THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBES TENTATIVE REQUIREMENTS OR DESIRED OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POWERED LIGHTER-THAN-AIR VEHICLES AS IT IS NOW PLANNED THEY BE UTILIZED.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03642A001300040005-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 14, 2012
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: May 1, 1957
• Content Type: LETTER

I
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/14: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01300040005-8
C~C H DENTIAL
may 1, 1957
17 0 ."M~ GGo Oct _ TY"`
RfV 4TE BY. L~
rP G CLASS EIV CL F' Q
JUST ____.;~NEXT FEY ??? ACTH: HR 1_-.1
The following describes tentative requirements or desired operational
characteristics of powered lighter-than-air vehicles as it is now planned
they be utilized. They must be regarded as tentative and are considered
at this time only as a possible aid in the emphasis on certain areas of
the general research effort. It is desired that these characteristics
be discussed fully at this time and at such time as all parties concerned
with this effort we in agreement the desired characteristics viii be set
forth in final form and may serve as one of the major considerations in
directing the remainder of the effort.
Two general operating, characteristics are envisioned at this time
that will probably result in t o types of lighter-than-air vehicles. One,
a very high altitude, long "range" vehicle capable of extended flight
duration
Number two is a a minimum size
cao
ar
tivel
hi
h
d
.
mp
a
,
y
g
spee
,
"low" `altitude vehicle.
No. I - "High altitude: long range"
Minimum Useful
Desired
Probable Iis9e:.
Payload (lbs)
100
200-40O 1000
Time at sit. vithotit power (days)
3
7 - 10
30
Cruising range (mi) - power on
110
$00 - 700
Sea level max speed (knots)
25
45 - 55
0theel requirements for I: Minimum optical and radar target
Capable of unmanned directed flight
(directed remotely over X. two-
thirds of the cruising range) elti-
t::,de, power on and off :leading
Minimum ground facility for launching
(space, personnel, installations)
No. II - High speed, low altitude, short range
Minimum Useful
Desired
Probable Men.
Payload (IbS.)
400
API-_ - 700
1000
Cruising altitude
7,000
7 - 10,000
15,000
Time at alt.
-r off (hours)
2
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/14: CIA-RDP78-03642AO01300040005-8
 1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/14: CIA-RDP78-03642A001300040005-8
'ROW
L) uy~,A
Cruising ram ,-e - per on (mi
minimum U
1X3 100-50D
3 0 50 w 80
Other requirements for ills (1) The vehicle vill be ataru*lly operated
(2) Very high degree of stability and eontrol
(must meneLwer close to the sromd#
'tile the payload is dears"" by
as uueh as two thirds
(3) Must be able to operate completely during
the hours of darkness
{) Minimum radar target,
{ ) Minimum "audio" target
(a visual problem is not anticipated at
altitudes during the hours of darkness)
T base outUrae in general terms the tentative operating ter^istics.
It is recognized that this sub t bans not been meted and it is pied
that final type requirements will be set forth at a later date pending a r-
ment by all concerned.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/14: CIA-RDP78-03642A001300040005-8