REPORT ON RADAR TESTS AT WHITE SANDS PROVING GROUNDS, N.M.

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7
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RIPPUB
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S
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57
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December 27, 2016
Document Release Date: 
October 18, 2012
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1
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Publication Date: 
January 1, 1952
Content Type: 
REPORT
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 P lit CONFIDENTIAL A-5 REPORT ON RADAR TESTS AT WHITE SANDS PROVING GROUNDS, N.M. January, 1952 JOB NO. BOX NO. FOLDER NO. TOTAL DOM NERE.414 CONFIDENTIAL Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 1140nf 2ras '.. . -."-""??????..? :-. A-I gm:- .,?... -,,,..# "ninalfatg 9 rPs and 's n'tiael / Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 way' ....,.. -vv...., ....we.. , ? , ,? CONFIDENTIAL mente. REPORT ON TESTS OF THE RADAR DETECTABTLTTY OF LOW-ALTITUDE, PERSONNEL CARRYING BALLOONS =DUCTED DURING JANUARY 1952 AT TBE WHITE SANDS PROVING GROUNDS, LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO PROJECT 171 Report No. 1084 25 February 1952 Prepared by Approved by rANFIEVNTIAI 25X1 Engineer in Charge 0, Balloon Operations Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 vvimULII ItiL tiitk:retelr LIST OF DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS A-20741-C Time/Altitude Curve Flight No, 671 ? A-20731-C Time/Altitude Curve Flight No. 672 ? A-20739-0 Te/Altitude Curve Flight No. 673 A-20732-C Time/Altitude Curve Flight No. 676 A-20734-0 Time/Altitude Curve Flight No. 679 A-20711-D Ground Track Flight No. 671 A-20713-D Ground Track Flight No. 672 4-20740-D Ground Track Flight No. 673 ? A-20770-D Ground Track Flight No. 676 A-20708-D Ground Track Flight No. 679 A-20737-D Range/Time for Radar Tests Composite Plot A-30262-B High-Prespure Inflation Manifold 3190 Photograph. Layout of Flight No. 671. Note Radar Target in lower lefthand corner of photo. Filled ballast bags appear to the left. Balloon is tied down to jeep by two nylon lines. 3193 Photograph. Close-up of the tie-in of the top of the parachute to ring in the side of the balloon. Tie-in consists of four strands of 20f linen cord. A pull of 80# is thus required to free the top of the chute 'from the balloon. 3197 Photograph. Gas bubble beginning to form during inflation. 3205 Photograph. Gas bubble in the top of the balloon during early stages of the inflation. Dark spot near the center is the valve used to release gas to initiate and control descent. 3212 Photograph. Un-reefed balloon being inflated in 15-20 knot wind. Notice Ile ?sailing? of the balloon and the angle relative to the ground even though the balloon had approximately 150f of lift at this stage of the inflation. 3213 Photograph. Hand reefing a balloon by clasping one's arms around the center. Sail area can be controlled by this method until the lift of of the balloon gets up to about 100. 3224 Photograph. Partially inflated balloon on Flight No, 672. Conditions are calm and the balloon stands erect although the lift is small. FIDENTIAL Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18 : CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 _I 0-vJII IL?ilm.si III lime Page 2 3204 Photograph. Final stage of inflation. Balloon is erect and full enough to remain free from "sail" effects. 3216 Photograph. Flight No. 672 fully inflated and ready for final rigging and launch. Note polyethylene rain shield covering parachute. 3192 Photograph. Night inflation and launching. Balloon is tied to the rear bumper of a passenger car. Harness is already in place and is being rigged. 3194 Photograph. Rigging of the special harness containing no metal which was used on Flight No. 679. 3218 Photograph., Pilot tying on harness for Flight 1700 6790 1200# test nylon lines were used in place of buckles and dee rings. "Sausages" are ballast bags. 3223 Photograph. Final inspection and rigging of Flight No. 679. 4/15/52 rniumn\rritu Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET ? TABLE OF CONTENTS Section I. Purpose of the Tests Page 1 H. Equipment Tested 1 A- Radnr ? ? . ? ******** ? 0 C ..... B - Balloons 2 C - Flight Gear 3 D - Inflation Gear 4 III. Conclusions ..... ? . . . ........... 5 A Radar Capabilities ......... 5 B Training of Personnel ? ..... .. .... ..... 5 C Interim System Balloon and Equipment ...... ? ? . ? 6 D Operational Techniques 6 E - Forecastability ....... . ? ? ? ? .... 7 IV. Recommendations 7 Re-desiga of Balloon and Equipment 7 B - Development of High-wind Inflation Technique 7 - Re-design of Inflation Equipment 8 D Fbrecastability Study 8 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Flight Summaries Time/Altitude Curves Radar Traces Equipment Modifications SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part-Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SEC ET REPORT ON THE RAM DE=TABILTIri O LOW4LTI701B, PARSONEM-CARRYING BALLOONS COMMTM DURUM JAEUARE 1952 fa TEM WHITE SAWS PROMAG GROIREDS, LAS UCM, W IMMO I. oshe A aeries of nine test balloon tli hts Tv-ere carries. out at the White Sands Proving Grounds for the primary purpose of determining the detestability of men-ca.rrying balloons .trith different radars. Paso investigated was the effect o detects.bility of varying the amount of metal' in the balloon and eqtligment. secondary objectives of the tests were the training of personnel in balloon handling; launching, and flying; testing the Interim System gear under field con.ditiom; proving the leak-free qualities of the MU balloons; eno. a demon- strati= of the ability of the system to make flights with a fipecigie desired trajectory and terminating at a preselected objective. IL lAgyi t Tested A. Radar. Equipment The primary reflex units used in ell the test flights wire the tracking radar sets illStalled at "C" station; White Sands Proving Grounds (Refer to maps Drawing No. A-20713-D). The snecifications which follow apply directly to flight No. 679, but may be considered representative values for the other flights. 1. Radar No. 1, an 3-band. set designated bT-012 by the Ary, operated at a peak power of 175 kw at a frequency of 2840 mc. Dish diamet43...r 1.-as 10 feet; , bean angle, 2.24 degrees; horizontal polarization and a parabolic antenna 2. Radar, No. 59 an s-band set with the ft.rory designation lera2? operated a peak power of 130 kw at a fresuency of 9310 mc. Dish diameter was 6 feet; beam angle? 1.3 degrees; horizontal polarization; and parabolic antenna SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Page 2 SECRET It should.. be pointad out that the above radar sets are designed for Llasua operatiens only and are not suitable for search werk. Normally, the tart must first be found visually or by a search radar unit. Once the target has been found, however, the sets will track automatically if the return signal is strong , enough. If the signal is too weak to track in automatic, the set can be made to track in remote by the radar operator who adjusts the set (varying range and bearing) to maintain the =dont "pip" on the &-scope. A annually-operated 'optical tracker coupled to the radar can also be used to give direction and elevation angle data.while the radar set determines range and signal strength. Ordinarily, the radar sets at "C" .station are used to track rockets varying in length from three feet to 30 or ho feet. These rockets can be tracked to =tit= ranges up to 175,000 yards or aboat 100 miles. 3. An sag-584 3-band search radar was available here at the Desert Weather Station and was used on three of the test flights. The sag-584 v.ras equipped with both anA-scope and a PPI scope and could thseefore be used for search type operations. Ordlavelly? this set is used to track an aluminum-foil target carried aloft by a nibal balloon to determine upper winds. 4. Lin SE-lkiptrtibla search radar unit was also made exailable for test. Although net ready. for the initial flights, it was available for later tests. This set was also egpipped with the A-scope as well as with the On. An - automatic camera was provided to photograph each successive sweep of the PPI scope. Later these pictures can be projected at high speed to. determine whether. or not any of the ."pips" on the scope were inuring. Operating freauency Of the SX-1M was from 192.5 mc. to /95.0 mc. B. Balloons The balloons used on the tests were standard Tatertu System balloons with the exception oft. special valveless balloon used in the basic tests to SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Page 3 SEC, ET determine the capabilities of Fader against the man and balloon in the complete absence of Lietal. Type 01,251 Balloons 'Uwe used on all radar tests. Briefly, these balloons are 25 feet in diameter and have a volume of 8000 cu. ft.- The polyethylene envelopes ranged in thickness from 34- mil nuking material to 2 and 2i mil Plax material. All balloons had #890 hi-strength (5?7 test) glass filament load tapes. One Q251 vas modified for a radar test by removing the steel load ring end substituting a plywood ring in its place. A special Gi251 was built for the rube' tests. Because a suitable non-me.tallie valve was not available, this balloon vas simply constructed with a solid top pyla no valve. Control to a limited degree could be secured by pulling off a tape patch in the top of the balloon, leaving a hole one inch square. gave more or less a "one-esy ride" down althougki descent could be controlled by ballast. A type M207 balloon iedenty foot diameter and 5500 Cu. ft. was used on a training flight. envelope thickness Nsis lnal; tapes were J40 rayon fibre (200/1n.). C. Fli t Gear All flight gear was standard Interim System except on flights no. 676 and 679. The prieeipal modifications to the equipment on flight no. 676 were in the suspension system, the suspension bar being replaced by a wooden equivalent. Mnergency release slas provided by a nylon line which could be cut with a small knife or razor blade to disengage the harness and parachute from the balloon. The harness was standard; the metal cup and barograph were eliminated, however, SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part-Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Page SECRET to redece the metallic content of the system as a Vilole Thin equipment was noun on the aforementioned balloon with the wooden load ring. For the stripped down test in the complete absence of metal, a special harness was constructed which was tied on with nylon loOps instead of metal buckles. The plywood seat vas laced to the harness, and the parachute shroud lines were tied directly to the loop in the upper ends of the harness risers to elieginete connector links sod snaps . Ballast was carried in 45 lb., capacity bags we's of polyethylene tubing and #880 tape. The wooden suspension system and load ring were removed :?ron the equipment on flight no. 676 and installed in the special waveless balloon. D. Inflation Gear Helium was. used. as the lifting gas on all flights. It was roma that thirty standard cylinders could be transported. quite really on a 2i? ton 6216 truck and that this amount of gas (6600 au. ft.) Imo adequate for all fai ts. The inflation 12Foni fold was of the double straight line VI:se with 12 pairs of outlets. en extra outlet for attaching a gauge could also be used with a helium cylinder so that either 24 or 25 cylinders could be manifolded tother at one time. Annealed copper pig tails provided a flexible connection between the isetividual cylinders era the manifold. A one-inch diameter low pressure hose (bursting strength e. 1000 psi) was used. between the manifold and the balloon. A new diffuser of greatly de- creased length was constructed in the field and. used on the later flights (no. 677 upwards). Because of the age of the manifold and the thet that it could not be sealed against leek.s at high pressure, the mardrold valve was left wide open at all times and. the flow of controlled by the valves on each individual cylinder. SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-_03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? Page. 5 SECRET III. Conclusions A. Radar Capabilities The radar tests at W5P6 indicate that if the amount of meta/ in the system is kePt at a minfcmum (on the order of that in the present Interim S'yatera)? thirty miles is the maximum range at Tibial, a high-powered tracking radar set ?-trorking on X or S-band can track. Twenty miles is the 'min= range for 5-band search radar and ten miles is the maximum range for lair-frequency 1192.5 mc.) search Unita . It was general4 agreed by the radar people at TSSPG? that it would be practically impossible to detect end identify the lIcillocm on a search radar set without prior Inaowledge as to its presence and position. Although tye. eking radar can do CEMite lien becausa of its hi pottler and. narrsra beam, .it is quite Useless for Search purposes'. Variations in the petallie content of the system did not produce any significant changes% in the ability of any of the radar sets to track; the stripped-doen gear made almost the Same quality target as the standard Interim, System except that the signal. Strength was not subject to variations due to metal parts rotati g into position to become good reflectors. .The opinion expressed by the radar people xPas that they were tra.cking the man? a body and the surface of the balloon and. not pieces of meta/. B. .?fraining of Personnel TOO of the pilots sent to MPG may be considered adequately trained, to make routine operational flights using the standard Interim System, having satisfactorily demonstrated proficiency in all phases of layout, inflations, rigging, neigh-off, night, drag-roping and. landing techniques, trader both dayligat and. might-time conditions.. SECRET SECRET Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part-Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECET The third pilot, having reade only one flight, and assisted in three launchings, may be considered sufficiently well acquainted with the system to ink? realistic plans for its use, and if necessary could supervise the operation, although further instruction in the form of one or two more flights would be desirable. C. Interim System Balloon and Zvi mut The Interim System balloon is now satisfactory and. can be relied upon to give consistent flights with an average ballast consumption of one lb./kr. or less. A13. control features are adequate. The Interim System harness end equipment are also adequate, although a quick-adjusting feature may be desirable. The harness, itself, is comfortable but the need for adequately warm clothing should be stressed. The present inflation equipment is inadequate except for the "square' diffuser. The manifold needs re-design to provide lighter weight, greater flexibility, and better leak-free qualities. D. Operations/ Ttichniques The present system of inflation is adequate if surface wind gusts do not exceed 15 knots prior to inflating the balloon WA full. Above 70% full, the limiting velocity is 20 ?mots. However, a reefing or holding teehvoque is needed to permit inflation during stronger winds (up to 30 knots) or ease the problems of inexperienced personnel who may use the system even in lighter winds Present weigh-off, launching, in-flight, drag-roping, and lending techniques are satisfactory and no changes are necessary. SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET Page E. ForecastabilitY For short flights up to 50 miles, adequate forecasting can be done by visual observation of small pibal balloons sent up a few hours before take-off. The selection of the launching site can be based upon the result of the pibal soundietgs. The error in the final landing spot is less than 1 or Within 5 miles of a pre-selected site on a 50 mile flight. For longer flights us) to 200 miles or more, better data in the form of a current upper air sotmding is needed. Further flights and more data are needed, to determine accurately the percentage error on long distance flu -41 ts but it is believed that this error will also usually be less then 10 percent. IV. Recommendations A. Redesign of Balloon and Equipment To insure a mirdmum target for radar to spot, the interim System should be redesigned to eliminate metal wherever practical. Long development and testing programs are unnecessary. Suggested changes include a plastic valve, plywood load ring, wooden suspension bar, revised drag rope pack, rip cord assembly and the substitution of smaller harness snaps and dee rings. These items will be incorporated as soon as practicable. B. Developeent of High.wind Inflation Technique In order to enable small plastic balloons to be inflated in surface winds with gusts to 25 knots, it is believed that a reefing technique for the 3.ouar portion of the balloon will prove the most adequate as it prevents the foesnation of large sail areas and reduces whipping of the envelope. Restraining techniques are believed to be unsuitable because all of them require the re- straining force to be applied on a--irwt11 portion of the balloon resulting in SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part-Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? Page 8 SECRET stress concentrations end 1;:ta1timete etretching and failure of the envelope. Such systems also require a great eleal of manpower and increase inflation time. A modification .of the reefing technique as developed by other balloon projeets 'Wald be the use of a larepar sleeve with a lire rimming from the top of the sleeve tv to a dee ring and back down to the wound to provide control of the position of the sleeve and prevent its falling to the ground.. C. Be-desiga. of Inflation Bquipment A multiple-section manifold with a single straight line -pipe and X-type couplings is recoamended. Each section should provide for manifold:a' tg 12 cylinders ??r,ogetber and the seetions ohemselves should be capable of being cowled together by a high pressure hose to give a single manifold capable of hanaling 12, 24, 36 or 143 cylinders at one time arranged in various caralin- atiens of rows and stacks. (See )rawing no. A-30262-B for manifold and layouts). D. Forecastability study n all future flights, regardless of proposed length end duration, the pilot should be eauipped with a chart showing the forecast trajectory and. a table showing all upper winds along the route, as well as a pre-determined night plan indicating the proper levels et which to fly at different times to maintain the desired trajectory. SECRET _ Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2012/10/18 : CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Fit. No. Set No. 1 RADAR SUMMARY Freq./ 0) Peak Output Kw EPQr12 2875 9310 4PQ-12 s 2877 - 4PG-2 X 9310 -, MPQ-12 MPG-2 Ii 2875 2875 General:,, Beam angle of MP12 (S-band) 2.15? Beam angle of DPG-2 (X-band) = 1.40 Dish Diameter of MPCa-12 (S-band) 10 ft0 Dish Diameter of 4PG-2 (X-band) = 6 ft. All sets have horizontal (plane) polarization A-band feeds . Type: Resonant cavity double slot AN 206 offset 0.40; 9000 to 9600 me. ? S-band feeds Type: Resonant cavity double slot WA 584 - 10H crossover of 80V Rangts:__ A - Maximum range gates will run out to: ? S-band - 384,000 yds. X-band 192,000 yds. B - Working range - good target's, reflective tracking S-band - 100,000 yds. X-band 80;000 yds. C - With beacon - limited only by rArge gates and line of sight. I. I, ,?? I? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX A FLIGHT 'SUMMARIES SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 , Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECI-(ET FL/GET SUMMARY Flight Ho.: 671 Balloon Serial Ho.: 131 Date: 10 Jan 1952 Launching Time: 1426 MST Balloon Type: 251P-CDH Wt.: 37 1/2 Pilot: AE Purpose: Interim System Test. Radar vulnerability test. Gross Load: 341 1/2 lbs. Load on balloon: 304 lbs. Maxim= altitude: Woo ft. Initial theoretical altitude: 14,500 ft. Performance: Ballast consumption less than 1.0 lb/hr. Landing: where? 1/2 mi. north hiway 70 when? 1513 MST Success: yes; duration of flight - 47 min. Equipment and weights: Radar units tested: Balloon 37 1/2 I. "C" station Harness & chute 45 Pilot 155 1. MPQ 12 Ballast 12a 2. MPG 2 Or. Wt. ? 340 1/2 lbs. II. Desert weather station 1. SCR 584 25 cylinders of helium used for inflation. Rigging method: standard interim system except that shovel was not included. A folding radar target was carried and dropped when the desired floating level of 400Dft. above the radar (8000 ft. above MSL) was reached. grities: Launching crew of the pilot and three assistants experienced some difficulties during inflation due to an extremely variable 10-15 knot wind and, the lack of an inflation hose, the polyethylene infl tic= tube being substituted in lieu of the hose (see photo no. 3204) . Despite a small hole in the side of the balloon (about 1 ft. below the equator) no ballast was dropped to maintain altitude and balloon may be assumed to have been gastight. Floating maintained with slack balloon at 8000 ft. MSL and at 4500 ft MSL although pressure ceiling was 14,500 ft. Landing routine in 15 MPH surface wind. All interim system equip- ment functioned satisfactorily. For track and radar data see dwg. no. A-20711-D. SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? SECRET FLIGRif SIRMARY Flight no.: 672 Balloon Serial no.: 134 Date: 11 Jan. 1952 Launching Type: 251P-CDR Weight: 37 1/2 lbs. Time: 1426 MST Pilot: DSW Purpose: Meaoure max. range of radar; check out new pilot Gross load: 388 1/2 lbs. Load on balloon: 351 lbs. Maximum altitude: 8500 ft. Initial theoretical altitude: 10,800 ft. Performance: Ballast consumption less than 1.0 lbs/hr. Landing: where? 3 mi. south of Rolloman AFB when: 1634 MST Success: Yes; duration of flight m 2 hrs. 08 min Equipment and weights: Radar units tested: poon ilot Harness & chute Very pistol & flares Ballast Gr. Wt. 37 1/2 lbs. I. "C" station 185 45 1. MPQ 12 2. MPG 2 6 388 1/2 lbs. II. Desert weather station 28 Cylinders oflielium used for inflation 1. SCR 584 litirga_ method: Standard interim system. Very pistol and flares carried for emergency Dae. Radar target was ROT carried. Critique: Excellent inflation due to use of proper hose and the existence of calm surface conditions. Launching crew of pilot and two assistants.. Pilot maintained desired floating altitude of 80aDabove MSL without difficulty. Balloon very tight requiring less than 1.0 lb/hr. ballast. Pilot drag roped five miles before landing because of approaching high tension wires. Landing was routine in 10 MPH surface wind. For track and radar data, all see dwg. A,20713-B. ? SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 FLIGHT SUMARY Flight No: 673 Balloon Serial No: 26 Bats: 15 Jan. 1952 Launching time: 08307ST Type: 251P-BDR Weight: 23 lbs. Pilot: SFR Purpose: Measure max. effective range of radar; check out nets pilot. Gross load: 394 lbs. Load on balloon: 371 lbs. Maximum altitude: 10,000 ft. Initial theoretical altitude: 9,900 ft. Performance: Ballast consumption less than 101b/hr. Landing: where 2 at RE Escondido, N.M., 1040 MST Success: Yes; duration of flight = 2 hrs. 10 min. Equipment and Weights: Radar Units Tested: Balloon 23 lbs I. "C" Station Pilot 190 ;mess & gear 45 1 41P41 12 Ballast 136 Gr. Wt. 394 lbs. 28 cylinders of helium used for inflation. Rigging method: Standard interim system;bailoon material was 1 1/2 mil Visking, but tapes were #890 hi-strength kind. Single slit rip panel. Ildtban Routine inflation. Pilot was able to float at or near the pressure ceiling of the balloon without difficulty. Pilot also drag-roped several miles before landing. Calm surface conditions at landing site. No ballast was dropped by the pilot during the hour that he remained aloft at the pressure ceiling of the balloon. ? SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET FLIGHT SUMMARY Flight So.: 674 Balloon Serial Bo.: 135 D te: 20 Jan. 1952 Launching Type: 251 P4DH Weight: 33 lbs. Pilot: Ers Purpose: Overnight flight Gross load: - Maximum altitude: - Performance: - Landing: - Success: No. Equipment and weights: Load on balloon: - initial'theoretical altitude: - 13 cylinders of helium expended. Rigging method: Standard interim system. Balloon was stanAard without reefing. =Amu Failure was caused by a surface wind which had risen. to 18-20 knots by the time it became necessary to cut down the balloon by pulling the rip panel. Balloon was badly damaged, prior to cut-down, by sage brush and other sharp objects on the ground. Severe twisting occurred during inflation making it necessary to shut off the gas flow until the balloon could be unwound. Believe that a combination of the following would have made a successful inflation and launching possible despite the wind and lack of shelter: ? 1. Reefing sleeve or similar technique to reduce sail. 2. Better clearing of the inflation area. 3. A diffuser to permit more rapid inflation. SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? SECRET PIM, SUMMARY Flight No.: 675 Balloon Serial No.: 136 Date: 22-23 Jan. 1952 Launch :g Type: 251P-CDH Weight: 33 lbs. time: 920 MST Pilot: RFS .enrpose: Overnight flight to Irrminate at Pyote AFB Gross load: 423 lbs. Load on balloon: 390 lbs Maximum altitude: 12,500 ft, Initial theoretical altitude: 7,600 ft. Performance: %Utast consumpt5olless than 1.0 lb./br. Landing: 15 ml. NE ryote APB, 105 MST, 23 Jan. '52. Success: Yes; duration of fligt . 11 hrs. 45 min. Equipment and weights: Radar tested: Balloon 33 I. "Cr station Pilot 190 Harness & gear 45 1. SK-1M Extra equipmelt 13 Ballast 142_ Extra equipnent: Gr. Wt. 423 lbs. 1. 2 cell flasb:ite 2. Delta litelr.th flashing red beacon 3. Water flask 4. Sandwiches aid chocolate 5. Rader target 6. Barograph 30 cylinders of helium used for inflation. Rigging method: Stardard interim syotem. Forecast landing 10 miles NE Fyote IFB. Critique: inflation routine, althotqh conducted after dark. Static electricity ,sparks seen and shocks felt by crew, After inflation was complete, line holding top of parachute to aide of balloon olipped and chute fell to ground.Chute successfully pulled back in place by safety lime. Launching routine with a rapid rate of rise (500 ft/min.). Ballast consumption was very low with ballast being dropped after midnight. Mot experienced extreme discomfort in the extreme cold at 12,500 ft. Suggest tho use cr.! better clothing and pocket type hand warmers. Visual results with the SK-IM radar wit were negative although the balloon passed within 3 miles of the station. Error ,of forecast = 2 1/2%; error of target = 7 1/2%. SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SEUI %al ? FLIGHT SUMMARY ? Flight No: 676 Balloon Serial No: 106 Date: 24 Jan. 1952 Launching Type: 251P-BD Weight: 22.5 lbs. time: 1400 MST Pilot: BPS Purpose: Test radar against semi-stripped interim system. Gross load: 369 1/2 lbs. Load on balloon: 347 lbs. Maximum altitude: 9000 ft. Initial theoretical altitude: ierformance: Ballast consumption rate less than 1.0 lbs/hr. Landing: White Sands ftsument, 1800 Success: Yes, duration of flight= 4 hrs. Equipment and weights; Radar tested: Balloon 22 1/2 lbs. I. "C" Station Harness & gear 45 Pilot 185 1. MTQ 12 Ballast , 117 - 2. MPG 2 3. SK-1M Gr, Wt. 369 1/2 lbs. 11,900 ft. 25 cylinders of helium used for inflation Rigging; method: Interim system modified to substitute a wooden load ring and suspension bar to replace their steel counterparts. Valve left in. Critique: 1800 wind shift occurred during inflation making it necessary to more tie down jeep. Otherwise, routine. Pilot had difficulty climbing in turbulence on lea side of the Organ Ms. but finally reached his desired level and secured the predicted winds. Pilot drag roped for over two hr. and covered a distance of) approximately 20 miles before landing. Radar people stated that they thought they were tracking only the an and the balloon and not any pieces of metal. For radar track and summary of results see accompanying drawing. SECRET ' Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET FLIGHT SUMMARY Balloon Serial No: 177 Type: 2071' BD Weight: 21 lbs. Flight No: 677 Date: 28 Jan. 1952 Launching time: 1420 MST Pilot: Sni, MDR, AE Purpose: Training flight; hedgehop Gross load: 286 lbs. Maximum altitude: 6900 ft. Load. on balloon: 265 lbs. Initial theoretical altitude: 7900 ft. Performance: Ballast consumption less than 1.0 lb./hr. Landing; Highway 70, 1711 Success: Yes, total duration = 2 hrs. 51 min. Equipment and weights: #1 #2 #3 Balloon 21 21 21 Harness & gear 45 45 45 Pilot 180 155 150 Ballast 40 64 65 Gross Wt. 2861b.2851b. 281 lb. ?Radar tested: I. "C" Station 1. SK-1M 22 cylinders of helium used for inflation Rigging method: Standard Interim system with Type 207 balloon (5500 ft3) Critique: Exceptionally rapid inflation (less than 10 diffuser. Flights were routine except that rip panel After the last landing the balloon was tied jeep and towed 5 miles down the highway at a speed of of 5 mph. Towing finally abandoned due to failure of approach of wires which could not be gotten under. SECRET min.) due to use of new ,was not used on landing to the rear bumper of a 10 mph. with a headwint one load tape and the Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ' Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Flight No: 678 SECRET FLIGHT SUMMARY Balloon Serial No.: 133 Type: 251? CDH Weight: 36 lbs. Date: 29-30 Jan. 1952 Launching Time: 1720 MST Pilot: SFH Purpose: Over-night trajectory; target: Pyote APB Gross load: 404 lbs. Maximum altitude: 12,500 ft. Load on balloon: 368 lbs. Initial theoretical altitude: 9,200 ft. Performance: Fair; ballast consumption rate 6 lbs./hr. Landing: 25 miles NW Pecos, Texas, 0505 MST, 30 Jan. 1952 Success: Fair, duration 11 hrs. Equipment and weights: Balloon Harness & gear Extra equipment Pilot Ballast Or. Wt. 45 min. Radar tested: 36.0 lbs I. "C" Station 45.0 1. 8K-1M 13.0 190.0 120.0 114.05 lbs. 28 cylinders of helium used for inflation Rigging method: Standard Interim System Critique: Inflation and launching routine. Flight expended all ballast in about 10i hrs. and continued for another hour by drag roping. Drag rope was fimoly lost but landing was safely accomplished in 20 mph wind without it. Actual ballast consumption rate was about 6 lbs./hr. due to the wasting of 6o lbs. of ballast in climbing to 12,500 feet. Pilot had no difficulties keeping warm. Pocket hand-warmers were used and found satisfactory. One-half inch long slit found in valve diaphragm after flight believed to have caused high rate of ballast consumption. SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ' Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET 'FLIGHT SUMMARY Flight No.: 679 Date: 31 Jan. 1952 Launching Time: 1320 MST Balloon Serial No: 139 Type: 251P CDHS Weight: 32 lbs. Pilot: AE Purpose: Test radar against completely stripped gear. Gross load: 343 lbs. Load on balloon: 311 lbs. Maximum altitude: 8400 ft. Initial theoretical altitude: 14,100 ft. Performance: Ballast consumption less than 1.0 lb./hr. Landing: Oro Grande,? N.M., 1502 MST Success: Yes Equipment &, Weights: Radar tested: Balloon 32.0 lbs. Pilot 150.0 Harness & gear 16.0 Ballast 145.0 II. "C" Station 1. teQ,12 2. MPG 2 . sic Di 343.0 lbs. 25 cylinders of helium used for inflation Rigging method: Special balloon and gear containing no metal. Emergency release and valve omitted. Pillow balloons and a'l inch square controlled-leak patch used to initiate descent. Ballast carried in polyethylene bags. One single- edge razor blade carried for emergency. Critique: Excellent flight to test the characteristics of radar against a man and balloon in the absence of metal. Balloon was extremely tight; no ballast used for floating. Experienced some difficulty in descending through inversion. Pillow balloons proved inadequate and it became necessary to pull the controlled-leak patch. Landing routine. See Drawing no. A-20708-D for details of flight track and radar data. SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 , ? ? e , . ( , L___ Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX )3 TIME/ALTITUDE CURVES sEcRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX )3 TIME/ALTITUDE CURVES sEcRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX )3 TIME/ALTITUDE CURVES sEcRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX )3 TIME/ALTITUDE CURVES sEcRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX )3 TIME/ALTITUDE CURVES sEcRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX )3 TIME/ALTITUDE CURVES sEcRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDIX C PADA? TRACES SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 rDeclassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? i Lii Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 SECRET APPENDT X D EQUIPMENT MODIFICATIONS SECRET Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 C oplac ro,ck frio st 316 "Z.4. sEcRET? - 111/G /V el-4E SSUPE- Qu,c,sc,J5cr wir/i AUTOmA-r7c S//?.17- - o,F* VA 4-vE IF NOT SPECIFIED TOLERANCES ARE: ELEC CAt... A/o/A)G Co/vA/,6*C-fic9N D/P",=-usEti To (.1A10 Coil A/EC-T/0A/ SECRET ?.001? -IP 3 DECIMAL FIGURES ARE GIVEN *AM IF 2 DECIMAL FIGURES ARE GIVEN ?.1* IF I DECIMAL FIGURE IS GIVEN OR. APP. SCALE NoAre- APP. DATE /5 r44,ct 5 MAT. NO. REQ.D. MAT. SPEC. NAME H/a /?#i e SSL//g 44,-.L .47/ON r7AA/44-04,0 _A- 3026E-3 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 25X1 r- Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 himi Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 4.?1, 1.3 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ha VO C, 1,1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18 : CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 2.3, nd Cf:17?i.f. P h Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ' 6Alag a Vix opplAal hfikwano coirl;Rtniag no metrAI,. ort fllght ? kk?41.,.. Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 *.o010. ' tafgx - nl,ottylag OR :wronOol'tor .No?, m 679 1200il Ayl wok7, /04d IAA,Aana o4".blIok:VrJoittl.,1 (j rnc'.''Owl,t3r4,:oo" ballW; bR,315 fil'3213 h Declassified ? Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7 ? :#?.p9.0?11?,(?0. ?ow ? ' Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/18: CIA-RDP78-03639A001200040001-7