DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  AIR  FORCE  AF  REGULATION  96-1 
Headquarters  US  Air  Force 
Washington  DC  20330  I3  February  ,97g 
Mapping,  Charting,  and  Geodesy 
STANDARDIZATION,  EVALUATION,  AND  QUALITY  ASSURANCE  FOR 
US  AIR  FORCE  RECONNAISSANCE  IMAGING  SYSTEMS 
This  regulation  states  policies  and  assigns  responsibilities  for  the  quality  assurance  program  of  imagery 
sensor  support  systems.  It  sets  up  the  quality  assurance  requirements  for  continuous  photographic 
laboratories  serving  RF-4C,  U-2R,  SR-71,  photo  drone,  and  imagery  related  intelligence  production  organi- 
zations. It  applies  to  Intelligence  Precision  Photographic  Officers,  Continuous  Photoprocessing,  and 
Photoprocessmg  Control  specialties. 
Paragraph 
Section  A  —  Introduction 
General  Information    . 
Section  B  —  Laboratory  Quality  Assurance  Program 
Need  for  a  Quality  Assurance  Program    2 
Laboratory  Quality  Assurance  Functions   .......................[.... ,3 
Categories  of  Imagery  Processing  Laboratories   .............]   4 
Calibration  and  Certification  Standards    5 
Section  C  —  Central  Calibration  Program 
General  Information    r 
MAJCOM  Responsibilities    7 
Diffuse  Densitometer  Calibration  Responsibilities  ......... .1 
Sensitometer  Calibration  Responsibilities    9 
Section  D  —  Sensor  System  Evaluation  Program 
Scope  of  the  Program    j0 
Nominal  Performance  Standards   '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.   1 1 
Organization  Responsibilities   12 
Levels  of  Evaluation   13 
Section  E  —  Support  Organization/Depot  Level  Programs 
Designation  of  USAF/CCF  and  USAF/SEC    14 
Need  for  Evaluation  of  Sensor  Performance     .   .   . . . . . . .   . . . . .  15 
Section  F  —  Miscellaneous  for  Photoprocessing  Laboratories 
Environmental  Standards    16 
Maintenance  and  Disposition  of  Records   ................[......   17 
Attachments  ge 
I .      Equipment  Certification/Standardization  Chart    7 
"*       Quality  Control  and  Assurance  Procedures   
  % 
2. 
Supersedes  AFR  96-1,  10  January  1975.   (For  summary  of  revised,  deleted,  or  added  material,  signature 
page.) 
No.  of  Printed  Pages:  9 
OPR:    INYSD  (Capt  Stobbe) 
Approving  Director:  Colonel  F.  W.  Bernier 
Writer-Editor:  Margaret  Carlson 
DISTRIBUTION  F
AFR  96—  1        13  February  1978 
SECTION  —  INTRODUCTION 
1.    General  Information: 
a.  Imagery-recording  systems  continue  to  pro- 
vide one  of  the  major  sources  of  information  to 
satisfy  intelligence  requirements.  The  greatest 
amount  of  information  must  be  obtained  from  the 
acquired  imagery.  This  requires  that  each  com- 
ponent of  the  reconnaissance  cycle  be  considered  in 
terms  of  its  possible  effect  on  other  aspects  of  the 
cycle.  Controls  must  be  set  up  to  lessen  degrading 
effects. 
b.  The  levels  of  quality  obtainable  from  recon- 
naisance  missions  vary  with  the  sensor  system,  the 
operating  conditions,  recording  media,  processing 
and  printing  characteristics,  and  other  related 
factors.  The  capabilities  of  the  supporting  facilities 
also  vary  according  to  their  assigned  mission.  There- 
fore, variations  must  be  identified  in  order  to  set  up 
quality  controls  and  make  sure  that  the  greatest 
amount  of  information  is  derived  from  the  imagery. 
c.  Since  the  primary  means  of  reconnaissance 
collection  are  currently  optical  sensors,  this 
regulation  is  concerned  with  the  quality  assurance  of 
optical  sensor  support  systems.  Quality  assurance 
programs  for  other  types  of  reconnaissance  systems 
will  be  developed  as  these  systems  are  developed  and 
fielded. 
SECTION  B  —  LABORATORY  QUALITY  AS- 
SURANCE PROGRAM 
2.    The  Need  for  a  Quality  Assurance  Program.  To 
maintain  effective  quality  assurance,  each  labora- 
tory must  set  up  a  Quality  Assurance  Program  and 
develop  process  standards  for  each  sensor  and  film 
type.  These  standards  must  be  consistent  with  the 
manufacturers'  specifications,  laboratory  capability, 
and  DoD  requirements,  as  appropriate. 
a.  Meeting  Mission  Requirements.  There  is  no 
single  quality  assurance  specification  that  covers  ail 
reconnaissance  programs.  However,  it  is  possible  to 
identify  criteria  for  photographic  quality  in  order  to 
get  the  most  information  from  a  given  reconnais- 
sance system.  Once  the  "quality  goal"  has  been 
determined,  it  is  necessary  to  trace  through  the 
various  laboratory  activities  to  find  which  variables 
affect  the  final  product  quality.  Then  control 
tolerances  are  assigned  to  each  variable  in  such  a 
way  as  to  make  sure  the  overall  "quality  goal"  is 
achieved.  When  the  "quality  goal"  has  been  identi- 
fied, the  operating  criteria  for  each  procedure  in  the 
laboratory  can  be  defined.  From  this  point,  the 
quality  control  program  makes  sure  that  the 
standards  are  maintained  within  specified  limits. 
b.  Reliability  of  Product  Quality.  If  variability 
is  under  control,  the  reliability  of  the  production  of 
the  laboratory  is  assured.  Laboratory  management 
makes  sure  that  the  laboratory  system  operates 
within  repeatable  limits  and  in  a  prescribed  manner. 
Quality  control  applies  to  the  mechanical  laboratory 
functions  as  well  as  all  laboratory  activities,  includ- 
ing the  performance  of  the  operators  and  mainte- 
nance personnel. 
3.  Laboratory  Quality  Assurance  Functions.  The 
laboratory  quality  assurance  program  can  be 
separated  into  specific  steps  that  interrelate  to  form 
the  total  program.  These  steps  are: 
a.  Identifying  Variables. 
b.  Using  Instruments.  Whether  these  devices 
are  simple  or  complex,  their  repeatability  and  ac- 
curacy must  be  known.  They  must  be  calibrated 
periodically  against  a  standard. 
c.  Collecting  and  Presenting  Data.  Quality 
assurance  data  must  be  collected  and  recorded  ac- 
curately and  uniformly.  The  data  is  presented  on 
AF  Forms  1600,  Sensitometry  Worksheet;  1601, 
Spray  Processor  Temperature  and  Pressure  Log; 
1602,  Original  Negative  Evluation;  1603,  Mission 
Densitometric  Readout  Data;  1604,  Titling  Check- 
list; and  1605,  Equipment  Certification.  Labora- 
tories with  immersion  processors,  prototype  equip- 
ment or  specialized  items,  such  as  automatic  plotters 
and  computer  interface  printers,  are  authorized  use 
of  locally  produced  forms  for  those  specific  items 
not  covered  by  existing  Air  Force  forms. 
d.  Analyzing  and  Integrating  Data.  Analysis  of 
data  begins  with  examining  control  charts  for  ab- 
normal deviations  from  the  mean.  When  deviations 
indicate  a  trend,  all  variables  must  be  analyzed 
before  making  any  change.  If  a  change  is  made  to 
correct  a  deficiency  in  the  process,  subsequent  data 
must  be  closely  monitored  to  make  sure  that  con- 
trol has  been  restored.  If  the  corrective  action  fails 
to  restore  control,  the  operation  is  suspended  and  a 
detailed  analysis  made.  Because  interaction  between 
variables  must  be  considered,  decisions  are  made 
only  after  conducting  an  analysis  of  variance. 
4.  Categories  of  Imagery  Processing  Laboratories. 
All  Air  Force  processing  laboratories  used  in  sup- 
port of  reconnaissance  activities  are  divided  into 
categories  based  on  mission,  capability,  and  final 
use  of  imagery  products.  These  categories  define 
the  extent  of  processing,  printing,  duplicating,  and 
support  requirements  associated  with  various  mis- 
sions. The  categories  and  the  regular  requirements 
for  each  laboratory  are: 
a.  Category  "A"  Laboratory.  A  laboratory 
capable  of  supporting  those  photographic  recon- 
naissance systems  responsible  to  national  command 
assignment  authority.  It  consists  of  a  secure,  clean, 
temperature  and  humidity  controlled  production 
facility  with  the  capability  to  process  long,  uncut 
rolls  of  thin  base,  original  negative  film.  This  lab- 
oratory does  the  necessary  film  breakdown,  identi-
AFR  96—1        13  February  1978 
fication,  titling,  and  duplicate  film  production  re- 
quired for  wide  distribution.  Laboratories  asso- 
ciated with  Category  "A"  include  major  command 
Reconnaissance  Technical  Facilities  within  the 
General  Defense  Intelligence  Program  (GDIP). 
b.  Category  "B"  Laboratory.  A  laboratory 
supporting  command  level  or  theater  intelligence 
production  work.  This  laboratory  has  enough  pro- 
cessing and  printing  equipment  to  handle  the 
workload  of  the  command  or  theater.  Also,  this 
laboratory  services  follow-up  reconnaissance  prod- 
ucts intended  for  detailed  evaluation.  Laboratories 
associated  with  Category  "B"  include  fixed  or 
mobile  Reconnaissance  Technical  facilities  support- 
ing responsive  intelligence  production. 
c.  Category  ,4C"  Laboratory.  A  laboratory 
supporting  mobile  or  deployed  tactical  reconnais- 
sance operations.  This  laboratory  has  the  full  capa- 
bility to  support  the  processing  and  select  printing 
required  for  Immediate  Photographic  Interpretation 
Reports  (IPIRs).  Category  "C"  includes  the 
WS-430B  Photographic  Processing  and  Interpre- 
tation Facilities. 
d.  Category  "D"  Laboratory.  A  special 
purpose  facility  required  to  support  a  specific 
reconnaissance  operation.  This  type  of  laboratory 
may  be  equipped  with  a  wide  variety  of  specialized 
processing  or  printing  equipment  to  support  one 
particular  mission  or  reconnaissance  sensor.  Cate- 
gory "D"  includes  AFSC  and  AFLC  facilities,  sup- 
port laboratories,  and  prototype  equipment  under- 
going extended  operational  test  and  evaluation. 
5.    Calibration  and  Certification  Standards.    To 
make  sure  that  the  best  imagery  is  being  produced  at 
all  times,  all  continuous  photographic  processing 
laboratories  must  maintain  at  least  minimum 
standards  for  equipment  certification  and  calibra- 
tion, imagery  evaluation,  statistical  evaluations,  and 
exposure  monitoring  systems.  TO  10-1-6-2  provides 
the  definitive  guidance  for  this  requirement. 
a.  Calibration  of  equipment  in  all  laboratory 
categories  must  be  performed  as  specified  in  TOs 
10-1-6-2,  33K-1-100,  and  the  appropriate  equipment 
TO.  Sensitometers  and  densitometers  must  be  cali- 
brated every  12  months. 
b.  Certification,  standardization,  and  quality 
assurance  procedures  must  be  performed  at,  or  ex- 
ceed, the  frequency  listed  in  attachments  1  and  2, 
for  each  repsective  category. 
SECTION  C  —  CENTRAL  CALIBRATION  PRO- 
GRAM 
6.  General  Information.  This  section  assigns  re- 
sponsibilities to  the  USAF  Central  Calibration 
Facility  (USAF/CCF),  Major  Commands  (MAJ- 
COMs),  the  Major  Command  Central  Calibration 
Facilities  (MAJCOM/CCFs),  and  the  photographic 
processing  facilities.  The  central  calibration  pro- 
gram is  now  limited  to  calibrating  sensitometers  and 
diffuse  densitometers. 
7.  MAJCOM  Responsibilities.  Each  MAJCOM 
sets  up  a  calibration  program  for  sensitometers  and 
densitometers.  Each  MAJCOM  headquarters  de- 
signates a  MAJCOM/CCF  and  notifies  HQ 
USAF/INY  and  the  USAF/CCF  of  the  assignment. 
MAJCOMs  also  designate  each  facility  required  to 
requisition  USAF/CCF  sensitometer  and  densito- 
meter calibration  packages.  When  a  command 
standard  sensitometer  is  used  to  produce  secondary 
calibration  packages  for  its  using  activities,  each 
MAJCOM  OPR  must  make  sure  that  all  sensito- 
meter exposures  correspond,  within  established 
tolerances,  to  exposures  produced  from  the  USAF/ 
CCF  standard  sensitometer. 
8.    Diffuse  Densitometer  Calibration  Responsibili- 
ties: 
a.  USAF/CCF: 
(1)  Demonstrates  traceability  of  diffuse 
density  measurements  to  the  National  Bureau  of 
Standards  (NBS). 
(2)  Calibrates  step-tablets  for  diffuse  densito- 
meters. 
(3)  Provides  item  management  for  calibrated 
densitometer  step-U»biets. 
(4)  Maintains  liaison  with  Aerospace  Guid- 
ance and  Meteorology  Center  (AGMQ  on  the  den- 
sitometer calibration  program  according  to  AFR 
74-2. 
(5)  Supports  the  MAJCOM/CCF  in  resolving 
densitometer  calibration  problems. 
b.  MAJCOM/CCF: 
(1)  Monitors  the  command  densitometer  cali- 
bration program  and  supplements  procedures  as 
required. 
(2)  Supports  their  using  activities  by  resolving 
densitometer  calibration  problems. 
.    c.    Using  Activities: 
(1)  Requisition  the  nationally  stock  listed  cali- 
bration densitometer  step-tablet  at  least  every  12 
months.  Establish  an  expiration  date  of  the  cali- 
bration densitometer  step-tablet  12  months  from  the 
date  of  initial  use.  Write  date  on  the  AFTO  108, 
PME  Certification  Label.  This  step-tablet  must  be 
used  as  the  facility  standard  to  calibrate  work 
standards. 
(2)  Maintain  step-tablet  work  standards  which 
are  traceable  to  the  facility  standard.  Expired  faci- 
lity standards  must  be  used  as  work  standards  as 
long  as  the  physical  condition  is  acceptable. 
(3)  Using  the  calibrated  step-tablet  work 
standard,  certify  the  diffuse  densitometer  according
AFR96— 1         13  February  1978 
to  TO  10-1-6-2.  If  the  densitometer  fails  to  certify, 
it  must  be  calibrated  according  to  the  equipment 
calibration  procedures  in  the  appropriate  densito- 
meter technical  order  (TO). 
9.    Sensitometer  Calibration  Responsibilities: 
a.  USAF/CCF: 
(1)  Demonstrates  traceability  of  exposure  in 
metercandle-second  (MCS)  to  NBS. 
(2)  Produces  a  sensitometer  calibration  pack- 
age consisting  of  two  rolls  of  film  of  the  same  emul- 
sion. One  roll  must  have  a  calibrated  step-tablet  ex- 
posure and  the  other  roll  must  be  unexposed.  The 
exposed  film  must  be  aged  to  reduce  latent  image 
effects.  The  sensitometer  calibration  package  must 
be  stored  under  controlled  conditions  at  all  times. 
Keep  appropriate  records  so  as  to  allow  periodic 
verification. 
(3)  Provides  item  management  for  the  sensito- 
meter calibration  packages. 
(4)  Analyzes  the  data  returned  from  the  using 
activity,  determines  the  exposure  made  by  the 
sensitometer  to  be  calibrated,  and  notifies  the  using 
activity  and  the  appropriate  MAJCOM/CCF  of  the 
exposure  value. 
(5)  Maintains  liaison  with  AGMC  on  sensito- 
meter calibration  procedures  according  to  APR 
74-2. 
(6)  Supports  the  MAJCOM/CCF  in  resolving 
sensitometer  calibration  problems. 
b.  MAJCOM/CCF: 
(1)  Monitors  the  command  sensitometer  cali- 
bration program  and  supplement  procedures  as  re- 
quired. 
(2)  Supports  their  using  activities  in  resolving 
sensitometer  calibration  problems. 
(3)  If  a  command  standard  1-B  Type  sensito- 
meter is  to  be  used  to  produce  secondary  command 
sensitometer  calibration  packages,  develops  proce- 
dures to  make  sure  that  calibration  sensitometers 
correlate  with  the  USAF/CCF  standard  sensito- 
meter exposure. 
(4)  Produces  sensitometer  calibration  pack- 
ages for  those  using  activities  not  requisitioning 
packages  from  USAF/CCF. 
c.  Using  Activities: 
(1)  Requisition  the  sensitometer  calibration 
package  for  the  type  of  sensitometer  to  be  calibrated 
at  least  every  12  months. 
(2)  Calibrate  the  facility  standard  sensitometer 
according  to  TO  10-1-6-2,  and  as  supplemented  per 
instructions  contained  in  the  calibration  package. 
(3)  Produce  exposures  on  control  stock  film 
using  the  facility  standard  sensitometer  at  the  time 
of  calibration.  These  exposures  are  used  for  later 
calibrations  and  certifications. 
(4)  Calibrate  all  sensitometers  in  the  facility 
by  determining  the  exposure  from  correlation  to  the 
calibrated  facility  standard  sensitometer.    Do  every 
12  months. 
(5)  Monitor  sensitometer  calibration  accord- 
ing to  TO  10-1-6-2  to  determine  when  maintenance 
is  required. 
SECTION  D  —  SENSOR  SYSTEM  EVALUA- 
TION PROGRAM 
10.  Scope  of  the  Program.  The  sensor  system 
evaluation  program  is  the  Air  Force  effort  to  de- 
termine the  performance  of  specific  imaging  sys- 
tems. Actual  system  performance  is  then  compared 
against  expected  standards.  The  sensor  system  in- 
cludes such  variables  as  the  aircraft,  camera,  film, 
processing,  and  environmental  conditions.  The  sen- 
sor system  evaluation  program  provides  a  measure 
of  the  quality  of  the  product  to  be  used  by  the 
imagery  interpreter.  The  degree  of  evaluation  can 
range  from  limited  visual  inspection  'to  in-depth 
study  and  documentation  requiring  sophisticated  in- 
strumentation. The  sensor  system  evaluation  pro- 
grams allow  identification  of  probable  system 
degradation  causes  and  make  sure  that  corrective 
action  methods  are  set  up. 
11.  Nominal  Performance  Standards  [NPSJ.  The 
key  element  in  the  sensor  system  evaluation  program 
is  the  NPS.  The  NPS  specifies  in  terms  of  image 
quality  the  operational  performance  of  a  sensor 
system  under  a  given  set  of  conditions.  The  NPS  in- 
cludes a  sensor  system  description,  expected  values 
of  imagery  quality,  and  references  to  appropriate 
documents.  It  provides  a  common  technical  evalua- 
tion baseline  among  Air  Force  organizations.  The 
NPS  can  be  set  up  around  operational  systems,  con- 
trolled flight  tests  or  static  laboratory  tests,  and  will 
vary  for  each  set  of  conditions. 
12.  Organization  Responsibilities: 
a.  Sensor  System  Evaluation  Steering  Group. 
This  Group  is  made  up  of  members  from  all  com- 
mands with  reconnaissance  responsibilities  and  is 
chaired  by  HQ  USAF/INY.  It  determines  priori- 
ties, approves  specific  NPS  formats,  and  coordi- 
nates the  necessary  command  interface  required  in 
the  sensor  system  evaluation  program.  The  Group 
recommends  specific  functions  and  responsibilities 
for  user  commands,  supporting  organizations,  and 
staff  activities  concerned  with  sensor  system  im- 
provement. 
b.  MAJCOMs.  Each  MAJCOM  supporting  re- 
connaissance programs  develops  the  necessary  direc- 
tives to  implement  the  USAF  Sensor  System  Evalua- 
tion Program.  MAJCOMs  assign  responsibilities 
within  the  command  for  imagery  evaluation  con- 
sistent with  facility  capability,  resources,  and 
mission  requirements.
AFR  96—1        13  February  1978 
c.  USAF  Sensor  Evaluation  Center  (USAF/ 
SEC).  This  organization  is  the  focal  point  for  doing 
sensor  system  performance  evaluations  for  the 
Sensor  System  Evaluation  Steering  Group.  It 
addresses  problems  for  which  solutions  have  not 
been  found  through  normal  organizational  or  depot 
methods.  On  approval,  the  USAF/SEC: 
(1)  Provides  technical  assistance  to  HQ 
USAF,  the  sensor  System  Evaluation  Steering 
Group,  and  using  organizations  on  NPS  matters. 
(2)  Develops  and  coordinates  standardized 
measurement  methods  for  image  evaluation  for  use 
in  updating  NPSs. 
(3)  Maintains  liaison  with  user  commands, 
supporting  organizations,  and  staff  agencies. 
13.  Levels  of  Evaluation.  The  levels  of  imagery 
evaluation  required  for  sensor  systems  are  estab- 
lished by  the  Sensor  System  Evaluation  Steering 
Group  and  outlined  in  the  specific  NPS  for  each 
system  covered. 
15.    Need  for  Evaluation  of  Sensor  Performance. 
The  depot  maintenance  focal  point  for  sensor 
performance  evaluation  matters  is  Ogden  ALC, 
Hill  AFB,  UtsJi.  Sensor  performance  testing 
following  any  necessary  repair  or  updating  of  the 
sensor  at  depot  level  is  necessary  to  verify  whether  it 
is  achieving  the  level  of  performance  set  up  in  the 
NPS.  Modified  sensors  or  prototype  sensors  also 
require  evaluation  against  established  standards  to 
calculate  their  expected  gain  to  the  operational 
users.  Specific  support  organization  and  depot  level 
functions  are  specified  in  each  sensor  system  NPS. 
Provisions  for  periodic  inspection  and  testing  of 
sensors  are  set  up  for  each  system.  Testing  to  the 
NPS  at  the  depot  maintenance  level  must  be  per- 
formed on: 
a.  New  imaging  sensors  in  acquisition  cycle. 
b.  Existing  imaging  sensors  in  a  planned  re- 
cycling basis. 
c.  Existing  imaging  sensors  sent  to  the  depot  for 
maintenance  and  overhaul. 
SECTION  E  —  SUPPORT  ORGANIZATION 
AND  DEPOT  LEVEL  PROGRAMS 
14.  Designation  of  USAF/CCF  and  USAF/SEC. 
The  MAJCOM  interface  and  support  to  the  USAF 
Central  Calibration  Program  and  the  Sensor  System 
Evaluation  Program  must  be  incorporated  into 
established  functions  supporting  photographic 
reconnaissance  systems.  Most  support  procedures 
set  up  in  this  regulation  normally  are  done  through 
Air  Force  Logistics  Command  (AFLQ  and  Air 
Force  Systems  Command  (AFSQ  functions. 
a.  Ogden  Air  Logistics  Center  (AFLQ  has  been 
designated  the  USAF  Central  Calibration  Facility 
(USAF/CCF).  Specific  focal  points  within  this 
organization  representing  the  Air  Force  Photo- 
graphic Quality  Assurance  and  Image  Evaluation 
Program  include  OO-ALC/MMIRCP  and  OO- 
ALC/MACE,  Hill  AFB,  Utah. 
b.  The  Air  Force  Avionics  Laboratory  (AFSQ 
has  been  designated  the  USAF  Sensor  Evaluation 
Center  (USAF/SEQ.  The  focal  point  within  this 
organization  for  USAF/SEC  matters  is  AFAL/ 
RWF,  Wright-Patterson  AFB,  Ohio. 
SECTION  F  —  MISCELLANEOUS 
16.  Environmental  Standards  for  Paofoprocessing 
Laboratories.  The  sophistication  of  the  environ- 
mental control  system  must  be  consistent  with  the 
degree  of  photographic  quality  required.  Critical 
operations  such  as  fUm  inspection,  analysis,  printing 
processing,  and  titling  must  be  accomplished  under 
the  cleanest  possible  working  conditions  within  the 
overall  system.  Specific  assignment  and  production 
requirements  must  be  the  main  reason  for  the  degree 
of  cleanliness  required  in  any  facility.  Some  facili- 
ties can  satisfy  their  mission  by  setting  up  clean 
work  stations,  others  require  controlled  area  en- 
vironments, and  a  few  installations  must  maintain  a 
near  clean  room  environment.  Minimum  require- 
ments for  environmental  standards  for  USAF 
continuous  photographic  processing  and  imagery 
evaluation  facilities  must  be  set  up  by  each 
MAJCOM  based  on  the  mission  of  each  facility. 
17.  Maintenance  and  Disposition  of  Records. 
Maintain  and  dispose  of  all  Air  Force  forms,  pre- 
scribed by  this  regulation,  according  to  AFM  12-50. 
BY  ORDER  OF  THE  SECRETARY  OF  THE  AIR  FORCE 
OFFICIAL 
DAVID  C.  JONES,  General,  USAF 
Chief  of  Staff 
JAMES  J.  SHEPARD,  Colonel,  USAF 
Director  of  Administration
6  AFR  96—1        13  February  1978 
SUMMARY  OF  REVISED,  DELETED,  OR  ADDED  MATERIAL 
This  revision  expands  the  scope  of  the  Air  Force  photographic  quality  assurance  program  to  include 
standardization,  evaluation,  and  quality  control  requirements  for  continuous  photographic  processing 
laboratories,  redefines  categories  of  image  processing  laboratories  (para  4),  frequency  of  sensitometer  and 
densitometer  calibrations  changed  (para  8  and  9),  and  the  sensor  system  evaluation  program  established  (para 
10).  This  revision  also  specifies  organizational  focal  points  for  the  USAF  Central  Calibration  Facility  and 
the  USAF  Sensor  Evaluation  Center  (para  14).  and  povides  for  other  operational  and  depot  level  support 
functions  (para  15),  lists  equipment  certification  frequency  and  application  of  quality  assurance  procedures 
by  facility  category  (atch  1  and  2).
EQUIPMENT  CERTIFICATION/STANDARDIZATION  CHART 
Equipment 
Frequency 
Category  "A" 
Facilities 
Frequency 
Category  "B"  & 
"C"  Facilities* 
Test  Reference 
Applicable  Forms 
1 .    Continuous 
Automatic 
Processor 
Prior  to  Mission  Be- 
tween Sensors 
Within  30  Mins  Prior 
to  Mission  Every  2 
Hrs  During  Pro- 
duction 
TO  10-1-6-2 
AF  Form  1600 
AF  Form  1601  (as  ap- 
plicable) 
AF  Form  1605 
2.    Continuous 
Printer 
Prior  to  Mission 
Daily  if  Used  at 
Least  Monthly 
TO  10-1-6-2 
AF  Form  1605 
3.    pH  Meter 
Each  Use 
Each  Use 
TO  10-1-6-2 
AF  Form  1604 
4;    Sensitometer 
Before  and  After 
each  Use 
Before  and  After 
Each  Use  at  Least 
Monthly 
TO  10-1-6-2 
AF  Form  1600 
AF  Form  1605 
5.    Densitometer 
Prior  to  Use 
Daily  if  Used  at 
Least  Monthly 
TO  10-1-6-2 
AF  Form  1605 
6.    Titler 
Prior  to  Mission  or 
Change  of  Sensor/ 
Film  Type 
Each  Shift  if  Used 
Appropriate  Equip- 
ment TO 
AF  Form  1604 
AF  Form  1605 
7.    Thermometer 
At  Least  Monthly 
At  Least  Monthly 
Check  Against 
Standard  Calibrated 
Thermometer 
AF  Form  1605 
8.    Balance/Scale 
As  Required 
As  Required 
TO33K-M00 
AF  Form  1605 
9.    Agentometer 
Prior  to  Each 
Use 
Each  Use 
Manufacturers  In- 
structions or  TO  ** 
10-1-6-2 
AF  Form  1605 
10.  Tachometer 
As  Required 
As  Required 
TO33K-l-100and 
Appropriate  Equip- 
ment to 
AF  Form  1605 
f 
a 
♦Category  "D"  Facilities  as  Required
AFR  96—1        Attachment  2        13  February  1978 
QUALITY  CONTROL  AND  ASSURANCE  PROCEDURES 
Title 
l.i      Developer 
a.    pH 
b.  Specific  Gravity 
c.  Dip  Test 
d.  Total  Alkalinity 
2.1      Fix 
a.  Ph 
b.  Clearing  Test 
3.1      Stop  Bath  pH 
4.1      Water  Filtration 
5.1      Processor 
a.  Physical  Certification 
b.  Sensitometric  Certification 
c.  Processor  Certification 
Aim  Curve 
d.  Start-up  Roll 
e.  Flow  Meter 
f.  Temperature  Controls 
6.1      Printer 
a.  Physical  Certification 
b.  Sensitometer  and  Tone 
Analysis 
c.  Image  Definition 
7.1    Laboratory  Production  Standards 
a.  Tone  Controls 
b.  Aperture  to  Scale  Print 
Point  Selection 
8.1      Original  Film  Processing 
Standards 
a.  Original  Negative  Aim 
Curve 
b.  Monitoring  the  Process 
c.  Titling 
Application 
by  Category 
Reference 
ABCD 
TO  10-1-6-2  para  5.2.12.2 
Appendix  B 
ABCD 
TO  10-1-6-2  para  5.2.4.  thru  5.2.8 
Appendix  B 
A        D 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  5.2.13.3                 ^ 
Appendix  B 
A        D 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  5.2.13 
Appendix  B 
ABCD 
TOiO-1-6-2  Para  5.2.15.4 
Appendix  B 
AB     D 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  5.2.15.6.1 
A         D 
TO  10-1-6-2 
Appendix  B 
ABCD 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  5.1.5 
ABCD 
TO10-I-6-2  Para  8.6.3.1 
ABCD 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  4.2.14 
ABCD 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  8.5 
A         D 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  4.2. 11 
ABCD 
Local  Calibration,  Manufacturers 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
ABCD 
Handbook 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  10.1.3 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  4.1 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  4.1.12,  4.1. 13  and 
4.2.14 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  4.1.7 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  9.1.1,  9.1.2  and 
9.2 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  9.3.3  and  9.4 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  10.3.2 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  8.2,  8.4,  and  8.5 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  10.3.2  thrul0.4 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  4.3.2
AFR  96—1        Attachment  2        13  February  1978 
Tide 
Application 
by  Category 
d.    Head  and  Tail  Identification 
Strips 
ABCD 
9. 1      Exposure  Monitoring  and 
Control  System  (USAF/EMCS) 
ABCD 
10.1    Control  Stock  Program 
a.    Control  Stock  Selecting 
and  Testing 
ABCD 
b.    Emulsion  Correlation  (Cross- 
and  Testing 
ABCD 
over) 
c.    Control  Strip  Production 
ABCD 
d.    Emulsion  Speeds  (EAFS) 
ABCD 
e.    Gamma  and  Average 
Gradient  (G) 
ABCD 
f .    Base-Plus-Fog  (B  +  F) 
Maximum  Density  (D/MAX) 
Minimum  Density  (D/MIN) 
ABCD 
g.    Evaluation  of  Raw  Film 
Film  Stock 
ABCD 
h.    Film  Storage 
ABCD 
11.1    Statistical  Procedures 
ABCD 
Reference 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  8.7 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  11.5  thru  11.7 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  6.1  and  6.2 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  6.3 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  6.3.3  and  6.3.4 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  8.3  and  8.4 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  8.2 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  9.1.3  thru  9.1.5.1 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  6.4 
AFM67-9TO10J-1-4 
TO  10-1-6-2  Para  3.1.14  thru  3.1.16