Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-23
FLYERS WOULD SET
NEW PHOTO RECORD
Army Experts Hope to Make
Highest Flight With
Cameras.

Efforts to prove that the only limits
to terrestrial photography are those
imposed by the curvature Of the earth's
surface will be made, beginning this
month, by two Army aviators in one
OF the most striking scientific photo
graphic expeditions ever undertaken.
1t is expected that the trip will re-
suit In improvement of aerial photo
graphic methods which will be OF
vital Importance in aerial mapping and
military observation work.
The unique mission is to be under
taken before the end of this month
by Capt. A. w. Stevens, Army photo
graphic expert, and Lieut.. John D.
Corkille, pilot. The pair will start from
Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, across
Montana, Oregon and Washington, in
GLIDING the Cascade and Rocky Noun
tain ranges.
The plane to be used is an Army
cos, De Haviland of ancient vim
tage, renovated by the substitution Of
Looming aamphibian wings and powered
with Liberty engine. The camera
will be an Army Fairchild ks, using
a 500-mm focal length lens, krypto-
cyanine hypersensitiZed film and red
filter,
New Record Hoped For.
With this Aim and filter Army Of
ficers believe that use can be made
Of the longer waves of the spectrum,
resulting in penetration Of the great
est air distances ever achieved. At
$1,000 feet altitude, the camera will
command a horizon line between 200
and $50 miles distant.
THE great value of high altitude
or long distance photography in time
of war is obvious" the War Depart
ment stated in announcing the flight.
ut would mean the ability to obtain
layouts of enemy territory far beyond
the reach of enemy aircraft guns.
But its value extends to peace-time
work also. Any information which
will result in higher haze penetra-
ton photography applies to oblique as
well as vertical high altitude work, and
in oblique photography increased pene-
tration means the possibility of map
ping far greater areas in single
operation with the use OF the four or
five lens Army mapping cameras,
This would be infinitely valuable to
surveyors"
Stevens Comes From Maine.
Capt. Stevens is an outstanding ex-
ponent of aerial Photographic work in
this country. Born in Maine, he took
q master Of science degree In the
0bsUC ul1FCLSlty blACtS. nc WOlACu da
an engineer, in Idaho, Montana
and Alaska. He enlisted in the World
War in the aviation section of the
Signal Corps and saw active service at
Chateau Thierry, San Mihiel and in
the Meuse-Argonne offensives, doing
Photographic work.
Upon his return to this country he
was stationed ut Langley Field, where
he engaged in experimental work in the
PREPARATION of moasics for the Army
and the Geological Survey. This work
was new in this country at that time.
He came to the Engineering Division,
McCook Field, in 1920, and has since
that time been engaged in the develop
ment Of aerial photography. This work
has led to his participation in many in
teresting Photographic activities, notably
journey into South America as a
member Of the Hamilton Rice expedi-
ton in 1924.
Lieut. Corkille Is q native Of Illinois.
He entered the aviation section of the
Signal Corps as o private In February,
1918. He was commissioned In July Of
the same year. From 1920 until 1925 he
was chief test pilot for flying cadets at
Carlstrom Field, Fla. and Brooks Field.
He then saw service in the Philippine
Islands, where he was an engineering
oficer in charge of maintenance and re-
pair. More recently he has been pilot
ing for Capt. Stevens in night photo
graphic tests over Washington. Lieut..
Corkille is a member of the flight test
branch of the materiel division. The
two form q good team and are expected
to be successful in the contemplated
work.