OPERATIONAL AND TECHNICAL PLANNING FOR U-2 RECONNAISSANCE OF CUBA IN THE LIGHT OF SOVIET BUILD UP

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00313A000500020061-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 23, 2002
• Sequence Number: 61
• Publication Date: September 27, 1962
• Content Type: MF

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Copy of 9
27 September 1962
MEMORANDUM FOR : Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
SUBJECT : Operational and Technical Planning for U-2
Reconnaissance of Cuba in the Light of Soviet Build Up
1. While the introduction of new and sophisticated military hardware by
the Soviets in Cuba has introduced a new dimension in U-2 reconnaissance of
that Island, it does not necessarilly spell the downfall of continued and effective
surveillance with this weapons system in our view.
2. There are two major areas within which certain changes are indicated,
and in both a major effort is currently underway; these areas are Operational
Doctrine and Improved Technical Defenses. Actions underway are as follows:
a. Operational Doctrine: Before the introduction of SAM
sites and MIG-21's, U-2 missions were traditionally mounted from
Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas, and designed to cover
as much of the Island of Cuba in one flight as was possible, subject
only to fuel limitations and altitudes sufficient to avoid condensation
trails. Entry and exit from Cuba were almost always within a fairly
well-defined region west of Havana in the Pinar Dal Rio Province.
At present operational doctrine has been revised to maximize
altitude, and at the same time minimize time over denied. territory.
Instead of extended cruise missions, we are now going to what is
essentially a short ferret system, at the same time varying our
entry and exit points so that no two missions follow the same pattern.
Although Dal Rio, Texas, is still the primary staging point, addi-
tional altitude is gained by lightened fuel loads compensated for by
post-strike air refueling in special areas set up only this month by
FAA at our request off the coast of Florida.
In addition, arrangements have been completed with. the air 25X1
sea rescue service, USAF, to provide on-station support of SA-16
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aircraft, their position keyed to the mission flight plan so as to
be maximally effective. Agency communications are in being
between Headquarters in Langley and ARS Headquarters in
Orlando, Florida, from which point a coordinated effort is
mounted.
As a further means of reducing the political hazard of a
possible off-shore ditching of a U-2 for any reason, arrangements
have been made through JCS and CINCLANT to provide an airborne
fighter support capability from NOB Key West and the Naval Base
at Guantanamo. This support is purely defensive and would be
activated only in the event of a water landing where a rescue
attempt was being made by the SA-16 aircraft. Until that moment
fighters are no closer than fifteen minutes by air from thy. track
of the U-2 aircraft. Their instructions are to prevent interference
with the rescue attempt or to provide cover for the downed plane
until rescue aircraft arrive. The JCS Rules of Engagement for
Cuba are in effect, subject only to the overriding requirement to
fulfill the mission of rescue.
Study is currently underway leading to the possibility of
employing bases other than Del Rio for staging in order to further
vary U-2 mission profiles and to provide even greater altitude
capabilities.
b. Improved Technical Defenses: In order to counter the
new threat from both the ground and air environments in Cuba, the
following technical improvements are in work or completed.
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3. While none of the above rrleasures can singly guarantee a wholly
immune U-2 reconnaissance program, taken collectively it is our conviction
that they can indeed prolong the useful life of the U-2 in the new Cuban military
environments. Other studies will be undertaken as time proceeds to further
ensure maximum mission safety. One thing is evident; shorter missions will
have to be flown which will require more high-level approvals.
JACK C. LEDFORD
COLONEL' USAF
Assistant Director
(Special Activities)
Distribution:
1, 2 - DDCI
3 - ER
4 - DD/R
5-OEL
6 - DAD / OSA
7 - OD / OSA
8 - DD/OSA
9 - RB / OSA.
DAD/OSA.:JA.C, Jr.
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