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· . Approved for ~~e~se: .~Q.! ~!~ 1 ~~?C05114803 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

WASHINGTON 

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY 

February 4, 1966 

MEMORANDUM FOR ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (ADMINISTRATION) 

SUBJECT: Review of U. S. Foreign Intelligence and Related 

Activities in Selected Areas of Southeast Asia 

and the Far East 

The NRO was assigned the responsibility to answer parts 

(b), (c), and (d) of Recommendation No. 15 in the Foreign 

Intelligence Advisory Board report to the President. Attached 

at Tabs A, B, and C, are the results of the investigations into 

the several matters. 

3 Attachments 

Tabs A, B, and C 

Alexander H. Flax 

Director 

National Reco~~aissance Office 

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Approve~ f.or Release: 20~ 8/1 116 C05114803 

OXCART!TAGBOARD 

RECOMMENDATION 15: (b) 

Tnat, to enhance our photographic collection capability in the ChicomSoutheast area, the operational readiness date of the TAGBOARD drone be expedited as much as possible. 

The present TAGBOARD flight test and development program is being conducted in the most expeditious manner possible. All of the necessary drones 

have been delivered. Two carrier aircraft are used in the tests; it would 

not be possible to obtain additional carriers prior to the anticipated operational readiness date. Work is being done on a two-shifts per day basis. It 

is prudent to note that only limited reSOurces are available to accomplish the 

feasibility of the concept. 

~Wmy significant milestones have been passed in this complex program. 

First, an airplane designed to fly aCe lfuch 3 has been modified to a higher 

drag configuration, fitted with a drag producing pylon, a 10,000 pound external load attached and still this airplane has been able to demonstrate 

Mach 3 flight. Hot and cold fuel has been transferred from drone to "mothership" to provide drone cooling and range for the carrier. Engine operation 

of the drone ramjet has been demonstrated from Mach 1.2 to Mach 3. Payload 

ejection at supersonic speeds and aerial retrieval by C-130 aircraft have been 

accomplished. 

Tnere are, however, many more milestones to be met. Launch of the drone 

from the carrier is still to be proved. This is a very complex aerodynamic 

problem and, perhaps, the most significant part of the feasibility demonstration. Present plans call for the first launch to be accomplished during 

the week of 7 February 1966. After that, sustained flight of the drone at 

Mach 3.3} drone range performance verification, drone navigational accuracy, 

and satisfactory camera operation must be proved as feasible and reliable. 

OXCART!TAGBOARD 

Approved for Release: 2018/11/16 C05114803 

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'" ,.. - Approved for Release: 2018/11/16 C05114803 

OXCART!TAGBOARD 

There are no short-cut methods to providing the necessary data 

for system demonstration and reliability confidence. Each phase 

must be attacked in an orderly manner, progress is directly dependent 

upon previous success. Even with the many tasks yet to be completed, 

an operational capability is being sought in late August or early' 

September. Every effort, within the previously mentioned constraints, 

is being expended to reach the earliest possible operational date. 

Further expediting of the program cannot be accomplished. 

OXCART!TAGBOARD 

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___ Approved for Release: 2018/11/16 C05114803 _________ ~ ____ ~ ___