STATUS OF TAGBOARD

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP70B00501R000100140022-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 19, 2003
• Sequence Number: 22
• Publication Date: August 18, 1967
• Content Type: MF

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IS) NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
OXCART/TAGBOARD
August 18, 1967
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. NITZE
MR. HELMS
DR. HORNIG
SUBJECT: Status of TAGBOARD
Attached is a summary paper on the background and status
of the TAGBOARD Program. This subject will be discussed at
the August 23, 1967 meeting of the Executive Committee.
Attachment
Status of TAGBOARD
NRO review(s)
completed.
FILE COPY
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Status of TAGBOARD
BACKGROUND
In late 1966 the DNRO requested and received approval
to reorient the TAGBOARD drone program to be launched from
a B-52 instead of an A-12. This.decision followed upon
inconclusive findings of the investigation of the A-12
drone accident and the recommendation by the DNRO to use the
B-52 instead of the A-12. Contractor go ahead was given in
January 1967. Three flights were conducted by launch from
the A-12 which demonstrated successful operation of the
engine inlet, inertial navigation and flight control systems.
These flights were respectively 125,,1100, and 1500 nautical
miles. We have not yet demonstrated successful termination
of flight to include recovery of the payload.
MILESTONES ACHIEVED SINCE PROGRAM REDUCTION
1. Modification of the first B-52 has been completed
and work on the second aircraft is underway.
2. The inertial navigation system, including the star
. ~~acker, has been checked out in the B-52? with an average
,ARI j"'AGBOARD
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3. The first mated flight with asymmetrical loading and
dummy booster has been completed with all load and stability
readings satisfactory.
NEW TESTING
Delivery and firing of the first hot booster on a test
stand was successfully demonstrated August 14, 1967. Three
more such test firings are planned prior to the launch of the
first drone. This test series is late and is currently the
c:r ;tica1 pacing item of the program. In addition, four free
launches of the drone will be conducted on the Pacific Missile
Range from September through December to complete the test
program. It should be recognized that every time a TAGBOARD
Is flown, the airframe (but not the sensor and certain other
high cost components) is expended.
SUMMARY
1. At present it is anticipated that the conversion of
the TAGBOARD from A-12 to the B-52 for launching of the drone
will have been completed with testing by January 1968. How-
ever, further delay in rocket motor qualification or unantici-
pated problems in launch could slip this date.
2. A decision has been made to procure 12 drones with
1968 funds for delivery in FY 68 and 69. This was considered
by the DNRO to be the best.buy from alternatives available
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