CONVERSION OF U-2 AIRCRAFT TO U-2C

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00313A000600080121-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 3, 2002
• Sequence Number: 121
• Publication Date: June 8, 1961
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2002/07/31 : CIA-RDP63-00313A000600080121-4
SECRET
NDUly FOR: Acting Chief, DPD
SUBJECT:
IDEA 0332
Copy _ L of
8 AN 1961
Conversion of U-2 Aircraft to U?2C
andum contains a recommendation for the approval
DPD. Such recommendation is contained in para-
Agency will possess four aircraft. configured with a
ad attrition. Upon completion of the pending conversion
1ST Inventory has been reduced to eight aircraft
3-75 engine. These aircraft represent the total U. S. Govern ent first
line reconnaissance vehicles at the present time. Aithoi
recognized that certain limitations exist In the survivability of this air-
craft it, will remain the only overflight capability for at least twelve
months. The, remaining four aircraft configured with. J-5? engines are
considered to be obsolete and no longer capablo of performing over-
>f dented territory with the exception of such backward areas
Tn lonesia. Air aborts for contrails during recent operations support
this position.
3. The initial requirement to modernize the overflight reconnaissance
inventory will be to convert to a total of five aircraft configured with J? 75
engines and obtain the necessary parts for two additional aircraft for an
over-all planning of seven aircraft equipped with J-75 engines. Approval
of this program would provide the ability to maintain a fatly operational
detachment in three separate areas with a spare aircraft for repair or
IRAN schedule. Standardization of the aircraft will allow rotation through
to maintain fully operational status in each deployed
at and a constant IRAN program.
ET
Approved For Release 2002/07/31 : CIA-RDP63-00313A000600080121-4
 Approved For Release 2002/07/31 CIA-RDP63-00313A000600080121-4
4. Conversion of all aircraft to J?TS engines will require
We modification to System VU It this capability is desired,
>rn VII, is presently non-operational and will require for rework
operational in any aircraft. In addition. IDEALIST aircraft
lose the capability to operate with weather package #2. A separate
orandum was forwarded on 6 Jane recommending deletion of
package #2 from the IDEALIST inventory. (IDEA 0315)
3. A complete study of IDEALIST assets versus operational
requirements, including associated special equipment, is in process
and will be forwarded by separate memorandum.
If approved this memorandum will become the basis for an
Activities Program.
7. It is recommended that a total of five aircraft configured
glees and complete IRAN be established as an immediate require-
ther, recommend that in the same contract sufficient spare
necessary for converting two additional aircraft, be obtained.
25X1A
SIGNED
Chief, Special Projects
The recommendations contained In
paragraph 7. are approved:
(Signed) Stanley W. Beerli
STANI
Colonel
BEEi;LI
VaAF
Actin Chief, DPI)-DI)!?
JUN 1061
Lch, JPD
Approved For Release 2002/07/31 CfA-RDP63-00313A000600080121-4
 Approved For Release 2002/07/31 : CIA-RDP63-00313A000600080121-4
Distribution:
#I - DPD/C/SPB
#2 - Ac/DPD
#3 - DPD/MS
#4 - DPD/PJ
Approved For Release 2002/07/31 : CIA-RDP63-00313A000600080121-4