J-75 ENGINE INSTALLATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00313A000600020095-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 1, 2003
• Sequence Number: 95
• Publication Date: March 12, 1959
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2003/12/10: CIA-RDP63,Ib03113'AGdbq 95-0
C. ?"
MEMORANDUM FOR: Chief, Research and Development,DPD
SUBJECT : J-75 Engine Installation
REFERENCE t Memorandum for DD/7P. from Kelly Johnson, dated
5 March 1959 (GUS-0173)
1, I am sending you a copy of the referenced letter which Kelly
Johnson loft with me on 10 March. This confirms that the cost of the con-
version of four aircraft is I and that the conversion of the first
aircraft plus the fabrication of parts for all four would cost I
would appreciate it if you would pass a copy of the reference to
and, In due time, he should reply and confirm in writing the authorization
we have already given Lockheed to proceed with the lot stages of this con-
version.
2. In this connection I desire to Inform you of the present state
of policy decisions on this matter. I am holding the program approval for
this modification. I have discussed the matter with the Director and he has
indicated that he would prefer not to sign the Program Approval and make it
a matter of internal record just at this moment since he expects In the near
future to approach higher authority with respect to the possibility of U-2
operations in the near future. It is the Director's view that we should not
give the impression of making a siseeable commitment of funds for a major
modification just before an anticipated consultation with higher authority
concerning the future of the whole CHALICE program.
25X1A
25X1A
3. The DCI is aware, however, not only that work has been started
on the first conversion pursuant to his own oral approval but that certain
costs must be incurred at this time in preparation for the expected conversion
of three additional U-2s in order to avoid any delay in the completion of these
modifications. Accordingly, he has authorized me to have the work carried
forward on the present schedule pending a final decision within two or three
weeks time. The final decision will either confirm our plan to modify four
lJ-Zs or require us to curtail the modification program as may be determined.
Approved For Release 2003/12/10 CIA-RDP63-00313A000600020095-0
CHAL-0498
Copy of
 Approved For Release 2003/12/10 :CIA-RDP63-0,13A000600020095-0
It is understood that if the decision is in favor of curtailment, a presently
undetermined sum will already have been expended for unnecessary fabrica-
tion in order to forestall delay to the whole program.
4. In the light of the above work, the program should proceed as
a. Lockheed should proceed as presently authorised an
the modification of 342 and the fabrication of parts which would
be required for the modification of a total of four aircraft includ-
ins 342.
b. With respect to the second aircraft scheduled for
modification I see no reason why it should not be assigned and
made available to the contractor (assuming the aircraft is
available and the contractor can receive it) as originally
scheduled on or about 16 March. The contractor should be
advised, however. that he should undertake prior to 30 March
no work on the airframe other than that associated with IRAN.
I am assuming that, since he is authorised to proceed with the
fabrication of parts, there would in any event be no need for
him to do anything to the airframe during the first two weeks
-it is in his possession other than complete disassembly and
inspection as required for IRAN. In any event, however, I
would be prepared to accept a delay of a day or so in the completion
date for the second aircraft if necessary to comply with the
limitation in this subparagraph.
c. I would refrain from suggesting to the contractor
that this restriction is related to any major policy question
and would advise him simply that we have run into a temporary
problem of arranging funding which makes it desirable to delay
final commitment to the actual modification of the second aircraft
for the period indicated. It should be reaffirmed to the contractor
that he has a firm authorization to proceed with the first aircraft
and with the fabrication of parts.
cc: AC/DPD (Cy 2) RICHARD'" S .I., JR.
C/Contract Sr (thru C/R&D) (Cy 3) Deputy Director
Corptroller/Admin. Br/DPD (Cy 4) (Plans)
Approved For Release 2003/12/1 -f%= DP63-00313A000600020095-0
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