RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT APPROVAL REQUEST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A002000030001-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 31, 2002
• Sequence Number: 1
• Content Type: REQ

Approved For ease 20~2CWpiDtg1A[8B04747A@02000030001-6
Research and Development
Project Approval Request
Ilb 25X1A
This project concerns the development of a device for field measure-
ments of optical system performance. Its internal designation is "Sine
Wave Testing Equipment." The project will come under the Technical Devel-
opment Program of the P&DS, NPIC, at a total estimated cost of
It was not originally included in NPIC's 1964 financial plan b .mause e
state-of-technology at that time did not evidence practical feasibility.
Funds are not available without deferring other projects scheduled for
this fiscal year.
2. Objectives
The primary objective of this program is to provide the technical
monitors with a portable device of high precision for ascertaining the
modulation transfer characteristics of the optical system under devel-
opment, in the field. It will also serve to aid in aligning and cali-
brating equipment being installed and operated at NPIC. Its function
is to test optical systems in situ, particularly where they cannot
be evaluated on precision testing equipment because of their size,
weight, or configuration. The equipment would also prove useful in
testing optical systems in the laboratory, or laboratory equipment used
in substantive investigations, where space and weight did not permit
routine bench-testing.
3. Background
In the development of complex optical viewing equipment, field
evaluation by the technical monitors is vital. This not only provides
checks on contractor performance, but serves to point out design and
fabrication flaws in the early stages, before a redesign or retro-fit
becomes prohibitive.
The present technique of field evaluation is based on the use of
USAF test targets. These furnish only the resolution limit at a given
target contrast, and in no way provide a true test of the capabilities
over the entire system range. The recommended analytical technique
is that of Modulation Transfer, until recently only realizable under
laboratory conditions.
Declass Review by NIMA/DOD
Ea