PROJECT AQUATONE - SUMMARY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP62B00844R000200030007-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 11, 2002
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: November 21, 1955
• Content Type: MEMO

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MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence 21 November 1955
SUBJECT : Project AQUATONE - Summary
1, The project was approved on 1 December 1954. Work was started
on the airframe, engines, cameras Iwithin a 25X1
matter of weeks on the basis of oral under stanings; contracts followed.
2. The development and production of specialized equipment is in
progress in nine different fields as follows:
High altitude long-range aircraft -- Lockheed Aircraft Company
An improved model of the J-57 Jet Engine -- Pratt & Whitney
Optics and cameras -- Perkin-Elmer Company and Hycon
Manufacturing Company
Specialized film and processing techniques -- Eastman Kodak Co.
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Electronic and celestial navigational systems -- Ramo-Wooldridge Co.
and Baird Associates
New high altitude pressure suit and other personal equipment - - The
Air Research and Development Command
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3. Chronology:
mid-July.
a. Construction of test site authorized in late May; in use by
b. First aircraft flown 5 August; fourth delivered to the test
base 21 November 1955.
c. First carriera configuration flown end of September; second
test flown beginning early in November; third due in December.
4. Performance: Aircraft has attained altitude 170,000
feet on six occasions. Cameras and electronic gear are functioning in a
satisfactory fashion. Principal technical problems:
a. Fuel control to ensure reliable engine operation at altitude.
b. Maintenance of air pressure in equipment bay sufficient for
reliable camera operation.
c. Navigational systems and techniques.
All three believed to be on their way to solution.
5. Status: Agreement with the Air Force on organization and lines
of command concluded on 2 August 1955 provides for joint task force, pre-
dominantly civilian, technically within CIA but subject to direct control by
Quarles and Twining on one side; DCI and General Cabell on the other.
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Approved For Release 2( 0 MA. 4DP62B00844R000200030007-3
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RICHARD M. BISSELL, JR.
Project Director
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