FUTURE OF THE AGENCY'S U-2 CAPABILITY
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070009-3
Release Decision:
RIPPUB
Original Classification:
T
Document Page Count:
4
Document Creation Date:
December 9, 2016
Document Release Date:
March 13, 2001
Sequence Number:
9
Case Number:
Publication Date:
July 15, 1960
Content Type:
REPORT
File:
Attachment | Size |
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CIA-RDP33-02415A000100070009-3.pdf | 184.39 KB |
Body:
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1
15 July 1960
FUTURE OF THE AGENCY=S U-2 CAPABILITY
25X1 DOa
i, The problem is whether a U-2 capability should be
maintained in the hands of a joint CIA/USAF Project as in the past
and, if so, for what purpose, on what scale, and where deployed.
Z. Employment of the It is assumed that, at least
for the next seven months, no reconnaissance wilt be conducted with
these aircraft over the USSR or the European Satellites, It is further
assumed, however, that if a drastic change should occur in the world
situation, this policy might be re-examined and that it may in any
event be reconsidered eight months hence. This contingency should 25X1 DOa
be provided for, In the meanwhile it is hoped that an appropriate
wav can be found to
t _ L: _ti
ee
3. Vulnerability: The vulnerability of the U-2 to the Soviet
air defense system has been exhaustively studied by the Central
Intelligence Agency and the Air Force in the Light of the May Day inci-
dent. Early conclusions concerning that event and previous estimates
of Soviet interception capabilities have been substantially reaffirmed
to the effect that:
a. It is unlikely (but possible) that damage was
inflicted on the aircraft at cruising altitude by a Soviet
ground-to-air missile, The probable cause of its loss
was a malfunction which forced it to descend below
cruising altitude.
be Any missions which might in the future be
authorized over the USSR should avoid flying directly
over known or suspected SAM (ground-to-air missile)
sites. If this practice were followed, the probability
of successful interception would remain low.
101 ir-P 10,
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4, Modifications: Certain modifications could be made in
the U-2, with some sacrifice in range, in order to reduce vulnerability
and eliminate dependence on bases close to the periphery of the Communist
Bloc. These include the following:
Pyrophoric ignition, which permits an engine
relight at or close to full cruising altitude in the event of
a flameout not due to a basic malfunction.
b. Single side-band radio, which would permit recall
of a mission in the event of evidence of dangerous attempts
at interception,
c, Possibly a provision for improved electronic
countermeasures, which would interfere with enemy
missile guidance and thus reduce risk.
d. Capability for in-flight refueling, which would
enhance mobility by making possible longer and safer
ferry flights and would permit operational missions to be
launched from bases 1, 000 to 1, 500 miles from the point
of penetration of the target area.
5. S onsorshi p and Cover: The U-2 program has involved
from its incep on e emp oyment of these aircraft ostensibly
of the time actually) for innocent purposes but also for occasinal (and most
clandestine overflight missions. It was organized jointly by the CIA
and the Air Force but within the Agency's administrative framework
and line of command in order to avoid any military coloration and to
ensure that in the event of compromise the activity would be identified
as a form of civilian espionage rather than an aggressive military act.
If U-2 aircraft are to be available for the purposes set forth in paragraph
2. above, it would appear that the same considerations would apply and
would argue for the maintenance of a capability under civilian, or non-
U, S. , or at any rate non-tactical cover.
6. Proposal;
a. A greatly reduced and redeployed U-2 capability
will be maintained within the same organizational framework
of a joint CIA /USAF Project and subject to the same control
procedures as in the past. The modifications proposed in
paragraph 4. above wilt be carried out on five aircraft. A.
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soon as these modifications and redeployment are completed.25X6C
half of the Agency's present inventory of 12 aircraft will be
turned over to the Air Force for use by SAC and ARDC.
b. All Us-Zs formerly deployed toM have been
25X6C
returned to the U.S.; those still deployed at
f
will be returned in the near future.
25X1X7
d. It is proposed that the four other U-2s to be retained
for this Project be maintained on a base in the ZI with trained
personnel organized and prepared for quick staging to any part
of the world where they may be required. Their typical mode o
operation would be to make a ferry flight to a staging base
overseas only when conditions are expected to be favorable
for an operational mission, to complete the operational
mission the following day or as soon as feasible, then to
return to the ZI. This procedure would avoid charges that
the U4P2 is stationed at an overseas base and would avoid the
need for a plausible but innocent explanation of the permanent
basing of these aircraft near the USSR. Since with in-flight
refueling even the staging bases can be reasonably remote
from Communist areas, it is to be hoped that the Soviets
would not even know what overseas bases were being used.
Another technically feasible mode of operation would be to load
the aircraft on a carrier (in port), launch at sea," refuel aloft
close to the target area, and land at a staging base after
completion of the mission.
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7. Alternatives: The alternative to the maintenance in a
reduced and mod-form of a U-2 capability outside of the Military
establishment is the Liquidation of the existing Project and the transfer
of all equipment to the Air Force. It should be emphasized that this
capability could not be reconstituted without three to six months delay,
mainly because the particular personnel could not be reassembled
and considerable time would be required for recruitment, clearances,
and training. On the other hand, there exists in SAC 'a wholly
competent Military organization possessed of this capability.
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