RESEARCH ORDER #1 PHASE 2A- PROGRESS REPORT #4

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03300A001600020093-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 28, 2011
• Sequence Number: 93
• Publication Date: May 11, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/28: CIA-RD1P7i118-0330OA001600020093-9
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RESEARCH ORDER #1 11 May 1955
DOCUMENT NO.
NO CHANGE IN CLAS
^ DECLASSIFIED
CLASS. CHANGED TO:
NEXT REVIEW DATE:
AUTH: H 70
PHASE 2a - PROGRESS REPORT #4
This report covers the period from 15 February 1955 to 1 April 1955.
OBJECTIVE:
To construct two complete sets of equipment (4 units) to serve as
design approval models, based upon the results of the work accomplished
in Phase I.
DISCUSSION:
The first unit of the design approval models was essentially completed
1 March 1955. Individually the various parts of the system functioned well
and according to expectations; however, several features of the mechanical
system were not completely satisfactory.
In view of the above situation, and after discussions between customer
personnel and the contractors, it was decided to modify immediately the
mechanical design to bring about improvements in the final design approval
models.
The following units were considered satisfactory:
1. Optical system
2. 'Electronics system (transmitter -receiver)
3. Electronics power supply
4. Battery charger-regulator, and
5. Nite viewer.
Construction was completed on the above units for the four models
during the month of March.
Major mechnical changes were incorporated in the four models as
follows:
1. The clamps for fastening the front and rear covers to the
frame were too light. Larger clamps were purchased for
the four design approval models.
DATE: 4WWREVIEWER:.__q10956
ORIGINAL CL RY
C OECLAEVW 014
~T BY 6 YRS By
REASON.
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/28: CIA-RDP78-0330OA001600020093-9
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CON Dpi IAL
2. The unit when mounted on its tripod platform had a tendency
to fall forward when released from its locked position. The
end plates were redesigned to move the center of gravity of
the unit directly under the supports.
3. In the first unit it was possible for locking nuts to be completely
removed with the chance of the operator losing them. Locking
arrangements were redesigned so that locknuts are not
removable in the final models.
4. The scanning yoke was found to be too light for the weight of
the unit. This yoke was strengthened by increasing material
thickness in the final models.
5. A taper pin and chain arrangement was used at the top of the
tripod legs. This arrangement was changed to a ball and
socket joint, in the final models to improve ease of assembly
and strengthen the assembly.
6. It was possible to force the legs into position the wrong way
in the tripod platform of the first model. This problem was
overcome by making it possible to mount the legs either way.
7. In the first model numerous holes were drilled in the plastic
window for mounting purposes. The mounting method has been
changed so that no holes in the plastic window now exist. A
metal frame fastened to the cover by means of screws holds
the plastic window securely in place.
The above changes required modification in design drawings and
specifications. Upon completion of design changes, the parts for the
four remaining models were fabricated in our model shop.
Four models were constructed, optically aligned and collimated at
a distance of one mile. All four were field tested over a range of 4. 5
miles, the maximum range available to us for this purpose.
RESULTS OF TEST:
Tests were conducted both in daytime and at night at 4. 5 miles.
Weather was clear; transmission was estimated to be 0. 6/sea mile or
less.
Comments on Test
1. Intelligibility - The units performed excellently from this
standpoint. Words were crisp, and individual voices instantly
distinguishable. Voice conversation was considered superior
CONFIDENTIAL
2.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/28: CIA-RDP78-03300A001600020093-9
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E
N
TEAL
to ordinary good telephone conversation, and several conversations
were carried on between various members of the group present.
The excellent intelligibility seems to confirm our original choice
of the audio frequency pass band and the rising response within
that band. This system response was obtained by proper choice
and design of the individual characteristics of the microphone,
modulator, transmitter-receiver amplifiers, and the headset.
2. At no time during operation was it required to operate with
the receiver gain control set more than half way toward
maximum gain. System noise was low, and optical interference
caused no difficulties in carrying on normal conversations.
3. Modulation was easily controlled by adjusting the gain. This
made it easy when the operator wished to speak in a low voice.
By watching the neon lamp, and adjusting the system so that
the lamp glowed from 10 to 20% of the time, maximum signal
was achieved without distortion.
4. During night operation at the range given above, it was easy for
the listening operator to signal for a break-in to speak. The
speaking operator watched through his viewer. When the light
went on from the listening station, it indicated that this operator
wished to take over and transmit. This procedure while
practicable at night was not too comfortable. During the daytime
at a long range it was not usable.
Various opinions were expressed by members of the group after
extensive use of the equipment during both daytime and nightime operation.
Following are three major conclusions reached by the group.
1. During daytime operation good landmarks are essential for a
satisfactory find operation in a minimum length of time.
Over a range used, 4. 5 miles, the viewer was useful in
daytime, not because one could see the other light thru it
but because of familiar background. The viewer should
therefore be useful in daytime operation, where the operator
has some knowledge of the background surroundings of the
receiver location.
2. The viewer is a necessity for night operation, and in fact enables
an operator to establish a find in relative short time.
3. The automatic scan mechanism is not essential, in fact the
personnel present at the test felt that it should not be a part
of final equipment.
Following completion of the field tests the four units were packed
for shipment and turned over to a representative of the customer.
CONHHDENTAU
3.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/28: CIA-RDP78-03300A001600020093-9
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CONK DENTIIA
PROGRAM FOR NEXT INTERVAL:
Upon evaluation and field testing by customer personnel, the
equipment will be returned to us for the following work.
1. Environmental tests (originally scheduled for completion
7 May 1955).
2. Modification in design based on results of environmental tests
and customer's experience with the units. (Scheduled for
completion 21 May 1955.)
3. Construction of one unit incorporating any changes brought
about by modification in design. (Scheduled for completion
1 June 1955.)
It is expected that this unit will serve as the first of twenty (20)
production units.
Report prepared by:
Report approved by:
CONF
DENTIAL'
4.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/12/28: CIA-RDP78-0330OA001600020093-9