WEATHER SUPPORT FOR PROJECT OXCART

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00313A000500060040-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 19, 2002
• Sequence Number: 40
• Publication Date: March 22, 1963
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2003/1 B~-RDP63-003'3A000500060040-7
25X1A
Copy
U March 1963
MFMORANDUM FOR, AFIGO-S
Headquarters USAF
ATTENTION : Colonel Leo P. Geary, USAF
Weather Support for Project OXCART
1. I have been informed that a requirement exists for more accurate
measurement of the vertical distribution of temperature versus moisture
in the lower troposphere. Vertical variations in the temperature-moisture
relationship are accompanied by changes in refractive index values, which
are numerical indicators of anomalous propagation of radar emitted eleectro-
magnetic energy waves.
2. RAOB data analysis leaves much to be desired due to inaccuracy
and lag in the humidity element as well as the step process by which temper-
ature, humidity and pressure contacts are received from the rising trans-
mitte r.
3. Aircraft refractive index measurement, correlated with twelve-hourly
hemispheric EDPM analysis of R.AOB soundings, will enhance the probability
of success in forecasting the presence. intensification or decomposition
of radar wave propagation - "DUCTING" - for flight planning purposes, a
critical requirement of OXCART operations.
4. It is my understanding that the Ley Committee. AW 5, recommended
refractometeer instrumentation of aircraft. At the present time, one aircraft
is being equipped and two additional refractometer packages are being develop*4
at McClelland ATE, California. Headquarters, Air Weather Service is to have
operational control over this equipment.
25X1A
Approved For Release 2003/11/19: CIA-RDP63-00313A0
SECRET
 Approved For Release 20A4)4E! CIA-RDP63-00313A000500060040-7
j 25X1A
Copy
Page Two
It is our desire to utilize the output of these aircraft soundings
r ranean-Black -Caspian Sea region in support of OXCART.
interest will be the Barents-East Siberian Sea region to the north,
North Pacific Ocean-Bering Sea region to the cast of the USSR..
Timing makes it imperative that at least one aircraft be in place by
I May 1963, so that correlations might be developed. Additional areas of
6. Informally, Headquarters, AV S has indicated the desire to fulfill
this operational/ research requirement, but action cannot be taken to
expedite procurement of equipped aircraft or plan deployment until. an
official requirement has been levied on them by USAT.
7. This Headquarters will reader any technological and operational
assistance necessary to insure success in the collection and evaluation of
the data received.
FOR THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (RESEARCH)
OD/ W B/OSA: JE S:,des
Distribution:
Cy 1 - Addressee
Cy 2 AD/OSA
Cy 3 - OD/USA
Cy 4 - OD/WB/OSA
Cy 5 - OSA/RB
JACK C. LEIFO.
Colonel, U SAT
Approved For Release 2003 tjCIA-RDP63-00313A000500060040-7