BRIEFING MEMORANDUM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP33-02415A000100430001-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 30, 1998
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 16, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

Approvveed Tor Release 201 /03/I0P ~33-02415A0 100430001-1
16 March 1955
BRIFFING MEMORANNDUM
On 5 November 1954 a memorandum was directed to the Director of
Central Intelligence by Dr. Land outlining a plan for comprehers'ive
photographic coverage of the Soviet Union utilizing aircraft capable
of attaining altitudes approximating 70,000 feet. The plan envisages
the use of the latest techniques in photography in order to provide
both mapping and detailed site coverage of the U.S.S.R.
Following the receipt of this communication, the Director of
Central Intelligence and the Secretary of the Air Force met and discussed
a collaborative effort for implementing the proposal. Still later the
President authorized the Director of Central Intelligence to proceed with
the activity as a new clandestine penetration technique. By 9 December 19511
preliminary negotiations were underway with the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
looking towards the construction of a suitable airframe and by 11 December
a meeting was held under the auspices of Mr. Trevor Gardner, Special Assistant
to the Secretary of the Air Force for Research and Development, which
brought together personnel of the Land Panel and representatives of the
aircraft manufacturer and the photographic equipment manufacturers.
On 2 January 1955, following appropriate arrangements with the
Director of the Bureau of the Budget, the Director of Central Intelligence
authorized the issuance of a letter contract for the manufacture of the
aircraft specified by the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. During the first
week of January letters of.intent were prepared covering procurement
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of specialized photographic equipment and electronic intercept
equipment.
An interim task force comprising representatives of the Air Force
d5
and the Central Intelligence Agency"tV beginning to move into high gear
in the planning and administrative activities relating to this program.
By the first week in February wind tunnel tests were completed on the
vehicle, arrangements had been made with the Pratt & Whitney Company
to expedite delivery of two types of high performance jet engines, and
the basic designs of a substantial part of the photographic equipment
were nearing completion. Arrangements were made for special fuel studies
to be performed. Basic decisions on feasibility were therefore possible
at this time and decisions to proceed to the manufacturing phase were made.
The present status of the program reflects the early stages of the
production phase. Fuselage, wing and tailfin sections of the aircraft
are being assembled at a special installation of the Lockheed Aircraft
Corporation plant. A mock-up engine has been provided and production
engines are scheduled for delivery starting in May and a more advanced type
engine starting in November. The first engine type has been checked out
an
in/altitude chamber and performs substantially as expected at altitudes
of 70,000 feet. Preliminary tests on the improved version indicate that
expected improvements will be achieved. Modifications of existing photo-
graphic equipment incorporating latest scientific advances is underway
with first delivery expected by late summer 1955. The program for the
development of special lightweight films in order to increase coverage
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per mission has been initiated with the Eastman Kodak Company.
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Thus far the effort has brought together into a compact teamA
the highest scientific and industrial skill of the country in a manner
never achieved in peace-time. The industrial organizations involved have
given the effort the highest priority and the outstanding men of their
respective organizations. Our present schedule calls for a flight
test starting August 19S5 and in view of the progress to date it is
anticipated that this schedule will be met and that operational readiness
will be achieved by the early part of 19S6.
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