160 large (86123) photoflash cartridges.'

The 1-46 camera was slated for mounting in118657,

B8666 and M-01 aircraft, In the 1816.57, three 1-46's

could be instilled to mob, up a trimmamera array, two

being placed in the forward split vertical stations, and

one at the rear vertical station. As of 30 June 1956,

howsver, this imstailatica had not been made in operational

88-57 e s. The EM-66 and ICF40l were also engineered to

accept tri-camera RA6 gronps. In the 1111-66, the 1-4612

were to be mounted at the forward stations, where the

centerpoints of an. three' lay in the sane plane cutting

across the aircraft's fuselage. It was planned that the

RB-66 would carry 104 small or 40 large flash cartridges.

The tri.camera mounting for lcwaltitude night reconnaissance in the RF6101 Incorporated a single vertical

camera just ahead of a pair of split verticals. For

the RF4.01, like the 111666, would carry

either 40 large photoflash cartridges or 104 small ones.

An alternate arrangemnapermiand a combination of 20

large and 52 small cartridges.'

The 1-116 night camera, made by Hymn,- used lap to

.250 feet of 5,indh tamper load and bad a format 4.5

inches square. The only production lens cone it could

use contained a 7-inch f/2.5 lens, although development

of a 6-Inch lens con* was in progress. The 35.-pound

K.46 could cycle twice par second and it bad image motion

coapensation rates as high as 15 inches per second.

A torquer mount (LS-6) was in development for use with

the 1-46, as well as several other aerial cameras and

the 1-46 vas also compagble with the Air Pierce universal

' camera control system.'"
UNCLASSIFIED

437-65

Early in 1956, the laboratory started work on a night

.camera that could meet low-altitude requirements for the 1960-

2965 period. The task called for a duplex camera capable

of operating under adverse light conditions and compatible

with flash baste, flash cartridges, mercury arc lamps, and .

possibly even infrared or atomic radiation. Project engineers

• anticipated that the new camera with two sets of optics in

one body would give the same coverage provided by a tri-camera

array of K-46's, and that great reductions in camera weight

and window sizes could be realized. The camera was to have

a very fast shutter, an image motion compensation rate as great

as nine inches per second, and was to be capable of cycling

five times per second. Ulttmat.aloritwould be mated to a

4.5-inch focal length lens cone of very high acuity, but for

the iediate future a 6-inch lens cone would be adequate.

Negative format would be 4.5 inches square, in a camera body

102

requiring a built-in flash detector of extremely high sensitivity.

13233anantai...e*Lightaatigtara

By 1956, night photo-illuminants wars producing about

five times as much light as their Worldlier II forebears,

but they were also at least twice as heavy. One of the immediate

tasks facing Air Force and Ordnance pyrotechnic engineers

was thus the reduction of bomb and cartridge weights for use

UNCLASSIFIED
in high speed, fighter type reconnaissance aircraft, and at

.the same time to increase light output even farther.

The 165.pound B420A1 photoflash bomb of 1956, with a

light output of something over 2,000,000 candlepower and capable

of producing usable photographs from 40,000 feet with an file

lens, was a far cry from the World War II X-46, which was

barely adequate for night photography at 9,000 feet. Nevertheless, no fighter type aircraft could carry many 165-pound

bombs and still have roan for cameras. Luckily, tests during

1955 had pointed the way to' a substantial reduction in photoilluminant weight.

Photoflash cartridges (N-212) weighing just about one

pound were used in a series of night photographic experiments

in conjunction with a 24-inch, f/4.0, K.47 camera. Photographs

at altitudes from 6,000 to 10,000 feet in 1,000-Soot increments,

prompted the conclusion that a 40-pound flash bomb could

be built which would make 40,000•foot night photography feasible!.

The efficiency of the flash powder being used in newer Mr

Force cartridges was phenomenally higher than even a year

before, and•this increase was due almost entirely to manufacturing

techniques rather than to new ingredients.

There was still plenty of opportunity for the prime pyrotechnic development agency, PicatinnyArsenal, to create new'

compounds of vastly higher efficiency, and thus pave the way
-CONFIDENTIAL--

for the Air Farce to design aerodynamic bomb shapes suitable

103

Early in 1956 the laboratory 'began to coordinate and

Unify the development of flash compounds, !helm systems,

and bomb shapes so that night photography at altitudes mentioned

A the technical requirements could become possible. Dy. making

advances in each of these areas, and by trying such new techniques

as detonating strings of flash bombs simultaneously; the Air

Force believed that the altitude requirement could be met

104

with a bomb package smaller than. the 146120A1.

Low altitude night photographg, was not overlooked in

the search for better illuminate. In develop's:alms a "miniflash" system for the altitude region between 500 and1,500

feet, a system designed to.apsaymindaturisation techniques

to the low altitude photoflash equipment already in operational 105

U50.

.

The Aerial. Recommaimance laboratory was monitoring develop-.

sent of other illutainante in addition to those utilising.dlash

powder. Not the least important of these Was the continuoussource airbe orn floodlight. Xenonp-filluitiash lamps of high

intensity and abort duratinnhad been used during World War

II with indifferent success, but developments and tests since

.far supersonic, high altitude release.
.

•

that time had wrought vast improvements in the electricallyoperatedlight source field.

One undertaking that held great promise for the low altitude

•

range from 500 to 8,000 feet involved a mercury arc illumination

system to be carried in.the .warstip,pode of fighter type reconnaissance aircraft. Flight tests in 1955, performed in a C-47

. •

equipped with 3 mercury arc lamps, proved the feasibility of such

a system at speeds below 180 miles per hour and altitudes below

2,500 feet. Upon completion of these.tests, two contractors

(AiResearch Manufacturing Company and Marquardt Aircraft Company)

began to develop 12-lamp mercury arc illumination systems. Both

systems were to be powered by ram-air turbine-driven generators

installed in wingtip tanks and tested in an RF-84F at Wright Field.106

By March 1956, the Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory had

received from each contractor a 12-lamp system capable*of

providing about eight times the illumination previously ob-

. •

tained from the C-47 installation. The laboratory analyzed the

units'structurally and by 15 May had installed them in an RF-84F

for flight testing. The airborne test was well under way on

30 June, ana plans were being laid for fabrication of an experimental 21-lamp mercury arc system by 1957.1°7

In the case of a continuous light source carried in the

aircraft, synchronization of the camera shutter with a flash

•
UNCLASSIFIED

of light was not a problem. When bcibs or cartridges were

used, however, the synchronization problem was considerable.

The bomb or cartridge had to be released so as to explode

after failing about two-thirds the distance from the aircraft

to the ground, and the trajectory of the bomb had to be such

that it mas no longer in ' the camera's field of view at the

time it exploded.

There were two principal modes of operating the shutter

so that it opened during the period of the flash bomb burst:

by the use of a flash detector (attached to or incorporated

in the camera) which was built.around a photoelectric cell,

and by the use of a timing device synchronized with the timer

in the flash bomb. The latter method required such high orders

of accuracy, however, that most laboratoryand contractor- -

effort in 1956 was concentrated on systems using a photoelectric

108

cell.

In the three or four years following World War II, the

Photographic laboratory at Wright Field developed flash detectors

which were tesigoed to open the camera shutter only during

the period of peak light intensity from the flash bomb. Since

the total time of the flash encompassed about 1/6 of a second,

this meant that the camera abutter would be open for about

1/100 of a second to utilize the naximum illvmiaatioa. By

• UNCLASSIFIED
•

--CONFIDENVAL---

VII-7O

. •

1949, however, the laboratory was already laying plans for

. light detectors which would open the camera shutter at the

beginning of the bomb explosion and close it only when the light

was completely dissipated. The longer exposure time naturally

increased the problem of image motion compensation. .

World War II flash detectors had generally been aimed

directly at the flash bomb burst point, but this practice

caused many spurious shutter trips due to searchlights, flak

bursts, and ground'fires. In consequence, flash detectors

came to be operated by light reflected from the ground, although,

by 1956 altitudes were becom,ing so great that'reflected light

was no longer intense enough to trip camera shutters.1°9

By early 1956, the Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory was

attempting to eliminate known deficiencies in production flash

detectors and to design new ones. One flash detector improvement

.

called for amplifying the voltage pulse generated by the bomb

burst and increasing the sensitivity of the pickup cell. Photographic engineers believed that the improved detector would trip

a camera shutter within five milliseconds of the beginning of

the bomb or cartridge burst and thus allow utilization of about

93 percent of the illumination?"

The laboratory also studied possible new types of detectors

capable of operating at extremely high altitudes, the -nature
II'

__CONFIDENTM-r-

' and intensity of ground reflections, and environmental con111

ditto= that light detecting equip sent would have to endure.

It appeared that the night photography teckmical requiremeets of October 1955 could only be at by win g the light

from several simultaneously detonated flash bombe, so'iavesti- .

gations of new bomb initiations methods begun. One study concerned

a remote bomb initiation system directed fro:meths reconnaissance

Aircraft itself. The investigation centered about various

types of fuzes which reacted to light signelifrom the control

aircraft. The object was to design a fuze that could detonate

• 1 •

a salvo of flash bombs simultaneousl y upon receipt of a single

control signal from the aircraft.

A *warning flash device" was nearing completion by the

end cf June 1956. The warning flash device was a pyrotechnic

cartridge ejected from the tail of a photoflash bomb it a

predetermined time after the bomb was released from the aircraft. The cartridge would flash and simulaneously detonate

several bombs through photocell-actuated fuzes incorporated

in each bomb. The flash of the cartridge also served to trip

the camera shutter in time to make use of every bit of illumination

L12

provided by the bombs.

In addition to working with such articles, the Aerial

Reconnaissance Laboratory investigated methods of producing
night photographs with little or no artificial illumination

at all. Those entrusted with this task were to take note

of new high speed , lens designs; development of high order,

• extremely small size it light amplification systems

(wherein the amplified light imago was impressed directly

on film); and evaluation resats of the latest high speed.

films. Flight tests in early 1956 bad already succeeded in

obtaining rather low resolution photographs under moonlight

113

alone.

§trike and4un Cameras

Another field.of aerial reconnaissance photography was

efthat of recording the impact of bombs, rockets, and bullets

delivered either in air-to-air or air:.to-ground attacks.

Nearly every aircraft that carried conventional bombs as part

of its armament was equipped with a P-2 aerial *strike" camera.

This Was a fast-cycling (six times per second) still picture

camera with shutter speeds up to 1/2000 of a second; it used

100 feet of 70-millimeter film. The P-2 could accommodate

six different lens cones, with focal lengths ranging from

1.5 to 12'inches, for bomb damage photography at low, medium,

and high altitudes.. It weighed only about eight pounds, was

114

extremely compact, and made negatives 2.25 inches square.

___CONRDEN
•

100,000-foot altitudes and

116

00•foot ranges was to be met.

At.. • . .

r'

VII-73

The P62 was capable of performing direct bomb damage

assessment with a reasonable degree of accuracy and clarity.

The advent of fantastically powerful nuclear weapons, however,

meant that bombardment aircraft no longer could remain directly

over the area they were bombing, but had to be many miles from

the target at the instant of bomb detonation. Thus, bomb

damage assessment could no longer be performed by direct photographic methods, but only by indirect, radiological or electronic

means. The N.A strike camera, therefore, had a very limited

future application, if any, and the Aerial Recconaissance

Laboratory planned • only to attempt a certain amount of product

115

improvement on the existing article.

The aerial motion picture camera, used almost exclusively

in the gun camera configuration for operational missions,

was destined to be the subject of much future development

work aimed at the recording of air-to-air and air-to-ground

rocket firings. The current operational Air Force gun camera

was the N-9, a 34-Millimeter motion picture camera with a

35•311limeter, Z/2.5 lens. The N-9 was capable of operating

at altitudes to 50,000 feet, but during clear daylight conditions

could record impacts at a maximum distance of only 1,y* feet

from the lens. A tremendous amount of research and development

work loomed ahead if the 1960 goal of camera operation at

iii
UNCLASSIFIED

Automatic exposure control offered diet/cat problems.

In May 1956, the Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory concluded •

flight tests of an automatic exposure control submitted by •

Specialties, Incorporated, and recommended that the control

be incorporated in all N-9 gun cameras. Such an item would

substantially improve the exposure of gun camera film and

. satisfy a long-standing requirement. In 1956 the laboratory

was also conducting a two-year study of the over-all automatic

exposure control problem, both for air-to-air and airi4o-ground

117

strike photography.

Nearly all . development work having to do with strike

and gun cameras was still in the study stage during the first

half of 1956. The reouirements for such cameras were so far

in advance of the abdItties of existing devices that a:V.1db*

of "product improvement" would fall far short of meeting them.

Among the tasks having to do with gun camera development .were:

a proposed study of ways to improve the quality of strike

photography, including the use of thin-bass films; component

development -of new film:advancement mechanisms; development

of a rscoring technique to photograph from beginning to end

the complete low altitude bombing system (LABS) maneuver:

and a study of materials for use in strike and gun cameras

•

under extreme environmental conditions.

UNCLASSIFIED118

•
UNCLASSIFIED

V11-75

During February 1956 the Night. Photo Section of the Aerial

Reconnaissance Laboratory proposed-a step-byrstep development

leading to a complete night strike photographic system usable

in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The first step would

be a feasibility study considering an air-tired rocket carrying

an illuminator head. Such a rocket would provide illumination

and allow identification of a target aircraft or missile cause

temporary blindness for the target aircraft's occupants, bring •

about low-order destruction in cam, of direct collisions, and

possibly provide illumination sufficient for air-to-ground

119

strike recording.

The extreme requirements for strike cameras not only

made the N-9 camera obsolete, but in addition rendered obsolete

at least furs other aerial notion picture cameras in developaunt. These were thö KB-1, K8.2, X8-3, KB-te, and X8-5 cameras,

acme of which (except possibly the X8-3) would ever bocce..

operational because of their limited capabilities. A truly

advanced strike camera design would have to await the results

of the studies just getting under way.

Because of the increasingly mObils. nature of ground warfare

and because ot•special-environmental•conditions affecting airborne

photographic equipment, the Aerial Reconnaissance laboratory

UNCLASSIFIED

I I;

•
: t I

--CONFIDENT-Mt1/11-76

in 1956 was engaged in an. extensive program involving airborne

processing magazines and unconventional photographic methods.

The principal developments in rapid processing were a magazine

utilizing the Polar oid-land wet process which could produce

2 positive print in about 60 seconds, and an Ansco magazine

that gave proonemiof turning out dry negatives and positive

prints at a rate of one ivory five seconds. The uncommentiontl

techniques being4mnOloredfor possible use in atomic radiation fields

were: the "'xerographic" process and, two other "photo-electrostatic" methods known commercially as "elsctrofax" and "kalfni."

The Polaroid-Land magazine had a 9-inch square format

:.ad was being engineered to fit moat standard 9-by-9-inch

aerial cameras. By mid-1956, the laboratory had nearly c.42-

platod fabrication of an experimental magazine, and feture

120

plans called for procurement of a single service test'neadel.

In early 1956, the Aerial RecOnnaissance Laboratory

developed a standard Polaroid-Land camera into a radarscope

reccrder for use in B-47 aircraft. While such a camera was

rat strictly a reconnaissance camera, its utilization as a

navigation aid showsd the versatility of the rapid-processing

technique. The camera was installed in a B-47 operating out

of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and was set to make

an exposure of each 360-degree sweep of the navigation system
_____CONFIDENITAL •

VII-77

miarscope. This allowed the radar. • o operate intermittently

audlhus avoid passive detection and jamang. The prints

obtained from the camera were sufficiently clear to allow

the B-47 to be nalliated by means of photographs alone, prompting

the Aerial Reconnaissance laboratory to recommend the establishment of a requirement for irAtallation of a standard Polaroid121

Land camera in B-47 aircrift.

A rapid-processing magazine that offered great promise

Soar Suture high altitude work was being developed by Ansco

Corporation in mid-1936. The laboratory expected delivery

of a breadboard model magazine in ./474 with fabrication of

a second model after the first bad been flight tested. The

Ansco magazine was to have a 9-inch square format and be usable

with all standard 9-bl ►-9-inch Air Force cameras. It was designed

to develop a dry negative and make one positive print.. The

positive would be available about five seconds after the first.

exposure; after thstsprints would appoar ovocr two seconds.

The developed negatives remained in the 1.41gazine, while the

prints were either ejected tram the aircraft for quick

pick-up by ground troops or transmitted by facsimile methods

to receiving stations within radio range. The • design of the

complete system was being directed toward operation under the

122 extreme environmental conditions of very high altitude reconnaissance.
UNCLASSIFIED .

Another task, documented but still without a contractor

by 30 Jr.u. 1956, called for a complete rapid processing camera

for high altitude reconnaissance. The camera was to develop

its• own high resolution (50 lines per millimeter) negatives

without making positive prints. A fixed-aperture, fixed-focus

lens of 12-inch focal length would be designed especially for

the camera, as would a very fast focal plane shutter. The

camera would give 40 degrees of angular coverage, would require no image notion compensation, and would operate under the

high temperatures and low pressures characteristic of high

altitude, high speed flight.

The aircraft was Lobe provided with a special viewer,

ever which the diveloped negatives would be carried for immediate

interpretation. Television transmission of the negatives to

a ground center was also to be provided for in the system

design. The camera itself was to be very small in size and

123

light in weight. •

In the realm of "unconventional" photographic techniques,

the xerographic camera held the ascendency in mid-1956, although

other processes were under study. The Rabid Company completed

fabrication of an experimental xerographic camera in early

1955, characterizing it as a "prototype for breadboard model

cameras," and the Aerial Reconnaissance laboratory immediately

I I!

• UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED

started ground tests. The experimental model was too large

and heavy for aerial use, • and in addition lacked sensitivity,

. speed, and simplicity. Ground tests of the camera, hcarever,

indicated that the process showed coasiderablePromise since

the plates were far less affected by atomic radiation than

were standard silver halide photographic materials. The laboratory planned to 1;07 five service test models; one of these

was to be bench-tested, two flight tested by Wright Air Development Center, and two flight tested and evaluated by the Tactical

. 1 •

Air Command.

The experimental camera produced positive prints 4.5 inches

.square and had a 12-inch lens cone. Its plates were coated

with a seleniunstelluriuntdature which was electrostatically

charged before an exposure was made. On exposure the taste

was discharged, leaving on it an electrical image which was

then developed by passing the plate through a cloud of black

carbon powder. The image could be transferred to white paper

by pressing plate and paper together between rollers, or it

could be transmitted by facsimile methods to • a ground station.

It was also possible to transfer the image from the plate

to a clear-base film for viewing or printing in quantity.

Serious faults in the experimental model prompted the

laboratory to request establishment of a study task aimed

UNCLASSIFIED
• UNCLASSIFIED

vu-so

at a design for a truly practical aerial electrostati c camera.

The Armour Research Foundation of the Illinois Institute of

Technology

 was granted a study contract in early 1956 to investigate both xerography and a process-called "ilectrofax.°

The study was to delve into methods of obtaining better resolution through the use of finer grained plates with increased

and to investigate thoroughly the problem of

atomic radiation effects.

The electrofax process was similar to xerography, but

photoconductive material on a paper base was used instead

of selenium plates. ♦ great deal of study would be necessary

before this process became practicable, since the material

was relatively insensitive and hence slow in speed,

12

 and its

5

resolution and radiation resistance were unknown.

0120 other process that had potentialities for aerial

photography was "kalfax," a method of developing which gave

almost infinite resolution. In this process, unfortunately,

the only available photosensitive material was sensitive to

ultraviolet radiation but not to visible light. Nevertheless,

developing plates by the kalfax process was relatively simple,

using either ordinary heat or infrared, and the plates them,

selves were practically insensitive to atomic radiation.

Intensive research into this method promised to be well worth

126 '

the effort.

UNCLASSIFIED .

•
. -CONFORMAL-

•

liallnia"221413211"1/2"14112glatIMI

Camera stabilization becamo.increasingly vital as photographic altitudes increased. Not only did poor stabilization

mean poor resolution, but, in the case of area search and

mapping photography, a cassia that was only a "hair" off vertical

produced photographs disoriented by hundreds of feet on the.

ground. Early efforts in the field of camera stabilization

had utilized pendulums as the vertical references, but it

was soon discovered that horizontal aircraft accelerations caused

sizeable errors in pendulum position. The Air Force than

shifted to vertical gyros coupled to geared servo systems.

This proved reasonably satisfactory for daytime photoplaphy

at moderate altitudes, but not for night photograph y with

its longer exposure times. It was the more severe nighttime

requirement that led to the develocasnt of the torquer mount

in which there was no mechanical gearirg between the camera

gimbal and the airframe.

An even more severe stabilization problem was posed by

the requirement for strike photography. During a "normal"

reconnaissance mission, the pilot of an aircraft concentrated

on flying as straight and level a course as possible, but,

during an air-to-air or air-to-ground strike, be frequentl7

had to perform violent maneuvers. To enable the pilot to
--CONFIDENT-Mtkeep his attention.

 on combat, the strike cameras needed mounts

that =tad automatically maintains level position during

227

fantastic aircraft gyrations.

As of Juno 1956, there warn several torquer mounts in

development, all of which represented an advance aver standard

geared mounts, but none of which provided the degree of stabilization required by the October 1955 tochnical.requirements.

Nearly all the tasks connecte d with camera stabilization were

being performed by a single contractor`, Aeroflex Laboratories,

Incorporated.

Two torquer mounts, the LS-3, and IS-4, were being developed

to accommodate four- and three-camera systems, respectively.

The contractor delivered a developnental model of each in

June and July 1955, and the Aerial' Reconnaissance IaboratoFy

flight tested three 36-inch focal length K-38 cameras in the

• L8-4 and four 24-inch 1-38 • s in the 1.5-3. The mounts allowed

approximately 20 linos per millimeter resolution from the

multi-camera arrangements and provided image motion compensation

by swinging the mounts rather than by moving the film. The

mounts thc=clves weighed about 250 pounds each and would fit

in an aircraft fuselage 55 inches in diameter. One service

128

* test nodal of each was to be delivered by December 1956.

Tho 18-6 mount (which was a'torquer version of the standard.

geared A-28 mount) was being engineered to accept nearly-all
-CONFIDENTIALvn-433

Air Force cameras currently operational (the Em.170, X•37.9

X-469 X-47. XL•2, and T41). This mount would actually be

the only standardized Air Force torquer mount since most of

the other developcsntal mounts were tailored for a particular

•

aircraft. The LS-6, weighing about 350 pounds, permitted

resolution on the order of 20 lines per millimeter. As in

the case of the 1S-3 and IS-4 mounts, Macomber 1956 was the .

129

forecast date for delivery of three LS-6 service test models.

Aaron= laboratories was also developing a general purpose

mount for damage assessment photography during raids with

conventional bombs. This was the A-32 mount, a service test

model of which the Aerial Recommaissance Laboratory had put

through envircenental tests by June 1956. This mount could

be installed in any bomber type aircraft having a vertical

camera well, and could accommodate most standard Air Firm

cameras. It provided excellent vibration isolation for tho

cameras, and bad a remote pitch control permitting the pitch

angle t to be varied from eight degrees forward to 40 degrees

rearward. The complete mount assembly, indluding control

box and cable, weighed about 48 pounds. The Aerial Reconnaisaance

Laboratory expected delivery of nine more service test models

complete with controls in July 1956, at which time further

tests would be undertaken by Wright Air Derilopment Center,

13p

Air Provirg 0roumi jmd, and Strategic Air Command. amma
I .

;r H

--CONFIDENTIAL

•

The laboratory had selected no contractor to develop

a planmodsdniaturized torquer mount system capable of Tully

guaranteeing high acuity in a small reconnaissance camera.

. -

The. goal otdevelopment was to be a mount that would operate

131

with . maximum efficiency An spits of-its smell as..

While most of these Air Ames torquer mounts neared the

end of the development. stage, the Aerial Reconnaissance Labe

oratory still faced the problem of satisfying the technical

requirements issued by the Air Research and Development Command

in October 1955. As a start, the laboratory planned a study

of all possible mounting techniques for high acuity cameras.

Since movement of the photographic image during exposure was

still the largest single cause of loss of resolution, this

'task would be of special importance for some time to come.

Aeroflox Laboratories was performing both study and component development in the entire field of stabilization and

mounting. Any improvements or important discoveries were

-to be carried into equipment development. The investigation

included such areas as b y inertia mount systems, "drift'

of mount gyroscopes, lad frequency vibratiOn isolators, ene

vironsental protection of mount components, camera center

of gravity, and image motion compensation' by "swinging" tech132

niques.
H •

--CONFIDENTIALVII-85

Aeroflex was also developing specific components needed

for satisfaction of the high altitude area and mapping reconnaissance requirements. One . ascignment was to develop lightweight systems for determining true vertical during and after

"moderate" aircraft maneuvers and to investigate methods whereby

such a system could be tied into an inertial autonavigator.

The contractor was building ten service test systems in early,

1956; these were to be engineered for use with the LS-6 torqr.er

133

mount. The vertical computing system would become unnecessary

if one of more cameras could be "slaved" to a central reference

such as an inertial navigation system. This was to be done

through the use of two matched pendulums. Experimental equipcent of this type was deliverd to the Aerial Reconnaissance

134

Laboratory in October 1955.

Aeroflex was also developing an extremely sensitive gyroscopic steadying unit for use in very high acuity camera mount

systems. Not only was the unit to be fast acting and immune

to interference, bet it was also to operate effectively during

moderate combat maneuvers. Two experimental units were being

135

fabricated by early 1956, as was an especially sensitive control.

The contractor was responsible for another task (suspended

during the first half of 1956 because of the lack of suitable

test fac(lities), which demanded investigation of rocket strike
--CONFIDENTIALVII-86

recording techniques. No limitation on aircraft maneuvers

After firing of the rockets was to be allowed; the camera

mount was to have freedom to move 78 degrees in pitch and

30 degrees in roll. As if these performance parameters were

cot extreme enough, the mount itself could weigh only about

136

18 pounds t

Another development involving pendulums instead of gyroscopes for the steadying reference in camera mount systems

was assigned by Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory to the Bin

Jack Scientific Instrument Company. The Contractor was to

investigate "long period" pendulums as possible substitutes

for gyroscopic mount systems. If a pendulum proved satisfactory,

considerable savings in mount weight and size could be provided.

Daring the first half of 1956, the contractor delivered to

Wright Field a breadboard model of a pendulum having.a period

137

of one minute.. Testing was under way at the end of June.

After World War II, recognition of the need for more

accurate-and more complicated—aircraft camera controls led

to the unification of scattered and uncoordinated efforts

hitherto characteristic of.the camera contra field. This

led to the development of the "universal camera contra system,"

a series of about 45 "packages" which computed exposure data

of all types and fed correct settings into aerial cameras.

-CONFIDENTIAL--

•
UNCLASSIFIED

viz z?

The system, as first developed, was quite bulky . and heavy,

but was nevertheless considerebly smaller and lighter than

it would have been without the unifying influence of the control task.

Improvements in various parts of the system followed.

To reduce over-all sise, a "miniaturise& control system was

__deaignacl and by early 1955 bad been assembled. Methods of

further reducing the bulk of the erten were under study during

238

the first half of 1956. Specific components of the universal

camera control system included intervalometers, automatic

focusing devices, power supplies, control panels, and ground

139

speed and altitude measuring devices.

A problem that had always been difp.cult and time consuming

for aerial photographers, processors, and photo interpreters

alike wan that of recording data on negatives. Originally,

each negative on a film strip was automatically numberedin

flight by a device in the camera, and then further information

.was taken from the pilot's or observer's flight log and hand

lettered on the negative by ground processors. Later, visual

presentations of altitude, time, exposure number, and other

data were automatically registered along one edge of each

negative. Spice for these visual presentations was limited,

however, and as ftrther data were required, such as latitude,

•

C II

UNCLASSIFIED .
UNCLASSIFIED

1711-88

'longitude, aircraft beading, ground speed, and sortie number,

the visual method gave way to various systems of coded dots

which could cram large amounts of information into a very

small space.

The most elaborate and versatile coded data recording

system in development was one delivered to Wright Field in

December 1955 by the Federal 741ecommunications Laboratories.

The system impressed a series of sisal dots on each negative

as it was exposed in flight. These dots, when translated

by suitable electronic equipment could give the negative number,

camera position, focal length; squadron number, sortie number,

date, time zone, and time to the nearest tenth of a second..

Furthermore, data taken from the aircraft •s navigation equip.

moat could be included in the coded presentation--latitude

north and south, longitude east and west to the nearest tenth

of a minute, pitch, roll, and drift angles, true course, and

ground speed. From the aircraft• s radar altimeter, accurate.

measurement of altitude above the terrain also was recorded.

The Coded dots were impressed on the negative through

the medium of a one-inch cathode ray tube that operated automatically. The system which weighed 75 pounds, was designed

to operate with 70.millimeter film like that used in the ICA.5

and P.2 cameras. The coded information could, in addition

UNCLASSIFIED
I I! .11

•

UNCLASSIFIED

nr-s9

to being recorded on the negative, be recorded on magnetic

tape where it could be translated by telemetry circuits.

The ground-nased portion of the equipment consisted of

a film reader and automatic tiller. This machine could tranlate the coded information on each negative and type it out

in letters and numbers on the negative in gold leaf ink.

The translated information could also be used to punch tapes

and cards for use in digital computers and other digital data

reduction eqUipment. As if this were not enough, the reader

was capable of producing on a cathode ray tube a readable,

display of the coded information so film could be scanned

before being titled. A. video output of the picture being

scanned, compatible with television networks in the United

140

States, was furnished for good measure.

Atrial RAeorrtaispRpee Audies 

Because the photographic. requirements of the 1960-1970

Period were so advanced, the Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory

during 1956 undertook several studies covering every phase

of the aerial reconnaissance process: Means of increasing

acuity and reducing size of camera systems were being exhaustively

investigated, as were operational procedures for increasing

the information content of photographic missions. Fine grain

films and thin base films were to receive their share of research

UNCLASSIFIED
'111-90

emphasis,.and lenses and photographic "windows" were the subject

of much intensive research and development work. To increase

relialAlity and ease of maintenance of photographic equipment,

141

"test equipment techniques" wero also to be studied.

One entire project, which had been in existence since

1949, was devoted entirely to "blue sky" research in the photo- .

graphic reconnaissance field. The work connected with the

project was conducted almost entirely by the Physical Research

Laboratory of Boston Dniversity, although some effort was sub.

contracted to other research institutions. In general, the

studies to be conducted during the 1956-1960 period were concernod with long range oblique photography, problems of photographic reconnaissance at altitudes of 200,000 feet and more,

low altitude navigation and reconnaissance, combat photography,

data transmission, night reconnaissance without artificial

illuminants, radarscope recording, factors influencing the

quality of aerial photographs, and compilation of all current

knowledge in the field.

The project was founded on the assumption that any aerial

..photographic reconnaissance system was made up of four elements:

airborne collection, physical processing or reduction, analysis

and interpretation, and data presentation and dissemination.

When the unitary problem (collecting usable data about the

•
VII-91

euemy under conditions Usually far less than ideal) was added

:to the system analysis, requirements for research and develop.

nsnt immediately stood out. As these requirements emerged,

the Boston laboratory set up tasks to meet them.

Among the study tasks being conducted under this project

were: theoretical investigations of low altitude reconnaissance

systems; studies of air turbulence and haze and thei•effects

on photOgraphic image quality; experiments on the effects •

of thermal shock on photographic windows; determination of .

criteria for detecting detail on aerial photographic prints;

and the establishment of suitable examinations to separate

likely from unlikely candidates far the job of photo inter143

prster.

Other tasks that included sons component deveiopmunt work

were: a search for so unconventional a thing as a "photosensitive micro-organism" to be used on f ilm instead of standard

emulsions such as silver halide; fabrication of laboratory

ovilectro-optical" and thermal reconnaissanoe devices; experiments

with machine tools to obtain better surfaces on optical components; work with "nonmmechanical"bsbutters and focusing •

devices; and the building of long focal length mirror optical

144

systems for aerial reconnaissance.
iii I

rI p.r2 r

•

•

As of 30 June 1956, the Aerial Reconnaissance Laboratory

had reoriented . its efforts in the photographic field toward

meeting the requirements laid down in the October 1955 technical

documents fromibaltmore. With several "breakthroughs" already

to its credit, the laboratory is confident that the requireAgents would be met.
- . . . .

UNCLASSIFIED •

V13-93

Notes, Chapter VII

Preen. Lt. Col. H. W. Pots, Trends in Photo Intelligence, Oct. 1949, in Public Information.Branr.hAlarvatta;(eitsd as P.I. Br.),

Office of InformationliumicesAgreafter cited as 0.I.S.), files. •

Article, Ccl. G. W. Goddard, Ch.,.Photo. Lab., Nog. Div.,

ANC, "New Maveloments for Aerial Neconnaissince." in • '' Etatogramtrio. Enginoring, Nei. 1949, in Ka.41Re.T.0:2:S.,

files; Research and Development Board Project Card (hereafter

cited as DD Fora 613), Prej. 6211, leyBeconnaissance

and Nipping Canine, 26 Hay 1954, in Projects Control

Br. (hereafter cited as PCB), DCS/P&O, files

Pot. preen., Oct. 1949.

Li. Goddard 'art., Mar. 1949.

ARDC Technics/ ProgriutPlanning Document (hereafter cited as ARDC TPPD), Aug. 1955 revision, subj.: Photography, see Doc. VII-34.

ARDC Technical Bequiremint (hereafter cited as ABDC TR) No. 95-5424 Oct. 1955, subj.: Aerial Photo Intelligence,' see Doc. VII-37.

ARDC TPPD, Aug. 1955 Nev., see Doc. VII-34. •

2111., see Doc. VII-34; DD Form 613, Proj. 6211, 26 Nay 1954.

9. ARDC TPPD, Aug. 1955 Rev., see Doc. VII-34.

---10.---M)-Anms 613, Proj. 6211, 26 May 1934; rpt."The Ultra High Altitude Reconnaissance Camera," undsviedby,V. B. Termer, Bacon. Camera Sect. Photo. Bacon. Br., Aerial

Recon. Lab. (hereafter cited as AL)

, 

, Dir/Dwr., WADC, see Doc. VII-40.

11. Tanner rpt., see Doc. VII-40.

ARDC TPPD, Aug. 1955 revision, see Doc. VII-34; preen. by ANL on Northeast:Air Col:malt and Alaskan Air Command

day, 14 Dec. 1955, notes in Hist. Br. files.

•

UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED

Notes, VII..94

ARDC TPPD, Avg. 1955 reldsicm6 see Doc VII-34.

Presn.byiii. an I. G. Preen. Day, 20 July 1955; preen.

by ARL on USAF Prein. Day, 4 Oct. 1955, both in Hist.

Br. files.

15: Goddard art., Nar. 1949.

Handbook of Photographic Equipment (hereafter cited as

T.O. 10-1-2), 15 June 2955, Sect. n. pp. 2&3, see Doc.

VII-13 & VII-14.

Photo Capability of the RB-36, 30 June 1956, compiled

by J. King, Hist. Br., see Doc. VI:r"2.

Photo Capability of the RF-84F, 30 June 1956, compiled

by J. King, Hist. Hr., S.. Dec. 1334.

T.O. 10-1-2, 15 June 1955, Sect. II, p. 7, SOO Doc. VII-15.

Photo Capability of 'the RB-36, 30 June 1956, see Doc. VII-2.

•

Photo Capability of the RF-84F, ` 30 slime 1956, see Dec.

VII-7.

Equipment Data Sheet (hereafter cited as DS) No. 40,

25 Aug. 1954, prep. by ARL, see Dec. VII-22.

DD Form 613, Proj. 6211, Task 62128, 5 Apr. 1956, in

DCS/P&0 files; DD Form 613, Proj. 6216, Task 620159

12 Mar. 1956, see Doc. vn-itz.

Photo Capability of the RF-101, 30 jun. 1956, compiled

by J. Kim, Dist. Br., see Doc. VIZ-8; table, Reconnaissance

Camoras--Current Operational ftnctions, compiled by J.

King, Hist. Br., see Doc. VII-11.

Photo Capability of the RF-105, 30 June 2956, compiled

by J. King, !het. Er., see Dec. VII-10.

Photo Capability of the RF-104, 30 June 1956, compiled

by J. King, Mist. Br., see Doc. YII-9.

Photo Capability of the RB-52, 30 June 1956, compiled

by J. King; Hist. Br., see Doc. VIIA.

UNCLASSIFIED

I I!

•
UNCLASSIFIED

Notes VII-95

' 28. T.O. 10.1-2, 15 June 1955, Sect. II, p. 22, see Doc.

VII-30.

•

29. • Photo Capability of the 8B666, 30 Juno 1956, compiled

by J. King, Rist. Br., see Dec. VII-6; Photo Capability

of the M105, 30 June 1956, see Doc. V714.0.

T.O. 10-14, 15 June 1955, sect. II. 15• 13 see Doc. VII-1S.

DD Form 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62134, 12 Mar. 1956, see

Doc. VII-42; DD Form 613, Proj. 6211, Task 62128, 2 June

1955, see Doc. V11n33.

Photo Capability of the RB-66, 30 Jun. 1956, see Dec.

VII-6.

Photo Capability of the 874.105,.30 June 1956, see Dec.

VII-10; DD Fern 613, Proj. 6211; Task 62128, 2 June 1955,

see Doc. VII-33; DS NO. 3, 25 Aug. 1954, see Doc. VII-21.

T.O. 10-1-2, 15 June 1955, see Doss. VII-13, 44, -15,

-16, -17, -18, -19, and -30.

Tmb2e, Reconnaissance Cameras-Current Operational Functions,

30 June 1956, see D0c.

Goddard art., Mar. 2949.

ARDC R&D Task Plan (hereafter cited as ARDC Form 98), Proj..6214, Task 62043, 2 July 1953, in &icon. Camara

Sect., Photo. Bacon. Er., ARL, files; ARDC R&D Rant.

Rpt. (hereafter cited as ARDC Form m), Prcj. 6214,

Task 62043, 13 May 1955, see Doc. VTI-32; ARDC Service

Test Requirement (hereafter cited as ARDC Form 171),

Proj. 6214, Task 62043, 3 Jan. 1956, in Bacon. Camera

Sect., Photo. Spoon. Br., ARL, files.

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6214, Task 62043, 12 Apr. 1956, in

PCB, DCS/P&0, files.

39. Ltr., Vectron, Inc., to CG, AMC. 'a It4w 1956, subj.:

Progress Report No. 34 (Rml Panoramic Camera), in Bacon.

Camera Sect., Photo. Leon. Br.,.ARL, files.

31;-

35.

3'.

37..

38.

UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED

Notes, VII-96

4o. DD Form 613, Proj. 6213, Task 62008, 18 Oct. 1955, sea

Doc. VII-36; interview, R. A. Strasser, Asst. Ch., Photo.

Recon. Br., ARL, 9 Aug. 1956, by J. sing, Fist. Br. (hereafter cited as Strasser interview).

ARDC Form 98, Prof. 6211, Task 62077, 26 May 1953, in

Ream. Camera Sect., Photo. Bacon. Br., ARL, files; ARDC

. Form 111, Proj. 6211, Task 62077, 4 Mar. 1955, see Doc.

VII-31; ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6211, Task 62077, 20 Sept.

. 1955, in PCB DCS/P&O, files; ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6211,

•Task 62077, 20 Jam. 1956, in PCB, DCS/P&O, files.

DS NO. 12, 25 Aug. 1954, see Doc. VII-26.

'ARDC Form 98, Proj. 6211, Task 62078, 2 Dec. 1952, in

Recon. Camera Sect. Photo. Rocca. Br., ARL, files; ARDC Form. 111, Proj. 6211, Task 62078, 20 955, in

PCB, IMAM°, files; ARDC Form 111, Proj.

Sept.,

621 1, Task 62078, 5 Apr. 1956, in PCB, DCS/P&0, files.

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6211, Task 62078, 20 Jan. 1956,

in PCB, DCS/P&O, files; rs No. 4, 25 Aug. 1954 , see roc. VII-29.

Status of USAF Equipment, Request for Type Classification

(hereafter citetas ARDC Form 81), Proj. 6279, Task 62685, 21 June 1956, in Recon. Camera Sect., Photo. Recce. Br., ARL, files.

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6214, Task 62637, 12 Apr. 1956,

in PCB, DCS/P&O, files.

Table, Reconnaissance Cameras-40urrent Operational A:notions,

30 June 1956, see Doc. Pots preen., Oct. 1949.

Photo Capability of the RB-36, • 30 June 1956, see roc. VII-2.

Photo Capability of the RF-847, 3o June 1956, see Doc.

VII-7.

Photo Capability of the RS-36, 30 June 1956, see Doc.

VII-2.

UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED '

Notes, VII-9?

Photo Capability of the RB-47, 30 June 1956, compiled

by J. Xing, Hist. Br., see Doc. VII-3; Photo Capability of the RF-84F, 30 June 1956, see Doc. VII-7.

Photn CAW:ditty of the RB-52, 30 Jun. 1956, see Doc. VII-4; Photo Capability of the RB-57, 30 June 1956, cam.. piled by J. King, Rist. Br., see Dec. VII-5.

Photo Capability of the RF-101, 30 June 1956, 300 Doc. VII-8; Photo Capability of the RF-104, 30 June 1956, see Doc. VII-9; Photo Capability of the RF-105, 30 June 1956, see Doc.Y1140..

Photo Capability of the RF-105, 30 JUDO 1956, see Doc.

DS Nos. 4, 17, and 41, 25 Aug..19154. see Moos. VII-29, -25, de -27; ARDC Parma; Pi j. 6279, Task 62685,-21 June 1956, in Bacon. Camera Sect., Photo. Rocco. Br., ARL,.tiles.

Strasser interview, 9 Aug. 1956.

DD Fora 613, Prof. 6211, Task 62006, 2 June 1955, see Doc. VII-33; ARDC Farm 111, Prof. 6211, Task 62006, 20

Jan. 1956, in PCB, MCS/PAO, files.

DS No. 41, 25 Aug..1954,.see Dec. VIZ-27.

ARDC Form 81, Proj. 6279, Task 62685, 21 June 1956, in Roman. Camera Sect., Photo. Bacon. Br., ARL, files.

ARDC Form 111. Prof. 6211, Task 62631, 6 Ear. 1956, see Doc. V1I-41. •

ARDC Form 111, Prof

see Doc. V11-45.

ARDC Farm 111, Prof.

see Doc. VII-45.

63. ARDC Form 111, Proj.

see Doc. V11-45.

UNCLASSIFIED

VII-10.

6273, Task 62617, 15 Mar. 1956,

; .

6273, Task 62622, 15 Mar. 1956,

6273,*TasE 62619, 15 Mar. 1956,

•
UNCLASSIFIED

Notes, VII-99

79. ARDC • TPFD, Aug. 1955 Bev., see Doc. VIIm.34.

'80. ARDC TR No. 96-55, 24 Oct. 1955, subj.: Hap, Chart and

Model Production, see Doc. VIZ-38.

ARL Program Reference Books..

Table, Reconnaissance Cameras-•Current Operational Functions,

• 30 June 1956, see Doc. VII-il.

DS No. 24, 25 Aug. 1954 , Br. Pli,s.

Prosn. by ARL on MATS Preen. Daffy, 1 Mar. 1955, in Mist.

Br../iles; DP, E. D. sewn, Ch. Aerial Photo. Br., Dngr.

R&D Labs. (Corps of Engineers), W-PAPS, to Ch., Bacon.

Camera Sect., Photo. Recon. Br., ARL, Dir/Dev., WAEC,

9 Dec. 1955, subj.: Convergent Camera, in Recon. Camera

Sect., Photo. Recta. Br., ARL, files . ltr., F. L. Billowy,

Tech. Dir., ARL, to Cmdr., ARDC, 30

 tiles;

1956, subj.:

Convergent Mapping Photography, in Reenn. Camera Sect.,

Photo. Bacon: Br., ARL, files.

ARDC Pre 111, Prof. 6211, Task 62640, 20 Jan. 1956;

DD Form 613, Proj. 6211, Task 62640, 5 Apr. 1956, both in PCB, DCS/P&0, files.

DF, V. K. leaner Ch. Recon. Camera Sect., Photo. Recon.

Br., All" Dir/Dev., WADC, to Communicatioinnd Photo.

Br. Aero. Equip. Div., AMC, 19 July 1956, inbj.: . Product

Imin"mgcmat Program for RC-1 Mapping Camera, in Bacon.

Camera Sect., Photo. Recon. Br., API, files.

ARDC TA No. 95-55, 24 Oct. 1955, see Doc. VII-37; ARDC • TM% Aug. 1955 Rev, see Doc. VII-34; DD Form 613, Prof, 6212, 3 June 1955, in PCB, ECS/P&O, files. •

DD Form 613, Prof. 6212, 3 June 1955, in PCB, DCS/P&O, files.

ARDC Form 111, Prof. 6212, Task 62024, 6 Nay 1955, in

PCB, DCS/P&O, files; table, Reconnaissance Cameras--Current

Operational Functions, 30 June 1956, see Doc. VIZ-Il.

Photo Capability of the RE652, 30 June 1956, i.e Doc.

VILA.

UNCLASSIFIED
• UNCLASSIFIED

Notes, yil-loo

T.0.10-1-2, 15 Jima 1935, Sect. II, p. 11, see Doc. VII-16.

Table, Reconnaissance Cameras-Current Operational FUnctions, 30 JIM. 1956, see Doc. VII-11.

93.. T.O. 10-14, 15 June 1955, Sect. II, P. 12, see roc. DD Form 613, Prof. 6216, Task 62015, 12 Mar. 1956, see Doc. VII-42.

DS No. 54, 25 Aug. 1954, see Doc. VII-20; DD Form 613, Froj. 6216, Task 62015, 12 Mar. 1956, see Doc. VII-42.

AMC Form 111, Prof. 62124 Task 62034, 22 Oct. 1954; ARM Form Proj. 6212, Task 62034,-5 Jan. 1956, both in PCB, MCS/P&O, files.

ARDC Form 111, Pmj. 6222, Task 62529, 

Form 171, Proj. 6212, 4 ?kr. 1955; ARDC

PCB, DCS/P&0, flies. Task 62529, 3 Jan. 1956, both in

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6212, Task 62529, 20 Jan. 1956;

in 

DD Form 613, Proj. 6212, Task 62529, 5 Apr. 1956, both PCs, DOS/P&0, Sites.

Goddard preen., 1951; table, Reconnaissance Cameras-- Current Operations; Fiuictions, 30 VII-11. June 1956, see Doc.

Photo Capability of the 82.47, 30 June 1956, - V/1-3; Photo see Doc.

Doc. V11-5; Capability of the M.57, 30 June 1956, see

see roc. VII-7. Photo Capability of the RF434F, 30 June 1956,

Photo Capability of the RB657, 30 June V 1956, see Doc. II-5; Photo Capability of the R8.66, 30 June 1956, Doc. V11- see

see Doc. VIZ.& 6; Photo Capability of the RF-10•, 30 June 1956,

T.O. 10.1.2, 15 June 1955, Sect. II, p. 14, V1149. see roc.

UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED

Notes, VII401

162. ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6212, Task 62635, 20 Jan. 1956,

in PCB, DCS/P&O, tiles; DD Porn 611. Proj. 6212, TA."

62635. 31 July 1956, nee Doc. VII-47; ARDC Fern 111

Proj. 6273, Task 62443, 15 Mar. 1956; . see Doc: VII-45;

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6273. Task 62629, 15 Mar. 1956,

See 4oc. VII.-45.

Goddard art., March 1949; WADC Weekly Teebniaal Information Report (hereafter cited as WADC WTIR), ) 2 Mar. 1956, pp. . 12-13, in Bist. Br. files; DD Form 613, Proj. 6218, 3

June 1955, in PCB, DCS/BSO, files.

• ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6218, Tasks 62087, 62454, and 62639, 20 Jam. 1956, in PCB, DCS/P&O, files; ARDC Form 111, Proj.

'6218, Task 62639, 2 Apr. 1956, see Dos. VII-46.

ARDC'Form 111, Proj. 6218, Task 62532, 20 Jan. 1956, is

PCB, DCS/P&0, files.

Goddard art., Mir. 1949; ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6218, Task

62457, 20 Jan. 1956, in PCB, DCS/P&O, files.

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6218, Teak 62457, 20 Jan. 1956, in PCB, DCS/A10, files; WADC WTIR, 

WADC WTIR, 27 Apr. 17 Feb. 1956 t •p. 20;

1956, p. 16; WADC WTIR, 1 June 1956, p. 15.

Goddard art., Mar. 1949; DD Form 613, Proj. 6212, 3 June 1955, in PCB, DCS/PaO, files.

Goddard art., Mar. 1949; WADC WTIR, 24 Feb. 1956, p. 13, in Mist.. Br. tiles.

WADC WTIR, 24 Feb. 1956, p. 13; WADC WTIR, 20 Jan. 1956, P•

ARDC Porn 111, Proj. 6217, Tasks 62053. and 62054, 20 Jan. 1956, in PCB, DCS/P&0, files.

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6218, Tasks 62081, and 62533, 20 Jam. 1956, in PCB, DCS/P&O, files.

113. ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6218, Task 62534, 12 Mar. 1956, see Doc. V11-43.

UNCLASSIFIED
.;;JCLASSIFIED

Notes, VII-102

T.O. 104-29.15 June 1955, Soot. V, p. 231, in Ch., ARL,

files.

WADC WTIIt, 6 Apr. 1956, pp. 11.12.

116. T.O. 10-1-2, 15 June 1955, Sect. V, p. 210, in Ch.,

files; TR 99-55, 24 Oct. 1955, see Doc. VII-39;.ARL Pro -

gram Laurence Books.

WADC WT1R, 18 May 1956, p. 19; ARDC Fermin, Proj. 6251,

Task 62463, 13 Mar. 1956, see Dec. V11-44.

218. DD FOrm 613, Proj. 6220, Task 62526, 14 mar; 1956, in

PCB, DCS/P&O, files; WADC WT1R, 2 Mar. 1956, p. 11; ARDC

Form 111, Prof: 6281, Tasks 62444, 62651, and 62652, 20

Jan. 1956, all in PCB, EJCS/F8,0• ARDC TR No. 99-55,

24 Oct. 1955, see Dec. VII-39.

WADC vilvia, 17 Feb. 1956, pp..17-18. •

WADC WEER, 18 May 1956, pp. 17-18; ARDC Form 111, Proj.

6214, Task 62074, 12 Apr. 1956, in :C3, DCS/P&O, files.

WADC WTIR, 16 Mar. 1956, pp. 9-12.

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6214 , Task 62486, 2 Apr. 1956, in

Recon. Camera Sect., Photo. Recon. Br., ARL, files; ARDC

Form 111, Proj. 6214, Task 62486, 12 Apr. 1956, in POB,

BCS/P&O, files; Activity Rpt. ARL, Proj. 6214, Task

62436, undated, in Ramon. Camera Sect., Photo. Bacon.

Br., ARL, files.

ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6214, Task 62636, 12 Apr. 1956,

in PCB, DCS/PNO, files. •

AR= Form 111, Proj. 6214, Task 62075, 13 May 1955, see

Doc. VII-32; ARDC Form 171, Proj. 6214, Tato • 62075, 3

Jan. 1956; WADC IFITIR, 17 Feb. 1956, pp. 25.26; ARDC Form

111, Proj. 6214, Task 62075, 12 Apr. 1956, in PCB, ECS/P&O,

files.

125. ARDC Form 171, Proj. 6214, Task 62075, 3 Jan. 1956, in Macon.

Camera Sect., Photo. Recon. Br., ARL, files; ARL Program

Reference Books; ARDC For MoProj. 6272, Task 62175,.

12 Mar. 1956, in PCB, D3S/P&0, files.

UNCLASSIFIED

117.
UNCLASSIFIED

Notes, VII-103

O

0

0

ARDC Pots 111, Proj. 6272, Task 62172, 12 Mar. 1516,

in PCB,-DOS/P&O, files; ARL Program Reference Books.

DD • Fona 613, Proj. 6216, 11 Mar. 1955,.in PCB, DCS/P&O,

files; DD Form 613, Proj. 6216, 12 Mar. 1956, see Doc.

VII-42.

228. DD Form 613, Pioj. 6216, Task 62134, 21 Mar. 1956, in

PCB, DCS/P&O, files.

1.20. DD, Fora 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62035, 11 Mar. 1956, in

PCB, DCS/P&O, files.

Form 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62039,.21 Mar. 1956, in

PCB, DCS/P&O,/I1mq WADC WTIR, 1 June 1956, p. 17..

DD Form 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62017, 12 Mar. 1956, see

DOc. VII-42.

DD Form 613, Pros. 6216, Task 62645, 11 Mar. 1956, in

PCB, DOS/P&O, tiles; DD/ Form 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62118,

12 Mar. 1956, see Doc. VII-42.

DD Form 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62010, 12 Mar. 2516, see

Doc. VII-42.

DD Form 613, Proj. 6216 Task 62014 22 Mar. 1956, see

DOo. VII-42.

115. DD Fora 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62016, 12 Mir. 1956, see

Doc. vil-42.

DD, Form 613,'Proj. 6216, Task 62041, 11 Mar. 1956,, in

PCB, DC.S/P&0, files.

DD Form 613, Proj. 6216, Task 62368, 11 Mar. 1956, in

PCB, DCS/F&O, files.

DD Form 613,'Proj. 6217, Tasks 62050, and 62424, 12 Apr.

1955, in PCB, DCS/P&0, files.

ARDC Foram, Proj. 6217, Tasks 62051, 62068, and 62453,

20 Jan. 1956, in PCB, DCS/P&O, ,-files; WADC WTIR, 9 Mar.

1956, pp. 10-134 liamiern, 1 June 1956, p. 16•

UNCLASSIFIED
If II

UNCLASSIFIED

Notes, VII-104

0

140. ARDC 111, Prof. 6284, Task 62371, 14 Mar. 1956,

. .in PCB,ICS/P.10, files.

241...ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6214, Task 62638, 12 Apr. 1956,

in PCB, mcs/p&o, files; DD Form 613, Pro. 6220, 14 Ear.

19.5S, in PCB, DCS/P&O, files . DD Form 613, Proj. 6220,

Tasks 62632, and 62525, 14 Kir. 1956, in PCB, DCS/108.0,

files; ARDC Form 111, Prof. 6273, 15 Mar. 1956, see Doc.

VII-45; ARDC Farm 111, Proj. 6273, Task 62180, 15 Mar.

1956, see Doc V1146; ARDC Form 111, Proj. 6295, 11 Mk,

1956, in PCB, DCS/PW,

DD Form 613, Proj. 6291, 2 Anse 1954, in PCB, ECS/PNO,

tiles; ARDC Farm 111, Prof. 6291, 2 Mar. 1955, is Hist.

Br. files. • •

•

ARDC Form 111, Prof. 6291, Tasks 62467, 62468, 62469,

62470, 62478, 10 Oct. 1955, Bee Dec. VII-35.

144. ARDC Form 114 Proj. 6291, Tasks 62471, 62472, 62473,

62474, and 62476, 10 Oct. 1955, see Doc. VII-35.

UNCLASSIFIED
UDC

I

DECLASSIFIED IAW E.O. 12958

REVIEWED

BY

DATE

•

teatitiO r

SHORT HISTORICAL =PLANATION

AND CIMOINHOGY VS 11Th

DISCOVERER, SEITRY AND MIDAS

1946,4959

RETURN TO

HISTOMAII'S OFFICE

AFBMD

12 YtAR

IN • t.12VALL. •401 AUTOMATICALLY

DECLASSIFIED. DOD DIR 5200.10

toe), • • No.
T CAL ECPLARATICti VS 11

,It b

Ora

1946-1959

II I

27 SE — 1959

I. Introduction.

Activities in the WS 117L Proems can be divided into three fairly

well-defined time periods:

Pre-Sputnik

Early post-Sputnik

c. ARPA Management

The transition ;bases between each of these periods were marked

by rapid change and intense activity by all personnel associated with

the program. The two most significant elements which characterized

the program following the pre-Sputnik period are (1) program Changes,

and (2) progress-and success-in solving the technical problems associated with satellite reconnaissance needs.

II. Pre-Sputnik Period. 

The concept of using an earth-circling satellite as a reconnaissance

vehicle was taken under investigation by the newly created BARD corporation in 1946. Their studies continued through 1953. As early as •

April 1951,1 RAND concluded that such a project was feasible and within

our capability. In the RARDproject Feedback (1954) summary report,2

it was concluded that a reconnaissance satellite employing a television

sensor could begin flight tests within four (4) years and completely

operational system tests could be performed in the sixth (6th) year

following program initiation. This assumed the availability of a

booster.

DOWNGRADED AT 12 YEAR

!sit• feri rpOp)S

r7, 'Sc. WDGEE-2

INTE.w.Ls r:07 AUTOMATICAL

• fotwa,_ DEOL A ZIF;ED. DOD DIR 5200.10
In the period 1948-1954, aside from the RAND investigation,

no overall effort was mode to undertake an adequately supported

objective program. However, the Air Force did let feasibility

studies for critical satellite subsystem to RCA, FAA, Hendix

and others.

Luring late 1954 to early 1955, the Air Force established

system requirements for a satellite reconnaissance weepcs system

with the publication of the final BARD report. Under Lt Colonel

William G. King, Jr., a small WSPD, was established at WADC. Design

proposals were let, and a series of talks, designed to explore

problem arms, were undertaken. The Air Force also issued a GOR

for the system. 3 It appears that the main efforts and resources

of the Department of Defense were directed toward Project Vanguard4

with the view of supporting the I. G. Y. and achieving the resulting

prestige and psychological benefits, rather than a military system.

In accordance with instructions from Lt General Thomas Power,

management of the program was transferred from Detachment #1,

Rq ARDC, to what is now AFEKD on 15 February 1956. This transfer

appears to have been effected : to prevent interference with the

ballistic missile program since the satellite required an Atlas

booster.

Under control of the ballistic missile development agency,

this interference could be minimized. Moreover, some benefits

might accrue if it were handled by an agency devoted to accelerated

development.

: I!
During the period from January 1956 to October 1957, the new

Air Force mmumommot ageney, MEM, established a development plan

and program for as Reconnaissance System (ARS), ITS 1271»

The Division established an office under Colonel Otto Glasser and

Commander Robert Truax. VS 1171, was assigned a priority of 1-A and

a precedence of 1-6 in August of 19555 In the spring of 1956, upon

evaluation of system design studies performed during 1955 by RCA,

Glenn 0 Eartin and Lockheed Aircraft, a joint Air Force Board

found Lockheed Aircraft best qualified, and recommended they be

awarded a development contract for WS 1171. A contract was awarded

them as prime system contractor in October 1956. Despite the bigh

priority given the program, funding was not provided for Implementation. Initially, $3.0Mvere provided against a $32.124 requirement

for FY 1957. Eventually this amount vas increased in increments

to $13.9 M during the year. ftwever,Ahe funds provided were for

use only for R and D work (P-600), which made it virtually impossible to conduct a balanced program. Repeated ARDC (AFIND)

efforts were mede to relieve this situation with no appreciable

effect.

As the result of repeated requests for relief, guidance was

received from•DCS/D, GRAF, Lt General D. L. Putt. In a letter

6

to ARDC in March 1957, he stated, "Your staff is familiar with the

Secretary's (Secretary Donald A. (varies) views in this regard and

that resultant definite slowdown is in order." This letter also

VDGES-2
tv..-1"/

CHRONOIDGY

specified that no orbital testing would take place prior to

January 1960 and that the development of WS 1171, "should be conducted along conventionalizes."

The renainder of that period from March 1957 to October 1957,

the WS 117L program proceeded siowiy within the limitations imposed

by available funds.. Some technical progress was made, but of equal

importance, a capable contractor team had been asseibled and a

broad base established which permitted the rapid expansion which

was to follow.

In summary, the period January 1956 to October 1957, was

characterized by program study at high levels and "business as

usual."

III. Early Post-Sputnik

The effects of Sputnik I were profound. Immediately steps

were taken by Sq USAF to accelerate the missile and satellite

(VS 1171) programs.

Ey late January 1958, overtime restriction on VS 117I. contractors had been removed, and the C/S USAF had approved a program

acceleration plan. In early February 1958 the President assigned

the VS 117L highest national priority equal to that of the ballistic

missile program. The accelerated plan included a Thor...boosted

program with a recoverable payload, increased WS 117L vehicle

production and Atlas-boosted flights beginning in sway 1959.

WDGEIC-2

Is Is
This accelerated program we approved "in principle" by Secretary

of Defense Neil McElroy in late February 1958 With instructions that

the program be conducted under ARPA direction and that AMID 'Omit

a nev development plan. Mile the WS 117I. program was not officially

transferred to ARPA cognisance until 19 Mny 1958, the influence of

the ARPA had a direct impact on the program after February 1958.

In summary the period, Octotozr 1957 through February 1958 was

one of rapid Change, and expansion culminating in the management of

the WS 117L program being assigned to the ARPA.

IV. ARPA Management (March 1958 to Present) 

Within a fev days, (28 Feb 58) after WS 117L had been placed

under the ARPA, Mt. Roy Johnson, in amemonuXhan to the Secretary

of the Air Force, initiated the first of many program changes *bleb

were to occur in the next year. These ARPA instructions to the Air

Force provided for program acceleration and highest national priority,

deletion of the Air Force proposed early interim recoverable capsule

reconnaissance capability for the Thor-boosted program, and recommended

that the Thornboosted program be used as a cheaper and more available

booster for engineering testing. Further, the WS 1171.4hor combination could be used for experimental recovery flights with minas.

(It is to be noted that a recoverable reconnaissance payload capability for Atlas was placed in the program by ARPA approximately a year

later.)

ilD231-2
In April 1958, the biosatellite recovery program was added to

the WS Una program.

In May 1958, the prognms was renamed Sentry and placed under

ARPA by DOD Directive 3200.5..

On 30 June 1958, the ARPA published AMA Order No. 9-58 and

instructed MIND to submit new development and financial plans.

On 1 JUIy 1958, AFDC published a nev Advanced Reconnaissance

System (ws Development Plan (the second plan of Cr 1958).

This plan included Fr 1958460.14 1141 19594215./4 later revised

to FY 1958467• Fr 1959-098.m. The plan contained both a Thor

and Atlas boosted program.

In mid-July 1958, me. Roy Johnson, Director* ARPA, informed

the Secretary of the Air Force that $215.11would be programed

for WS 1171, in Fr 1959. This total would include the biomedical

recovery program. In early August, the Thor-boosted program was

increased by ARPA from ten flights to nineteen flights. These

additional flights were to have biomedical and space phenomenon

measurements as objectives, and the total program was still to be

kept within the FY 1959, $215K ceiling. Rev development plans were

again requested by ARPA.

On 15 September 1958, AFRND published Advanced Reconnaissance

System (WS 1170 Development Plan (third plan or cr 1958) which

called for IT 1959, $231/44 FY 1960, $29646

On 17 September 1958, AMID recommended an acceleration of the

infrared program and published the Attack Alarm Development Plan.

WDCE11-2
t

CHBOWLOGY

(This later became MIDAS). This action was taken in view of the

importance of the early development of an improved missile warning

system. Enthusiastic support for this programme received from

many high officials throughout the Air Force.

In late September 1958, Mr. Johnson informed Ante that he was

unable to approve the current SENTRY Development Plan, in view of

the fact that it exceeded established fund ceilings in FY 1959 and

that the proposed FY 1960 budget was excessive. Mr. Johnson dispatched an ARPA Ad Hoc project group to AFSMD to investigate,

evaluate and recommend an ARPA maw Program.

In October 1958, the AMA directedAJTMD to cancel the ADM

phase of the SENTRY program but to retain the associated Atlas

boosters on order for future use.

In early December 1958, as the outgrovth of the ARPA Ad Hoc

Project Group, Mr. Roy Johnsoni initiated a series of reprogramming

actions which culminated in a complete reorientation of the WS 117L

program. During the period, December 1958 through January 1959, a

complete program reevaluation was accomplished; three separate

programs were identified and three new development plans were prepared, one for each of the new programs; maw, DISCOVERER and

MIDAS, (the 4th set of development plans in a calendar year).

In mid-February 1959, AMA "in general" approved the DISCOVERER

and SENTRY Development Plans. These were the first such approved plans

that the WS 1171. system bad. In early March 1959, the first phase

of a three-phase MIDAS program received approval.

vil

Cu14,1; 

4_1 4; ; 41,11

WDGEH-2
MONOLOG!

In summary, the year under ARPA management has been characterised by indecision, instability, and rapid Changes in program objectives and funding. For maple, between April and September 1958,

the WE 317L funding level was changed seven tams.

Depending upon the definition chosen, the program has undergone

eight major program Changes under ARM. The newly !brawl ARM began

the immediate amusement of a very Urge and complex prumunivelle

both undermanned and uncertain as to their position in the govern-.

merit. The evidence indicates that the technique of "having a bag

full of answers to 'which Me applies problems" has been used, i.e.,

fund ceilings into which the proerommust be era* to fit.

In the same time period, remarkable progress has been accomplished

in that from the time of program initiation in April 1956 (publication

of first development plan) until the first successful DISCOVERER

launch, 28 February 1959, the lapse time has been three years. The

majority of this work has been accomplished within the last one and

one-half years.

.4.

WDGEB-2

/ •.• sm. • • .1 • • S:..
UNCLASSIFIED

3.. Utiliv of a Satellite Vehicle for Reconnaissance; 8-217,

RAND ..pwatio1:9317fle.

Project Feedback Suerzy Report, R-262, Vol 2, RA/0 Corporation,

March 195 ► , P 56.

ARDC System Requirement No. 5, GDR 80 (SA-2c).

k. BSC action 5520.

USAF (DCS/D) Development Directive No. 85

Ltr, DCS/D, USAF to Comdr. , ARDC, Subject: (U)

Funding Requirements for VS 117L, dtd Nardi •

VEGE11-2

UN' tt; 0• " . . f f r. "
I/11_1Th

DISCOVERER, SENTRY AND MPROGRAM MID FURDIR3 CHRONOLOGY

1946-1959*

194647 RAND Corporation investigated the feasibility of a satellite

as a reconnaissance vehicle. These studies continued through

1953.

12 Jan 48 General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, in a policy statement on a

satellite vehicle, noted that Rand D an a satellite vehicle

should be pursued as rapidly as state of the art pexmittedft

1951 Air Force let feasibility studies for critical satellite

subsystems to RCA, IAA, Bandit, Mader, Chalmers . and Vitro

Companies.

Feb 54 Final RAID report on Advanced Reconnaissance System. System

feasibility was established. Development was recommended.

27 Mbv 54 ARDC published System Requirement MO. 5 an Advanced Reconnaissance System.

16 Mir 55 Air Farce issued GOR 80(SA.-2c) for a strategic reconnaissance

satellite weapon system.

mer 55 Design study proposals solicited from IAC, RCA, Martin, Bell

Telephone. Bell Telephone declined to propose.

SAY 55 MSC action 5520 directed the Department of Defense to develop

capability of launching small scientific satellite by 1958.

Effort not to prejudice or interfere with other satellites

for research or intalllaence. Emphasised peaceful purposes.

Would be a technical step to demonstrated satellite achievement with prestige and psychological benefits. Cost estimated

as $15-2014 (V$ngusrd the result).

25.1.22 General Power directed that Advanced Reconnaissance System

development program be transferred to V=

13 Jan 56 Memorandum of Understanding on transfer of Advanced Reconnaissance System from ARDC Detachment MO. 1 to mu

Generals Schriever and Estes agreed MOD office would be

established about 15.February 1956, take over Advanced

Reconnaissance System program.

* Prepared by the Air Force llellistic Missile Division'llistorian.

DOWNWADED AT 12 YEAR

IETER :ALS NW AUTOMATICALLY

DECLA5.5IFIED. DOD DIR 5200.10
Jan 56 VW published a VS 117L Preliminary Devaloyment Plan in

response to a request from Bg ARD0. Based on a possible

need to demonstrate an orbital capability within the 10Y,

total coat was estimated at $95.5x

22-20 A joint AROC-VEINMADO-ANC contractor evalnation board met

Mar 56 . at Bright-intterson Am to sunhats the 1171,4981ga Studies

prepared by RCA, Glenn L. Martin, and Lockheed Aircraft.

Board found Iockheed as best qualified and recommended award

of contract to Lockheed for development of VO 1271es

2 Apr 56 VDD published vs nu, Advanced Beconnaissence System

Develorment Plan. R and D contract !Lads for system estimated at: IT 1956, $7.004 PY 1957, #326234 FY 1958r $75.6N.

22 May 56 WDD authorized to announce Lockheed selection expend remains

ing Project 1125 funds on 117L lb other funds available at

moment.

24 Jul 56 WDD Development Plan for WS MIL approved by *LUSH.

3 Aug 56 USAF (DCS/D) issued Development Directive lb. 85 on WO 117L,

Advanced Reconnaissance System. VS 117L given lA priority,

1-6 precedence rating. But "because of fund limitations,

only $3M of Fr 1557 P-600 series fends are available to your

Command to initiate this development ."

28 Aug 56 WDD pointed out the effect of FY 1957 sis 117L fund limitations on VS 13.71. development, and requested $2L9M additional

FY 1957 funds for the program.

23 Oct 56 USAF again cited limitations on WS 117L P. 600 funds. Ouidance

iven WDD included: 1) prolong development, 2) maintain

minimum balanced rate of development progress on vehicle and

components instead of on Development Plan target completion

dates. 2WX stated that Emedguarters attempting to reprogram

$7.N more 16600 n 1957 funds.

29 Oct 56 USAF source selection board smarded prime contract on VS 117L

to.bissile Systems Division, Lockheed Aircraft (Contract

AT 04(614)-97).

21 Nov 56 WDD submitted Fr 1957 VS 117E fund requirements totalling

$27.8m in P-100 and 200 to DCS/E6

29 Nov 56 Secretary of the Air Force Donald Quarles vas briefed on

VS .117L status and progrma.

IIDGES-2
A •

Leib

CHRCNOLOGY

10 Dec 56 Lt General D. I. Putt, DCS/D, informed ARDC that IT 1957

.8600 funds for WS 1171, had been increased free: $3MI to $5,4

and efforts were under 'toy to reprogrmel$5Macce. For

management planning, WSS should count on *LON total P-600

for FY 1958 also. Other efforts would be mode to get 8100

and 200 fUnds. Other guidance: 1) develop and test components 2) do not make mockup until advised, 3) do not plan

launch before FY 1961.

30 Jan 57 Commander, WEC6 informed DCS/D that lack of FT 1957 P•100

and 200 funds was preventing procurement of materiel and

equipment essential to maintaining a balanced system

oriented development program, and that P•600 funds ceilings

for FT 1958 were considered inadequate to meet the program

ainimum component development and test needs.

9 Feb 57 Answering a Department of Defense request, WDD furnished

DCS/D with material on possible use of its 117L as la satellite. Indicated it could be done at cost of $66M by late

1958 or early 1959 if ATLAS developseat was satisfactory.

WDD not enthusiastic about approach because of possible

interference, short development time, order of confidence.

11 Feb 57 =warned USD that they had $8.5M on contract through

30 June 1957, and that they should not overcommit.

6 Mar 57 APIX received guidance letter from DCS/D, USAF on planning

and flooding requirements for vs 1271. Indicated that P-100

and 200 IT 1957 funds were over-prom:med. Mention was

made of Secretary Quarles' views regarding a definite slowdown, and emphasis on component development to insure

greater success. lb orbital testing was to be undertaken

in development prior to assuary 1960. Development of WS 1171.

should be conducted along conventional lines. Establish •

Weapons System Program Office at MD. $10K P•600 funds were

available. For FY 1958, estimates were that a total of $35M

would be available for WS 11716

2 Apr 57 WDD published Systems Plan„ Advanced Baconnaissance . WS 11 for various degrees of operational

iiiir,1360-8196; 11 11.4 needs estimated through 1965

totalled $223.7v.

8 Jul 57 LMSD informed maw they needed $7.9M to runs the WE Ira.

program between 15 August and 30 Novelber 1957.

* Name of Western Development Division (WDD) as Changed to Air Force

Ballistic Missile Division (AFBMD) 1 June 1957.

WDGES-2

w.J11:

is
!I I

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CHRONOLOGY

WS 1171. assigned unclassified nickname'Rew Horizon.

1118D informed by AFEND.that WS 1171. FY 1958 funds totalling *Malvern available to carry the .program through.

30 October 1957. Adjust program accordingly.

21 Aug 57 AFIND informed raw that WS 1171. FY 1958 8 600 funds

could not exceed $9.6M, with no more than 50% expended

in the first . six months.

3 Sep 57 AMID informed by DCS/D that only $10M P-600 FY 1958

WS 117L funds were available, and as yet no P.100 or 200

funds, though efforts were being made. Limit activity to

$10M funds. Authority to mocicup vehicles granted.

16 Sep 57 Air Council reviewed, approved WS 11Th program as presented,

approved go-ahead as fast as possible consistent with good

management.

19 Sep 57 MEND submitted VS 117L Fr 1958 and 1959 austere fading

requirements to DCS/D. Stated that $4814 in FY 1958 would

allow initiation of the flight test program by mid-Cr 1958.

9.0ct 57 Following Sputnik, in answer to Bq USAF request as to efforts

and resources required to accelerate the ICBM and IRK, an

estimate was made for WS 117L. AFEND pointed out that a

large amount of funds would be needed to regain lost time

due to fUnd strictures and lack of firs program approval.

With $99.224FY 1958 and $221.7147Y 1959 Muds program could

be advanced six months to one year if priority were given

effort.

10 Oct 57 MEND requested interim FY 1958 procurement authority of

at least $414 P-100 and $114 P.200 funds by 25 October to

prevent a work stoppage.

10 Oct 57 Secretary of the Air Force James Douglas approved the WS 117L

program as presented to the Air Council as a planning objective, subject to Mr. Queries' review.

15 oct 57 $35.114 (Fr 1958) P-100 funds authorised VS 117L by DC$/D.

later (19 October) AFEND told to limit obligations on this

procurement authorization to $15.511 through January 1958.

This was rescinded in November. No P. 200 funds to date.

16 Oct 57 DS/D Donald Quarles was again briefed on WS 117L, without

resolution of need for acceleration.

10 Jul 57

13 Aug 57

WIM r- • ES•2 .

4.
111111.p COM- riAr

=UROLOGY

12 Nov 57 BAND Research Mammmihma 2012, A 1 of Recoverible

Reconnaissance Setellltes

Davies A. E. Katz and others, 'it proposed using TBOR

plus Aerojet (second stage of Vanguard) as boosters.

27 Nov 57 AMID requested that ximinom overtime policies be

extended to WS 117L, replacing the misting 2% of program ma manhours overtime limitation.

20 Dec 57 Subsystem "G" VS 11710 (ICBM Attack Alarm) preliminary

design completed. Fabrication of experimental payload

units begun.

6 Jan 58 11W submitted a program acceleration plan for WS 117L

(IMSD-2832) as requested by AP in November 1957. Accelerated programme based on Thor..'boosted early flight

with a recoverable capsule as proposed by RAID. Flights

to begin in late 1958. Increase manufacture of 11W vehicles.

Atlas-boosted flights to begin in early 1959. General

Schriever approved plan in principle, subject to reviews

of special areas.

21 Jan 58 AMID notified that Assistant Secretary of Air Force

(Materiel) had approved use of overtime on WS 117L "as

may be necessary to meet the approved objective".

'22 Jan 58 Program acceleration plan submitted. Plan included a photographic reconnaissance configuration of • Thor-boosted

recoverable reconnaissance package.

23 Jan 58 Chief of start USAF approved acceleration of VS 117L program.

FY 1958 funds would be prodded when actually required.

29 Jan 58 Contract AY o4(647)-282 given IMSD for Thor-boosted test

vehicles. This became the DISCOVERER program.

Feb 58 Nq USAF considered expending Project Able to include VS 117L

test vehicles. AMID reccemend,ed against this because

1) Able coolleuration not yet proven; 2) would disrupt Able

schedules. Alter several successfUl launches, their use as

VS 1171. test vehicles could be reprogrammed it authority to

proceed were given immediately.

3 Feb 58 President Dwight D. Eisenhower directed that highest and 29E1 notional priority be given to ballistic missiles,

satellites and defense programs. (ICBM, DON, VS 11710 WS 224A)

I
24 Feb 58 Secretary of Defense Neil McElroy approved in principle

the proposed acceleration of WS 117L to be conducted under

direction of ARAN. MIND to submit a developaent plan.

26 Feb 58 WS 117L Site Selection Board convened at AIM. Board

chaired by Colone —TE—C=OW7members froemAJINO, SAC, —

ANC, $q USAF. Board to select tracking and data acquisition sites for the system.

28 Feb 58 Mr. Roy Johnson, ARPA, in a memoranimsa to the Secretary of

the Air Force concluded that:

ATLAS/WS 1171. Project should be accelerated and

given highest national priority in order to attain IOC at

earliest date.

Thor-boosted interim reconnaissance system with

light-weight recoverable capsule was a duplication of NO

Do not pursue this program.

c. To attain early flights of Lockheed second stage,

Air Force may find it desirable to use Thor-boosted test

firings. Thor boosters cheaper and available sooner than

ATLAS, also could be used with second-stage Lockheed vehicle

for experimental recovery flights with animals.

14E58 AFBMD activity in interim visual reconnaissance program

(II A) terminated in accordance with Mr. Johnson's message

of 28 February.

4 mar 58 Chief of Staff, USAF, directed that WS inland other apace

projects which depend on the use of IC/IRSM's be administered

in same manner and with same procedures as IC/IRBM programs.

("Gillette procedures"). AFCGM to be central point of

contact, coordination. Approved development plans would

constitute action documents.

4 Mar 58 OSD approved acceleration of WS 117L to include launching

satellite test vehicles based on THOR booster.

12 Mar 58 Lockheed notified that HQ USAF bad disapproved the WS liTL

recoverable reconnaissance payload program. (WS 117L Program

IIA). IMSD notified to reorient TBOR-booster WS 117L program for acceleration using THOR ..boosted flights for early

VS 117L tests—orbital flights for exercise of ground-space

communication network, concept for recoverable capsule, for

aero-nedical research flights.

• MDGEH-2

t.lilYi
7

”.14.173'im

WDGEB-2

19 Her 58 AFBMD informed that all statements on the nature and

timing of ARPA missile and satellite projects will male

from 01).

Apr 58 AP ID requested by USAF to revise 15 March WS 117L

Development Plan finsncial annex to downward from $2141

to $152M. Keep program flexible.

Agar 58 Biosatellite programa added to Advanced Reconnaissance

System--recoverable capsule.

Apr 58 UMDS engine development initiated.

28 Apr 58 DOD directed interchange of technical information and

visits on satellites and space programs between 13S Army

and Air Force up to SECRET. Refer other cases to headquarters.

3 AE28 PORAD expressed interest is infrared capability of WS 117L

as an air defense attack alarm against IOW launches.

May-Jun 58 Ft Stevens, Oregon, selected as location of WS 117L NW

tracking and data acquisition station.

mEm. Advanced Reconnaissence System renamed scam 7

9 MmY 58 Lt General Francis L Griswold, V/CinC/SAC, in a letter

to Commander ARDC, pointed out that SAC enthusiastically

supported WS 117V. Reconnaissance features a tremendous

potential, especially infrared, photographic electronic.

Also a requirement for a communications satellite, high

altitude (22,000 miles) advanced surveillance systems.

19 May 58 Cognisance over 

320.5 

WS 117L assigned to ARPA. (DOD Directive

19 Nay 58 SUbaystea "G" MIR Attack Alarm) Ensimmortalum04mis

completed.

21-22 First meeting, ARS Weapon System Phasing Group.

May 58

20 Jun 58 USAF informed major commands that WS 117E carried highest

national priority, DX rating of .011 Brickbat, precedence

rating of 14.. Informed commands that field activities

mail begin in early 1959.