WEIGHT REDUCTION OF THE U-2

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP33-02415A000400380194-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 8, 2003
• Sequence Number: 194
• Publication Date: April 29, 1957
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Rase 2003/(RA-RDP33-02415A9400380194-1
SAPC-15303
Copy! of 6o
MEMORANDUM FOR : Project Director
Director of Operations
Contracting Officer
SUBJECT s Weight Reduction of the U-?2
REFERENCE s Ops Memo 26 April 1957 (SAPC-15135)
29 April 1957
1. The reference memo is, I think, a good approach as an entree
for future discussions on the weight reduction and increased mission
capability program.
2. I believe one additional alternative could be shown under
para. 7 a, covering an estimated reduction of 300 gallons of fuel and
236 pounds of equipment, giving a penetration altitude of a roximateLy
67,186 feet with altitude over target (mid-mission) of feet 25X1
and final altitude over base on return of approximately feet. 25X1
This alternative is consistent with the presentation in the ref memo,
3. I agree with memo that the maximum altitude
benefits to be realized can es; e attained by reduction of fuel load
with resultant decrease in mission duration and penetration radius.
Other possible reduction is in equipment, both mission and personal
equipment weights, and pilot weight, although the latter will be hard
to realize except bj fortuitous future recruitment.
1s. I believe the main ""fly in the ointment" is the added weight
of Rainbow which is still unknown but may offset the suggested saving
of 236 pounds through elimination of unnecessary equipment on the basis
of each mission having a tailor-made aircraft for a specific mission-
i.e.,, either all photo coverage without Elint, or vice versa.
5. I suggest that weight reduction and specialized mission concept-
be further reviewed and discussed with during 25X1
their forthcoming visit, with[ J and Mr. C. L. Johnson, and 25X1
possibly with Col. Beerli during Mr. Bissell's forthcoming visit to
Detachment C.
6. I favor directing our attention toward the concept of
specialized mission equipment, reduced fuel load, carefully planned
mission flight plans, increased EGT, as a means for increasing opera-
tional altitudes over target areas in future operations as enemy
capability to attain higher altitudes becomes real.
7. During future discussions I believe it essential that Operations
and Contracting Officer be represented in order that conf let
of these items can be best researched.
Approved For Release 2003/12/23 : CIA-RDP33-0241
SECRET
25X1