RED DOT TESTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP68B00724R000200270003-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 25, 2006
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: November 6, 1968
• Content Type: MFR

SECRET
Approved For R jease 2006/01/3p m - B00724U00200270003-8
IDEA-0852-6
Copyof
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Red Dot Tests
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1. Objective:
a7. To provide current controlled test data on
film, filter and camera combinations, from which
accurate predictions, can be made for precise exposure
and processing of film from airborne and orbiting
sensors.
2. Procedure:
a. Eastman Kodak test renuir
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OSA an other sources con- 25X1A
tractors, NP IC, a.vy an AF processing sites), and
prepares a detailed test plan. The test plan lists
the number of flights required and specifies for each
individual flight the sensor, film, filter, altitude,
duration, targets and time of day and any other
special instructions that are needed. The test plan
is then reviewed by OSA and priorities are established,
prior to approval. The test plan is then reviewed
with flight planners and cognizant tech reps
to insure availability of film, filters, cameras, and
support equipment. OSA (IDEALIST OPS) then authorizes
to conduct the tests on a non-interference basis
during normal test and training operations.
schedules and accomplishes the flight tests with
Eastman Kodak providing coordination such as flight
planning, Corn Target display, film processing (local
or Rochester), special filters, etc. Evaluation is
made by Eastman Kodak, NPIC or contractor as directed
by OSA. Test results and recommendations are provided
to OSP, OSA, NPIC or other interested activities and
are reflected in operational procedures.
NRO review(s)
completed.
3. Discussion:
These tests provide a vehicle for confirming the
operational readiness state, (or lack of it), of improved
films, filters, and processing chemistry or techniques
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after they have been demonstrated in the laboratory.
Airborne testing (as opposed to orbital testing) is pro-
viding answers to some of the following questions which
come readily to mind:
a.. Is SO-230 film ready for operational use as a re-
placement for 3404? Although it has better light
sensitivity permitting shorter exposure times, it has
slightly greater granularity and thus lower resolution and
a. tendency to generate emulsion dust. Further, there
have been variations in light sensitivity from one emulsion
batch to another that require adjustments in processing.
b. Under what conditions of solar elevation and atmos-
pherics do you select 3401 rather than 3400 for optimum
results?
c. Does low gamma processing offer advantages to the
photographic interpreter over conventional processing?
d. Does SO-121 or Kodachrome II provide enough advantage
over black and white photography to justify the additional
cost and processing complexity?
e. Should exposure be selected solely on the basis of
solar elevation or can adjustments be made for atmospheric
haze and ground reflectance?
IDEA-0852-68
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f. Can ultra thin base film such as SO-380 be satisfactorily
used in an airborne camera?
SSD/R&D/OSA bjg
Distributio .
Cy 1 - DD/SA
2 - D/R&D/OSA
3 - D/M/OSA
4 - D/O/OSA
5 - IDEA/O/OSA
6 - SSD/R&D/OSA
7 - SSD/R&D Chrono
8 - RB/OSA
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Approved For Release 2006/01/30 : CIA-RDP68B00724R000200270003-8
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