SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06638341
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
2
Document Creation Date: 
September 6, 2019
Document Release Date: 
September 12, 2019
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
August 2, 1976
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT[15687566].pdf59.93 KB
Body: 
Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341 � 6.2(d) 2 August 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: Chairman, TACANA TCT FROM SE/COPS SUBJECT System Development 1. Whereas recent flight tests in Oklahoma showed that - an A-B-C pattern Can be flown under overt conditions, TACANA is a long Way from being a clandestinely deployable collection system. As an operations element SE cannot judge Whether there is solid scientific basis for continued development of such a collection system. However, we offer the following comments as an approach to that question. 2. A requirements/target study should be made of installations in the Leningrad and Moscow areas which could be covered by TACANA. These Must be high Priority, not accessible by other means, and geographically suitable for a TACANA capability. Once catalogued these targets should be evaluated carefully against projected TACANA capability. We assume TACANA might photograph-targets in two ways: flying directly to a distinctive target which they locate, due to its unique shape, size, etc; flying an A-B route Which Passes' over targets of interest which are photographed while in flight (birds do not recognize any specific target). 3. A description or TOD of the desired clandestine TACANA collection system should be written. This requirement must emphasize the conditions under which it would be deployed to and in the USSR. 4. Using the two above papers the DD/SET should prepare a proposed research-development plan with estimated costs and timetable. This would be used to decide whether to spend more money and effort on TACANA. WARNING NOTICE � SENSITIVE INTELLIGENCE SOURCES AND METHODS INVOLVED E2 IMP CL BY Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341 Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341 2 5. Observations of TACANA over the past eight months do not make us as laymen optimistic that a clandestine collection system can be developed. However, a more systematic scientific/zoological study approach seems essential before embarking on any expensive development. One final note concerns the TACANA camera system. This appears to have excellent capability; indeed, it far exceeds delivery capability. Thus, we suggest further engineering on it might be deferred pending decision on the aviary capability. cc: NIO/SA C/SE/USSR Approved for Release: 2019/07/30 C06638341