ISINGLASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Document Type: 
Collection: 
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
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
September 19, 1966
Content Type: 
MF
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1.pdf109.61 KB
Body: 
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 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1 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 2 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1 70 73L Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1 '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 3 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP68B00724R000100040069-1