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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 

WASHINGTON 25, D.C. 

tJUl 1 5 1966 

MEMORANDUM FOR DR. FLAX 

SUBJECT: TAG BOARD Program 

The attached report reflects the current status of the 

TAGBOARD Program. I am happy to conclude my duties with an 

optimistic outlook for the Program. 

1 Attachment 

Subj Report 

f 

c./;:; 41 .c::::r~ / ~~Jt>G'/ 

LEO P. GEARY 

Brigadier Gene_ } U. S. Air Force 

Director, Program D 

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TAGBOARD PROGRAM 

Current Status as of 15 July 1966 

1. Major milestones achieved since the last report were the 

separation and flight of three (3) TAGBOARD (D-21) drones 

launched from the modified A-12 carrier aircraft. As you are 

aware, both of the presently available carrier aircraft (M-134 

and M-135) have been equipped with improved 34K engines. The 

separation phase of the three flights was highly successful and 

proved the separation theory, however, difficulties encountered 

during the flight profiles precluded hatch recovery and these 

are enumerated below. 

a. 5 March 66. D-503 flew for approximately 2~ minutes 

in free flight condition during which programmed course, altitude, and speed (3.3M) were attained. Shortly after beginning 

the cruise climb profile, the D-21 experienced a rapid pitch 

over causing inlet unstart resulting in further pitchover. 

This pitchover caused the ltD" to lose speed and altitude until 

the "D" reached self-destruct altitude of 55,000 feet and was 

destroyed. Theory is the pitchover was caused by a spurious 

electrical signal to the Air Data Computer. 

be 27 April 66. D-506 was programmed for a total range of 

1730 NM with a 9 degree right turn, 540 NM from the separation 

point, which was executed satisfactorily. The flight~rminated 

at approximately 1170 NM when the tiD", unable to respcnd to 

autopilot commands, went out of control due to failure of the 

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hydraulic pump which powers the flight controlS G The "D" 

destroyed itself at programmed self-destruct altitude. 

c. 16 June 66. The flight profile for D-505 was programmed for 1570 NM and incorporated seven heading changes 

varying from 18 to 83 degrees. The route was flown with 

program,f1ed distance and course being achieved. At fuel 

cutoff point, battery power to the autopilot failed, causing 

the liD" to deviate from programmed descent and subsequent 

hatch ejection resulting in self-destruct at 55,000 feet. 

d. Performance of the Inertial Navigation System during 

the above flights Was exceptional with the system maintaining 

the "D" within 2 NM of planned course. 

2. M-134 is now out of modification and has 34K engines 

installed. The aircraft has flown twice since modification 

and is undergoing further testing and tank curing at the present time. Testing of an improved nose cone fairing, range 

extension and mated sensor flights will be accomplished with 

this aircraft. These tests have been delayed due to having 

only M-135 available and the heavy emphasis on achieving 

separation as rapidly as possible. 

3. D-504 is scheduled for launch 20-21 July with a programmed 

profile of 2220 NM incorporating 12 heading changes varying 

from 36 to 82 degrees. 

4. The sensor tests utilizing the hot pod (a sensor hatch 

flown on the M aircraft) are concluded. To date the results 

have been very successful, achieving a resolution of 

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approximately 16 inches. The next step is to test the sensor 

in a captive mated configuration to check out electrical loads 

and complete interface function o This test will commence in 

July and will be followed by the scheduled free flight of the 

drone with sensor. 

5 e The Star Tracker is presently installed in the Jet Star. 

Two flights have been made and the results appear very 

promising" 

6. A visit to Hq SAC 11 July 66 was made to coordinate the 

formation of an operational organization for the TAG system. 

Initially, this force will consist of a commander, ops officer, 

three (3) crews, a planning section and an administrative 

section. Two LCO's are currently assigned to the Area. The 

force will be built up slowly as facilities for training be--

come available. LAC has prepared a course outline for the 

ground phase of training. 

7. I am pleased to conclude with a very optimistic outlook 

for the TAGBOARD program. The separation theory is now a 

successful realityo The guidance system is equal to or better 

than specification. The sensor in tests to date is equally 

promising. The immediate test objectives are set high but 

rightfully so in view of the excellent results to date. 

Accordingly, the next two free flights of the drone are 

scheduled to achieve 2220 and 3000 NM ranges with programmed 

hatch ejection. The courses will be altered by changes in 

heading. If these flights are successful then two follow-on 

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flights will be programmed to include the sensoro Assuming 

success of the next four flights, a limited operational 

TAGBOARD capability will be available o As we near attainment 

of an operational capability, decisions concerning the operational employment of TAGBOARD will be required. Preliminary 

operational plans have been prepared covering TAGBOARD operations from both Area 51 and from a deployed location o 

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