PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
T
Document Page Count: 
14
Document Creation Date: 
December 19, 2016
Document Release Date: 
October 18, 2006
Sequence Number: 
20
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
July 18, 1973
Content Type: 
MF
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PDF icon CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0.pdf459.15 KB
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TOP SECRET CONTROL NO. Copy 5 REFERRED TO RECEIVED RELEASED SEEN BY OFFICE SIGNATURE DATE TIME DATE TIME NAME & OFFICE SYMBOL DATE D/SA 116~14?__~ Handle Via Indicated Controls BYEMAN Access to this document will be restricted to those -persons cleared for the specific projects; This document contains information affecting the national security of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws U. S. Code Title 18, Sections 793 and 794. The law prohibits its transmission or the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person, as well as its use in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United' States or for the benefit of any foreign government to the detriment of the United States. It is to be seen only by personnel especially indoctrinated and authorized to receive information in the designated control channels. Its security must be maintained in accordance with regulations pertaining to BYEMAN Control System. TOP SECRET GROUP I Ecc l ~d.d I.em au~emaric do~n0??din0 and d,cla,.ificarian Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 T SEC P - - 7 1* 1)254-7-73 Copy S of 12 18 July 19 7 3 MEMORANDUM FOR: Director, CIA Reconnaissance Programs SUBJECT: Program Progress Report Forwarded herewith are three copies of the IDEALIST Program Progress Report for the nerind 1 Anril 1973 - 30 .Tune 1973. Brigadier General, AF Director of Special Activities Attachment As stated 442-73) CLASSIFIED BY EXLNIFT FROM Gc1!' :'L 7'' CLASSIFICATION SCHFDUI L OF E 0. --X:.: TiON CATEGORY: 5[i(I). (:) er (':) lc,rcl: one or more) AU10i1'lA11CALLY DECLASAFi O ON Impossible to Determine (unlrss irnpossrF?e, insert date or event) GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 T P SEC T I I254-7-73 Page 2 C/SAS/O/OSA Distribution: 1 - D/CRP 2 - D/CRP 3 - D/CRP 4- DDS&T Reg 5 - D/ SA 6- SAS/O/OSA 7 - D/O/OSA 8 - IDEA/O/OSA 9 - INTEL/O/OSA 10 - D/ M/ OSA 11 - AMS/OSA 12 - RB/OSA (10 July 1973) I TOP SECRET GROUP 1 . EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 T P T 25X1 25X1 1442-73 Section 1 L L_JPERATIONAL MISSION SUMMARY Thirteen IDEA CKLE operational missions were alerted during this period. were flown, one was cancelled by Project Headquarters for weatherl I All missions were planned to be flown no closer than 25 nautical miles to the China mainland coast. The following is a summary of the missions flown: 2. Mission C143C was flown on 13 April 1973 along the north central China coast. This mission was designed to collect SIGINT and photo information using the "H" configuration. The northern portion of the route was not flown due to unsuitable weather. The pilot reported 20 percent coverage of the planned southern flight lines nrior to aborting the route for Bather. I I seven of 135 programmed targets, two bonus COMIREX, and two non-COMIREX targets were photographed. IDEALIST OPERATIONAL SUMMARY AND STATUS (1 April 1973 - 30 June 1973) Thirty- 3. Mission C153C was planned along the central China coast from Quemoy north to Shanghai.. This mission was flown on 25 April 1973 utilizing the "H" configuration. Due to weather, the northern portion of the mission was not flown; however, the pilot diverted to the east and flew the southern portion of the TOP SECRET GROUP 1. EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 T ! 442-73 Section 1 Page 2 mission. Seven of 120 programmed targets and two bonus non-COMIREX targets were photographed. F F I 4. Mission C163C was flown on 26 April 1973 around the Paracel Islands and along the coast of Hainan Island to collet " Iconfigura- tion. the pilot reported no unusual activities. Eleven of 36 programmed targets plus one bonus non-COMIREX target were photographed. 5. Mission C183C, an "H" configured hoto mission, was flown on 10 May 1973 along the north central China coast. Only 30 percent coverage of the planned flight lines was obtained due to unsuitable weather along three por- tions of the route. Several (more than 10) fast moving ships heading east were sighted abeam Shanghai. Thirty-eight of 135 programmed targets were covered. Three bonus COMIREX and five non-COMIREX targets were photographed. 6. Mission C193C was flown on 22/23 May 1973 in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands and Hainan Island, utilizing the "H" configuration. Detailed analysis of the mission revealed that 80 percent of the route was covered by clouds. Four of the 36 targets programmed were covered. Three bonus targets were covered; two COMIREX and one non-COMIREX. TOP SECRET GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 i TOP SECRET 0 6442-73 Section 1 Page 3 II A. F] RED DOT - Six sorties were flown in support of continuing film tests using various film types and camera configurations. D. B-3 Camera Test - Seven sorties were flown with the modified crBrr configuration. E. " RHrr Lens Test - Eleven sorties were flown to test the new color corrected lens. F. i GENERAL I- Four sorties were flown to provide photography in support o this test program. G. "COMPASS TRIP - Four sorties were flown over the Central Ferry Station poppy plantings. The Delta and multi-spectral configura- tions are being used for this phase. H. Three sorties were flown to photograph the areas oo e by the -Mississippi River. J.I IPilot Training pilots, completed training and became operationally ready on 8 June 1973. Each pilot flew 13 missions during this quarter to complete the flight phase of training. and a third candidate completed T-37 training. Two of the candidates are now i T__ 7 ttrr ininor with the third candidate in T-37 continuation 25X1 training. will be selected for U-2R qualification. TOP SECRET GROUP I. EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION 25X1 25X1 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 T T 25X1 25X1 442-73 Section 1 Page 4 _JILOT AND AIRCRAFT STATUS (AS OF 30 JUNE 1973) A. Detachment "G" (Edwards AFB - North Base) Aircraft 2 U-ZR - Pilots TOP SECRET GROUP I. EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION L J442-73 Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 T T IDEALIST DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY AND PROGRESS (1 April 1973 - 30 June 1973) AIRFRAME A. Inspect and Repair as Necessary (IRAN) - A decision to extend the IRAN cycle from 2500 hours to 3400 hours was made on 3 May 1973. This decision was made in view of the favorable condition found on U. S. Air Force airframes previously submitted for IRAN. B. J-75P13B Engine - The installation of improved third stage turbine blades to increase engine life expectancy has continued during this quarter as engines come due for overhaul. Two additional sets of improved first stage turbine blades have been procured and a three engine test program will commence during the first quarter of FY 1974. These improvements should permit extension of Hot Section Inspection (HSI) an additional 100 hours, and of Time Between Overhaul (TBO) an additional 200 hours. C. U-ZR Flight Test and Operational Training Summary 1. IDEALIST Program accomplishments in U-2R aircraft since introduction include 11, 270. 6 hours on 3476 sorties as of 30 June 1973. 2. Flight test and operational data are depicted below: 1 APR-30 JUN 1 APR-30 JUN FLIGHTS TIME 1 - 051 42 110.5 2 - 053 44 102. 4 3 - 054 53 204.3 4 - 055 47 171. 7 TOTAL TOP SECRET GROUP 1: EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 TOP T PAYLOAD Section 2 Page 2 A. "H" Configuration - Serial Number 002 reentered flight testing during this quarter; however, a secondary or "ghost" image was observable in high oblique angle testing. The mirror has been removed from the configuration and returned to the contractor's facility for further testing and analysis. At the end of this quarter, ultrasonic scanning of the mirror's brazed joints indicated separation had occurred in two areas. A math model indicated differential temperature gradients due to brazing separation and short term temperature changes could also be affecting test results. B. "B" Configuration 1. Serial Number 229 experienced defocusing problems early in flight testing and was returned to the contractor's facility for solution. After duplication of in-flight problems in the altitude chamber, a plane of best off-axis focus was established and the unit reassembled with this plane aligned with the platen. Following further altitude chamber testing, the unit reentered the flight test program on 20 June 1973. 2. Serial Number 230 has completed all functional ground testing and altitude chamber testing and is scheduled to enter flight testing early in July 1973. 442- 73 C. Delta Research Camera - The second f/3. 5 apochromatic lens installation and variable slit modification to the scan heads of the Delta camera have been programmed to start during August 1973. The unit is scheduled to be in the modification process until January 1974. TOP SECRET GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 T + 2sx1 Section 2 Page 3 0 E. Q-E Bay Simulator - The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base simulator of Q-E Bay vibration, pressure, and temperature effects has been completed and will be operationally tested with an IRIS configuration during September 1973. Drawings necessary to construct hatches so that IDEALIST configurations can be tested in this simulator have been made available to the Wright-Patterson Project Office. I OP SECRET GROUP I: EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 TOP 442-73 Section 2 Page 4 E. LORAN Navigation System - OSA-arranged to borrow a LORAN navigation system E-or use in a 90 to 120 day test program designed to determine the applicability of this system in U-2R operations. Feasibility testing is planned to be completed by September 1973. Det "G" Man Hours Sorties Flying Hours TAC Maint Avionics 1-056 4 12.6 22. 7 480 608 200 300 TOP SECRET GROUP I: EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 ? TOP T I 442-73 ecion2 Page 5 1. AMS/OSA Medical Consultant recent y chosen as consultant for AMS/OSA, visited Washington, D. C. , for a briefing during mid- June. 2. Alcohol Study, Far East - It had been reported that "Mekongrr, the contained wood alcohol. Speci- mens were obtained along with, rrGallion", the Chinese "white lightening" and "Nu-Jer-Pi", the other material. These were examined by the Air Force and the ec nical Service Division laboratories and were found to be free of any harmful ingredients. 3. Medical Technicians - One of the OMS medical technicians resigned. By agreement, the Air Force is en i e to the s o with an Air Force medic. It is reported that the Air Force personnel interrogated 6, 000 IBM cards to get two candidates, one of whom visited the site and declined the job. An excellent OMS candidate will accept the contract position if the Air Force is unable to fulfill this requirement. 25~~Xi 25X1 25X1 TOP SECRET GROUP I: EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 TOP SEC T 6442-73 Section 2 Page 6 Life Support Activities 1. Shark Deterrent Screen - Contact has been made with Dr. C. Scott Johnson of the U. S. Navy, the inventor and principal investigator of a new shark deterrent device or as it is more commonly called, a shark bag. Dr. Johnson is forwarding one of the bags along with the early test results to Headquarters Life Support for evaluation. The major problem to date appears to be in miniturization packaging of this bag. In addition to its primary use in shark protection, the bag can also be used in overland survival as a sleeping bag, a water-collection device or for signaling. 2. Glove Bladder Improvement - The full pressure suit manufacturer, David Clark Company, is still investigating an improved, bladder cloth for gloves. A weak area is evident in the stitching in the crotch of the fingers. Presently, in order to resolve this problem, a seamless glove has been fabricated using urethane as a part of the compound. Field evaluation should take place during the fall. 3. Helmet Bearing Seal Improvement - Six sets of redesigned seals are being field tested at Detachment "G". Initial results seem to indicate a considerable improvement, however, one seal did cause excessive abrasion to the mating teflon surface. The cause of this specific problem has yet to be identified. 4. 51010 Pilot Protective Assembly (PPA) Pressure Suit Fit Problem - It has become readily apparent in the past six months that the lower calf circumference must be increased for all subjects. Across the board enlargement in this area will be accomplished as pressure suits are returned to the factory for maintenance or rework. 5. Parachute Harness Retaining Strap - The RQ-225 parachute retainer strap that insures the proper position of the main riser has been causing some interference with the suit controller and vent hardware. The retainer is to be lengthened one inch and test jumps will be accomplished 'n August 1973. GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION Approved For Release 2006/11/06: CIA-RDP75B00159R000400150020-0 ? T T 25X1 L--11442- 73 Section 2 Page 7 6. Glove Disconnect - A full pressure suit glove disconnect has been redesigned to reduce weight and bulk, improve easy entry, and improve ventilation. Prototype hardware will be available in July 1973. Training 1. L -]Life Support Conference - The semiannual Life Support Conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 6 May 1973 in conjunction with the Aerospace Medical Association annual meeting. I I the Detachment FrG" Flight Surgeon, represented OSA at this meeting. GROUP I EXCLUDED FROM AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING AND DECLASSIFICATION