ISINGLASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 15, 2006
• Sequence Number: 69
• Publication Date: September 19, 1966
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1
25X1 TOP SECRE'
Copy Lof .
19 APR 1966
MEMORANDUM FOR : Director of Central Intelligence
THROUGH : Executive Director of Central Intelligence
SUBJECT : ISINGLASS Research and Development Program
1. This memorandum contains a recommendation for your
approval in paragraph five.
2. At the NRP Executive Committee meeting of 16 November
1965 it was agreed that funds for ISINGLASS research and
development could come out of the NRO General R&D account, 25X1
available in FY 66 and programmed for
FY 67. In line with this, OSAIDDISUr prepared a nine-month
ISINGLASS R&D program (attached) which was transmitted to
the D/NRO on 23 February 1966. Briefly, this program seeks
to determine the capability of the ISINGLASS concept to satisfy
our goals for resolution, swath width, survivability, reaction
time, range, and tactical flexibility. Additionally, the
study is designed to establish reliable system cost estimates.
1 OL.CL1 L:Vb 1.. LV1 LLiiLG tLIVLLI.LLO 10 GA I.iLLIq L.-U t.Z~
3. We have had no response from NRO on this matter and,
if other programs offer any guide, it is not likely that
satisfactory agreement, if any, will be reached for some time.
Nevertheless, some urgency has been injected into the situation.
As you know, the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation has supported
this program freely for two years as a proprietary effort and
25X1 has expended about tying up a number of key
people. In recent discussions with McDonnell executives, our
people have become convinced that McDonnell shortly will ask
to be released from our security arrangements so that they may
seek financial support elsewhere. Should this occur, opportunity
for Agency participation in the program will probably be lost.
Furthermore, subsequent lack of security may well seriously
reduce the usefulness of the concept to the NRP.
4. In order to avoid this happening, I recommend that
the ISINGLASS R&D program be placed on the EXCOM agenda for
discussion and decision as soon as possible. Otherwise, a
modest Agency contract with McDonnell would, I believe, suffice
uctudod from auto aialic
r
do~rngrauina zno
tlcCi& IcICation
NRO review(s)
completed.
TOP SECRET
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 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1
to retain contr rogram. I would suggest a contract
25X1 on the order of from Agency funds, to initiate the
R&D program and carry rough FY 66. Subsequent attempts
would be made to recover this money from the NRO upon approval
of an ISINGLASS R&D program.
5. It is recommended that the course of action outlined
in paragraph four be undertaken.
CONCUR:
ALBERT D. WHEELON
Deputy Director
for
Science. and Technology
Director of Reconnaissance,
The recommendation contained
in paragraph five is approved:
Director of Central Intelligence
TUe SECRET
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 70 73L
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'nr
Z3,\I 25X1
25X1nature Recommended :
Director of p c Activities
Attachment - 1
As noted above
APD/OSA/
pca (14 Apr 66)
4 - DD/S&T (Chrono), w/o att.
5 - DD/S&T (Reg.), w/o att.
6 - DD/S&T (Reg.), w/o att.
7 - D/R/CIA, w/o att.
8 - D/R/CIA, w/o att.
9 - D/OSA, w/o att.
10 - D/TECH/OSA, w/o att.
11 - PS/OSA, w/o att.
12 - D/TECH/OSA (Chrono), w/o att.
13 - RB/OSA,,w/o att.
2 - DCI, w/att, L 25X1
Distribution:
I - APD/OSA, w/o att
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Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1