BULGARIAN AIRFIELDS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A001200750005-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 25
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 30, 2009
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: May 21, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

i
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
-
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
This Document oontains information affecting the Na-
tional Defense of the United. States, within the mean-
ing of Title 18, Sections 703 and 7M, of the U.S. Code, as
N FO RMAT I O N REPORT amended. Its transmission or revelation of tents
to or receipt by an unauthorised person is prohl prohibited
by law. The reproduction of this form It prohibited.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
SECURITY INFORMATION
COUNTRY Bulgaria
SUBJECT Bulgarian Airfields
DATE OF INFO.
PLACE ACQUIRE
This is UNEVALUATED Information
REPORT
DATE DISTR. 21 May 1953
25X1
NO. OF PAGES 25
REQUIREMEN 25X1
REFERENCES UNCODED
25X1
THE SOURCE EVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE. -
THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE. 25X1
(FOR KEY SEE REVERSE)
Asenovgrad (10 April 1952)
1. Asenovgrad airfield is 1,000 meters long and includes three hangars each capable
of housing 12 airplanes. Frequently night flights of two or three planes are
held here.
Atanasovo-Burga~s Area (6 August 1952)
2.. A sketch included as Appendix A on page 17, shows the area around Burgas and
Atanasovo as well as the approximate location and schematic plan.of the installat-
ions at the airfield used by TABSO (Transportno Aviatsonno Bulgaro-Suvetsko
Obshtestvo; Bulgaro-Soviet Air Transportation Company).
3. This field is for civilian and military use. The military portion of the field
is shown at position five on the sketch mentioned in Para. 2 above. On 6 August
1952, thirteen fighter planes were parked in front of the six buildings at this
field.
This field is approximately 2,000 x 1,500 meters in size, has no hard-surface
runway, and is entirely covered with grass. The field is higher on the south-
west side than it is on the northeast side.
Balchik
Early March 1952
5. It is difficult to obtain information on Balchik airfield because it is in a
restricted zone. However, judging from the quantity of material being sent there,
a considerable amount of work is being carried out at this airfield. Recently
a number of barges unloaded materiel here coming from the USSR.
25 YEAR RE-REVIEW SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
STATE ARMY X NAVY X AIR FV. * FBI AEC
1N-. Wnd,inoton DLhibu ten Indicated By "X"; Fieid IM rlbutton By
c
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-2-
12 March 1952
6. The old landing field of Balchik was located at N ).3-26,, E 28-11, A new airfield
is located at N 143-214, E 28-12. This latter field consists of an area approxi-
mately 800 meters square. In November 1952, seven pursuit planes were observed
at one date, and 12 were observed at a later date.
Late March 1952
7. In 1950, construction was started on the airfield, located northeast of Balchik.
This field has a runway two to three kilometers in length, which is not as strong
as Dobrich airfield, since it has no foundation of stones, but rather a layer of
15 centimeters of gravel and one of 15 centimeters of concrete.
8. The road to Tsarichino (N 43-28, E 28-10), which previously passed 50 meters from
the airfield, has been moved further away. Also, the Kavarna-Balchik road has
been detoured to follow the coastline. Although work on the runway at Balchik
airfield has not been completed, 40-50 airplanes of an unidentified type have
been observed there. While Dobrich airfield can be used by all types of aircraft,
the field at Balchik is intended for light aircraft.1
Bezmer (N 1.2-29, E 26-23)
Earl March 1952
9. Two pursuit squadrons were observed at Bezmer airfield. These planes had previously
been based at Graf Ignatiev airfield. Bezmer field does not appear to be ready
to handle bombing planes.
Mid-April 1952
10. In late March 1952, six heavy bombing planes arrived at Bezmer coming from Rumania.
At the same time 18 bombing planes came from Graf Ignatiev airfield. Shortly
before the arrival of the bombers, pursuit planes coming from Yambol also landed
at Bezmer. Thus, there are now about 80 planes at Bezmer airfield.
I July-20 July 1952
11. Work in concrete has now been completed at Bezmer airfield. At present, hangars
are being constructed.: three or four have been completed and about 10 others are
under construction., Approximately 50 airplanes, including light bombers and
fighters, are allegedly based here.
22 July 1952
12. Bezmer airfield is located southwest of the village of Bezmer,-at the corner of
the roads to Bosadshi (N 142-29, E 26-20) and Bolyarsko (N 142-26, E 26-22), to the
north of the railroad. The concrete runway is parallel to the Bezmer-Bosadshi
road. The buildings are located between this road and the runway. A broken
concrete strip (probably corresponding to the hardstands) was observed along. the
Bezmer-Bosadshi road. The airfield appears to have been completed. Work is in
progress on the hill northwest of Bezmer, possibly for the purpose of installing
antiaircraft emplacements. (A sketch showing Bezmer airfield.is included as
Appendix B on page 18.)
Early August 1952
13. Between 8 and 10 August 1952, forty YAK-9s arrived at Bezmer airfield. At this
same date, at least 12 PE-2s, a squadron of Stormoviks, and some YAK-3 training
planes (a portion of the cockpit is armored) were observed. No jet airplanes
were noted at this airfield. 2
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-3-
Botevgrad (22 June 1952)
14. A thorough reconnaissance of the Botevgrad area did not uncover the existence
of any airfield in this vicinity.
Bozhurishte (N 42-45, E 23-11) (June 1952)
15. This field is exclusively for military use. This field is too c].osc to the
frontier for very much materiel, especially modern materiel, to be found here.
Only a few YAK-3s and H'R-ltt training planes are based here. 3
Bu_ras
Mid-April 1952
16. Two squadrons, each composed of six old airplanes, (six of them being ARA.DOS),
are assigned to patrolling the coastal area near Burgas.
Late June 1952
17. YAK-9s were observed flying in groups of three all along the coastline as far as
the Turkish frontier.
25X1
18. Construction work has started on a new airfield two kilometers east of Ravnets
(N 42-31, E 27-15) and four kilometers west of Burgas. At present 5..000 Trudovaks
are working at levelling the ground. Trudovak units with the following Podelenie
numbers were noted here: 2712, 2714 A, and 2714 B.
6 August 1952
19. On this date, 13 fighter planes were observed at Burgas. 4
Dobrich (Tolbukin)
3 March 1952
20. Two airfields are located in Dobrich. The old one"is at N 43-35, E 2752 and the
new one is at N 43-35, E 27-49.
Late March 1952
21. Work is continuing on the construction of the airport north of Dobrich, particularly
with regard to grading and erecting additional buildings. The concrete runway is
three kilometers in length. Underground concrete fuel tanks have also been com-
pleted. There are eight concrete hard-stands, four on each aide of the runway.
At present all buildings have not been completed. A hangar equipped with a base-
ment is under construction. The following buildings can be considered to be
completed:
a. A large hangar;
b. A barracks to be used for sleeping quarters; and
c. A radio building, with a concrete basement.
22. In late March 1952, between 70 and 80 aircraft werw.based at this airfield.
.Furthermore, Soviet military airplanes frequently land here, coming from Rumania
and from the USSR.
23. The road to Paskalevo (N 43-38, E 27-50), which runs near the airfield, has been
closed to circulation and has been rebuilt a little further away. However,
surveillance was stricter a few months ago, and a slight relaxation in guarding
has been noted.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONI,Y
-- 25X1
Mid-April 1952
214. Since the end of March 1952, about 100 aircraft have been observed at Dobrich
airfield. The types of aircraft noted were as follower
a. PE-2s-
b. YAK-3s; and
c. LAs.
Two jet aircraft are also allegedly based at this airfield.
Late Aril 1952
25. Dobrich airfield, located six kilometers from the center of the city, between
the roads to Silistra and to Constanta, not far from the station of lstok, in..
eludes the following installations:
a. A main runway, constructed in 1950, which runs north ar~d south, and is three
kilometers long and 80 meters wide;
b. A broken-lined taxi-way 20 meters wide and approximately 3,5?0 meters long;'y~
c. Four taxi-strips 20 meters in width, connecting the main runway with the
taxi.way; these taxi-strips were completed on 25 September 1951; and
d. 21 circular hardstands, each 60 meters in diameter, connected with the main
taxi-way, by strips 50 meters long and 20 meters wide. Each hardetand is
equi pod with 21 anchor-rings set in the form of a triangle (seven on each
side.
26. The runways and hardstands of Dobrich airfield are constructed as follow!:
a. Twenty centimeters of pressed gravel is placed on the grounds previously
levelled;
b. A layer of tarred paper is added;
c. A series of hexagonal concrete blocks each 10 meters square and 20. centimeters
thick is then put in.place.
27. On each side of the runways, a strip of earth 40 meters wide has been levelled
and rolled. Furthermore, to the east of this network of runways and taxi-ways,,
there is a hangar 90 meters long and 80 meters wide. To the southeast, next to
this same hangar, there are four steel, sheet-metal fuel tanks three meters in
diameter and 10 meters long, placed horizontally and buried two meters into the
ground.
28. To the northwest of the airfield, on both sides of the road to Silistra, there
are three small buildings (two on the right and one on the left), housing the
radio, goniometer, and, perhaps, radar installations.
29. Southeast of the airfield, on the road to Constanta, there is an observation
tower and quarters for officers and the service personnel of the airfield. The
barracks of units assigned to the airfield are located south of the field, near
the Istok Station. (NOTE: Air personnel designate this railway station as
Istok (East), probably because of its geographic position, but the official maps
of the Bulgarian Railways refer to it as Tolbukin-North),
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
-5-
30. During the entire summer of 1951, two thousand Trudovaks were employed on the
construction of this airfield. The officers and engineers were also members of
the Trudovaks and no civilian workers were employed on this construction project.
Since the project was declared to be of "national interest" it was completed
very rapidly, the Trudovaks working 24 hours a day in two or three shifts. The
following is an example of the norms: eight blocks of concrete, 10 meters square,
per day, per group of 25 workers. Actually, the average realized by the teams
amounted to 16 blocks per day per group. In principle, each man was to work eight
hours per day, but he actually often worked 16 hours, since every breakdown of
machinery or work stoppage caused by a shortage of materials or water, as well as
time spent for meals, were taken out of the workday. Thus, each Trudovak had
eight hours per day to eat, sleep, rest, and all the remained of his time was
devoted to work. Sunday afternoons were free starting at 2:00 p.m.
31. For a sketch of the Dobrich (Tolbukhin) airfield as of late April 1952, see
Appendix C-on page 19.
Early August 1952
32. As of this date, Dobrich airfield presents the same general aspect shown in the
sketch in Para. 31 above. Approximately 200 aircraft (for the most part PE-2s)
were observed at this time. These 200 aircraft included several reconnaissance
aircraft and about 30 jets. Approximately 3p Soviets are stationed here and
the jet planes allegedly have Soviet crews.
Dobroslavtsi (N 42-49, E 23-17)
6 July 1952
33, The airfield near Dobroslavtsi, whose construction, had been previously reported,
is now in operation. It is located approximately mid-way between the straight
line joining Dobroslavtsi (14 kilometers NNW of Sofia) and Kumaritsa (five kilo-
meters southeast of Dobroslavtsi).
34. The wind-sock and about 10 buildings lined up along the-runway were observed.
.The runway runs in an east-west direction. Planes were observed landing and
taking off. On this date, noncommissioned officers and soldiers of the Bulgarian
Air Force were observed at Kumaritsa (N 42-48, E 23-20)-and Kurile (N 42-50,
E 23-19). A large detachment of Trudovaks is still based at Kumaritsa.
Dolna Mitropoliya (N 43-27, E 24-32) (June 1952)
35. A pilot officers school is located at the airfield at Dolna Mitropoltya.6
DolniDubnik (N 43-24, E 24-25) (4 March 1952)
36. A jet airplane base allegedly has been opened at the Dolni Ditbnik airfield.?
Elkhovo (Early May 1952)
37. The airfield near Dobrich (N 42-10, E 26-40), Elkhovo Okoliya,'is being re-
activated. Military workers wearing Bulgarian Air Force uniforms are working
at clearing the field which is watched day and night by guards. As of 10 May
1952, no airplanes were based at this field.
Gorna Oryakhovitsa
Early March 1952
38. The air unit based at this field is commanded by Colonel Pironkov. Approximately
120 aircraft, one-third of which are twin-engine, were observed. at this field.
Also noted were two Soviet four-engine transport planes. The 4 antiaircraft
artillery regiment is located in the vicinity of the airport for the defense of tt.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICILS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-6-
12 J4& 1952
25X1
39. The headquarters of 3 Air Reconnaissance Regiment (Orlek) is located at Gorna
Oryakhovitsa. Six squadrons (Yata) composed of 27 airplanes are basedd here.
Two squadrons of three planes per squadron are located at Yambol.
Late July 1952
40. At 3:30 p.m. on 22 July 1952, about six single-engine military aircraft, and at
3*O0 p.m. on 31 July 1952, two twin-engine military aircraft, were observed parked
at this airfield.
31 July 1952
41. Gorna Oryakhovitsa airfield is located between the Yantra River, the village of
Kaltinets (N 43-08, E 25-42), the Gorna Oryakhovitsa.Shumen railroad, and the
Gorna Oryakhovitsa-Dolna Oryakhovitsa highway. The field is bordered immediately
to the south by the railroad and its entrance is located on this sides approxi-
mately 2.5 kilometers east of the Gorna Oryakhovitaa railway station."
'13 August 1952
42. At this date, two twin-engine aircraft (probably PE-2s), bearing the numbers 82
and 87 were observed. The hangs were filled.
43. The main buildings of Gorna Oryakhovitaa airfield, including the control tower,
four hangars, and a workshop, are located in the southeastern corner of the field.
The field has no hard surface runway and is entirely grass-covered.
LO-2-9 Au- gust 1952
44. On 20 August 1952, at 3:30 p.m. one twin-engine aircraft was observed at this
field. At 2:30 p.m. on 29 August 1952, seven twin-engine aircraft were observed,
four of them covered with tarpaulins. All aircraft observed were small in size.
A light bomber unit is probably based at this fields Graf Ignatiev (N 142-17, E 214-l45)
Mid-March 1952
45. Since late summer 1951, twenty small hangars, each capable of housing !t-5 air-
planes, have been constructed at Graf Ignatiev airfield. There are now about 50
of these hangars at Graf Ignatiev. It is estimated that 200 airplanes are now
based at this field, one-third of which are PE-2 and TU-2 twin-engine planes.
Twelve old tri-motors, some with the Red Cross emblem on them, are also based
here. Early in December 1951, sixteen jet airplanes were based at Oraf Ignatiev
airfield, but there are only 10 now. Gun emplacements have been constructed
around the field, but no guns have been installed as yet.
Early May 1952
46. On 27 April 1952, twelve 6-engine bombers landed here. Sixteen 6-angina born
of a different ready based at this field.
On ay 2, an air review
was e
1-20 July 1952
47. About 20 July 1952, the following aircraft were observed at Oraf Ignatiev airfield:
a. 80 YAK-9s;
b. 20 3-engine airplanes;
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-7-
c. 20 4-engine bombers; and
d. 24 jets.
Early in July 1952, a number of air exercises were held, particularly night
flights with simulated attacks and participation of antiaircraft artillery.
As many as 20 searchlights were noted.
4:8. It has been reported that Bulgarian pilots are given only 15 minutes of fuel,
unless they are accompanied by Soviet instructors. Fighter planes, at least one
of which with a Soviet pilot, fly over the other planes, which are carrying out
air exercises. At least 250 Soviets are based at Graf Ignatiev airfield; most
of them are noncommissioned officers commanded'by a colonel. Four "Katyushas"
were observed in the vicinity of the airfield.
5-6 September 1952
49. At 3900 p.m. on 5.September and at 5:00 p.m. on 6 September 1952, Graf Ignatiev
airfield was empty. The concrete runway is as wide as that of Vrazhdebna and
appears to be longer. It runs approximately in a WNW-ESE direction. The build-
ings are to the south and the field is bordered on the north by a small woods.9
Ivy (N 41-51, E 25-51)' (Early 1951)
50. This airfield was constructed during World War II by the Germans who used it
as a 4-engine bomber base for planes flying over Greece. It is approximately 3.5 -
4 kilometers long and 2 - 2.5 kilometers wide. Abandoned after the end of
hostilities, this field was turned into a large meadow. Its control was turned
over to the municipality of Ivanovo which takes care of the upkeep of its five
hangars and 10 or 12 fuel storage tanks.
51. The hangars at this field could each house one bomber. The ground is covered
with sand, however, a narrow runway was covered with cement. The fuel depots
could house three thousand 200-liter barrels, that is 600 tons of fuel.
52. The wooden barracks which housed Bulgarian pilots and air personnel were destroyed
and only the foundations remain. Earth was removed from two of the four funeral
mounds (said to be tombs of Crusaders) in order to fill in the airfield; however,
the tombs themselves were not uncovered. The fields surrounding the airport are
cultivated..
53. The foundations of the building marked "811 (in the sketch of Ivanovo airfield
included as Appendix D on page 20), are located 300 meters from the field, near
the first houses of the village of Ivanovo.
Karlovo rllovo (June 1952)
54. The headquarters of a fighter, regiment which includes 60-70 YAK and IL aircraft
is located at.this field. About 100 Messerschmitt reserve planes are also based
here.
Katunitsa (N 42-05, E 24-51) (1-20 July 1952)
55. This airfield is located three kilometers southeast of the city of Plovdiv. At
present new hangars and undergound fuel depots are under construction here.
Khaskovo (1-20 July 1952)
56. An airfield is bei tg: built at Uzundzhovo (N;141-48,!;Z._,25-39)." ten' kilometers not h
of Khaskovo. It was not possible to note the exact sixe of this field, but it
was estimated to be two kilometers long and one kilometers wide. Unidentified
Trudovaks are now working on levelling this ground. No buildings are as yet
under construction here.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-8-
Krumovo (N 142-05, E 24-48)
Mid-March 1952
57. At this time, 120 planes were observed at this field, as follows.*
a. 30 training planes;
b. 70 single-engine LA-5s and YAKS;
c. Several old Messerschmitts; and
d. Two jet airplanes.
58, A Soviet major, allegedly named Nikolayev, three Soviet junior lieutenants, and
several noncommissioned officers were observed at Krumovo airfield, On 16 March
1952s Bulgarian General Stanimirov and Colonel Borachev came to inspect the airport
and the tank unit. They then departed for Devlen (sic).
59. An unidentified
of the airfield.
Early May 1952
60. About the middle of April 1952, approximately 50 Stormoviks were observed at this
field.
8 June 1952
61. The control tower, wind-sock, and the roofs of hangars were clearly observed'?
No other airfield is visible between Plovdiv and Asenovgrad and there does not
appear to be any airfield.-,,,in the vicinity of Asenovgrad. 11
Musachevo (6'August 1952)
62. The DOSO (Dobrovolna Organizatsiya za Sudeystvie Otbranataj Voluntary Organization
of Defense Assistance) Air Club is located at Musachevo and, according to trust-
worthy information, it is only used by gliders and small planes,
Nevroko
June 1 252
63. About three months ago, construction work started at Nevrokop airfield, This
consisted in enlarging the field and constructing a concrete runway. The
population of Nevrokop was commandeered for this work. The local authorities
appealed to the patriotic spirit of the people, explaining that the field was
intended to be used to chase planes which flew over Bulgarian territory.
June-July 1952
64. This field is being reactivated. It is located between Nevrokop and Musomishte
(N 41-33, E 23-u5), 2.8 kilometers southeast of Nevrokop. 12
Novoseltsi
6 August 1952
65. While travelling by air from Sofia/V'razhdebna to Plovdiv, shortly after take
off, an airfield was observed just north of the railway Sine. This field in-
cluded a small concrete runway and a large building. Three airplanes were parked
here and one single-engine planes was on its final approach.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-9-
25X1
5 September 1952
66. This airfield is located in the area between Robertovo (N 1t2-32, E 23-32),,
Novoseltsi, and the Sofia-Plovdiv railway. The field is equipped with a
rectangle of concrete runways, the base of which, running in an east-west
direction, is not more than 800 meters in length. The two sides of the rectangle
are connect d by a concrete strip, at the end of which there is an unidentified
building. 11
Oreshak (N )42-52, E 214-46) (July 1952)
67. An airfield including two hangars is allegedly being built at Oreshak (N 42-52,
E 24-46), Troyan Okoliya. The terrain in this area is very rough, except for a
strip along the Cherni Ossem River. If this report is correct, the field at
Oreshak may be confused with that of Troyan.
Pleven (Early August 1952)
68. A certain amount of air activity was noted at this field where approximately
150 airplanes are based; among these aircraft are YAKS and Stormovike.
June 1 252.
69. The Jet aircraft center is located at Pleven airfield where M10-15P are located.
A second airfield for jet aircraft is being constructed here. 14
Plovdiv
Early March 1952
70. Approximately 60 airplanes are based at Plovdiv airfield. Among these,15 Soviet
twin-engine planes and six old German three-engine planes were observed.
Mid-March 1952
71. Very slight air activity was noted at Plovdiv airfield, where about 6Q planes
are based. A Trudovak unit, strength approximately 300 men, 25X1
arrived at Plovdiv airfield from Ruse, and worked at levelling the ground
around the airfield.
24 April 1952
72. On the morning of 20 and 24 April 1952, about 40 fighters were observed at Plovdiv'
airfield. These airplanes departed on the evening of 24 April 452,
Mid-April 1952
73. Approximately 60 aircraft of the following types were observed.at Plovdiv airfield'
a. Old Stukas;
b. Old Stormovika; and
c. About 15 unidentified planes.
8 June 1 252
74. At l2x00 noon on 8 June 1952, an LI-2 of TABSO (Transportno Aviatsionno Bulgaro-
Suvetskc Obshtestvoj Bulgaro-Soviet Air Transport Company) and about 20 small
military aircraft were observed at this airfield.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS QJLT
-.10-
25X1
21 June 1952 1 July 1952
75. On this date, four MIG-15s were observed on the parking apron of Plovdiv airfield.
This field does not have a concrete runway. Apart from a regularly scheduled
TABSO airplane, no air activity was noted above Plovdiv on the morning of l July
1952.
6 August 1952
76. The following aircraft were observed at Plovdiv airfield:
a. One JU-52,
b. 244 fighter planes (probably YAK-3s);
co
d. One twin-engine plane (probably a PE-2, or TU-2); and
e. Two other unidentified aircraft.
Plovdiv airfield is not equipped with a hard surface runway. The terrain is
entirely grass-surfaced.
77. A sketch showing installations observed at Plovdiv airfield At this date is
included as Appendix $ on page 21.
5-6 September, 1952
78. At this time, the following aircraft were observed at Pl.ovdiv airfields
a. 15 YAK-3 or YAK-9 fighters
b. Six small twin-engine military aircraft with the followirg,oharaeteriet$ost
(1) Engines mounted under the wings;
(2) Propellers= twin-blades;
(3) Tail: single;
(4) Cockpit: completely glass-covered; and
(5) Matriculation number:
Four of these aircraft were camouflaged with yellow and gareen colors.
c.
Polikraishte
29 June 192
79. An airfield is located between the village of Polikraishte (11 143-11, E 25.'37),
and Rositsa Liver, slightly south of the river. The west side of the field borders
on a small woods located 200 meters east of the Turnovo-Byala highway. The.
following installations are located in this woods:
a. Several small buildings;
SECRET/CCNTRM - U.S. OFFICIALS ONf0Y
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-00810A001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-11-
25X1
b. About 12 large tents;
c. A radio station;
d. About 10 fuel tanks; and
e. A wind-sock, attached to a pole on top of a tree.
80. The field is grassy. No concrete runway or lighting facilities were noted here.
On 29 June 1952, about 10 military fighter planes were ).fined up on the western
side of the field, east of the small woods.
22 July 1952
81. At 2:30 p.m on this date, an unidentified aircraft landed at Polikraishte
airfield. 19
Provadiya (Early March 1952)
82. The airfield at Provadiya, located on the other side of the raj.lroad track, is
allegedly two by four kilometers in size. Trudovaks were observed working here
and the ground has apparently already been levelled. Work was at a standstill
during the winter months. 17
Razlog (June 1952)
83. The auxiliary airfield at Razlog is used from time to time.
Resen (22 July 1952)
84. At 2:30 p.m. on this date, an unidentified aircraft was observed landing at
Resen (N 4t3-11, E 25-33).
85. The existence of this airfield has been reported previously. It is not the same
as the airfield at Polikraishte, These two fields are near each other, but differ
considerably. At 3:00 p.m. on 22 July 1952, an airplane was observed landing at
Polikraishte. A few minutes earlier, another plane hadlandedt at a field located
on the eastern side of the village of Resen.
Ruse (Early May 1952)
86. A small landing field is being built at Ribino (formerly Balchik) (sic), near -Ruse. 18
Sakhrane (May 1952)
87. The existence of two airfields at Gorna Sakhrane (N h2-.9, F 2~-l3) and at Dolno
Sakhrane (N 42-38, E 25-15) has been reported.
Shumen (Early May 1952)
88. The small landing field. located near the summer camp of Shumen, is being re-
activated.
Sliven (Early May 1952)
89. Late in April 1952, one thousand barrels of aviation gasoline and 2OO barrels of
motor oil arrived at Sliven. 19
Stara Zagora (26 August 1952)
90. The airfield at Kolyo Ganchevo (N L2-2L, E 25-39) was unoccupied at 51.00 p.m. on
26 August 1952, and no planes were flying (the weather was stormy), No activity
was noted in the vicinity of this field and no aviators were observed on the road
which joins this field to Stara Zagora.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-00810A001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICE ALS ONLY
-12-
91. The field is at the location shown on the sketch included as Appendix F on
page 22. No changes are apparent in the general, layout of the field. On the
north side of the field there is a small woods, at one corner of which there
is a large building probably housing offices. Next to this building, there are
four large hangars (two on each side),each approximately 40 x 60 meters in size,
with roofs formed of triangular sections. The second hangar, going from north
to south, carries the windsock.
92. Although the road runs along the field on its western side, and no obstacles are
in the way, all that may be seen is listed in Para. 91 above. No lighting
facilities were noted., nor was there any concrete runway. The other buildings
and installations must be further to the interior and east of the small woods.
Because of its grassy surface, old hangars, lack of lighting facilities, enclosures,
and surveillance, the field of Kolyo Ganchevo appears to be undeveloped. 20
Telish (N 43-20, E 24-16)
Late July 1952
93. At 11:00 a.m. on 22 July 1952, about 6 pursuit planes were observed at the air-
field at Telish. At 6:00 p.m. on 31 July, two LA-5s were observed at this field.
31 July 1952
9L. Telish airfield does not appear to have a concrete runway. The field is equipped
with night lighting facilities consisting of a number of red lights grouped in
threes.
20 and 29 August 1952
95. Telish airfield does not have a concrete runway. No planes wer-e located here
at 12:00 noon on 20 August or at 6:00 p.m. on 29 August_1952.
Varna Cha~*ka Hydroplane Base (Early 1952)
96. Hangars and workshops for repairing aircraft of the Chayka Hydroplane Base are
located on the shore of Lake Varna. Early in 1951, approximately 10 ARADO-type
aircraft were housed in these hangars, These planes had been brought here by the
Germans for patrolling the coast. Each year, new pilots are trained with these
aircraft. (NOTE: With regard to the Chayka Hydroplane Base, it should be noted
that this base.is allegedly located at Penardzhik, at present called Chayka, This
base has no connection with the place known as Chayka which is located northeast
of Varna, on the road to Evksinovgrad (N b3-12, E 27-58). 22
;Varna/Chka Area
31 July 1952
97. A naval-air base is allegedly located on Varna Lake, formerly Lake Devin,
immediately west of the city of Varna. This base is located on the -southern
shore of the lake, approximately mid-way between the eastern and the western
limits of the lake. On the edge of the lake, twp large hangars,, in form
of straight parallelepipeds approximately 20 x 60 meters in sixe,,`and other
miscellaneous buildings were observed.
98. At 9:30 on 22 July 1952, a coastal patrol boat was observed in front of these
hangars. No hydroplanes were noted at that time. (NOTE: This,is undoubtedly
the Penardzhik hydroplane base. Because of the layout of the land here, it. does
not appear possible that there could be an airfield at this location). Krivini
airfield cannot logically be confused with the hydroplane base of Penardzhik, any
more than it could with the airfield of Topoli, Krivini (formerly Gebech) (N 42-57,
E 27-40), is located 34,4 kilometers southwest of Varna, south of Kamichiya River,
and 18 kilometers from the coast.)
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-13-
99. The question of the air infrastructure in the Varna region thus appears to be
as follows:
a. The civilian airfield of Topoli (N 43-13, E 27.49), has been located;
b. The airfield of Sesevme is located south of the canal which connects Varna
Lake with the Black Sea, at the western extremity of this canal. Sesevme
airfield, located south of Varna at N 43-11, E 27-511, includes one small
hangar, is allegedly no longer in operation, and has been replaced by an air-
field under construction three kilometers north of the city of Varna.
c. The hydroplane base of Penardzhik is located closer to Varna than had been
previously thought. On the map this position is marked as Chayka. There-
fore, Chayka, and Penardzhik are apparently two names for the same place;
d. Krivini airfield, if it exists, can only be located at Krivini; and
e. A report of August 19).7, of unidentified origin, stated that a large air-
field is under construction on the plateau north-northeast of Varna. This
field may be the one which had been reported under construction in 1940, at
a position three kilometers north of the city.
Varna/Chayka Base (25 August 1952)
100. A small single-engine hydroplane was parked on this date in front of one of the
two large hangars at Penardzhik hydroplane base. The length of the hangars was
estimated to be five times the length of this small plane. The wind-sock is
located above the western hangar. Between the two large hangars there are two
other hangars whose width is approximately twice that of the plane observed.
(NOTE: There is thus no longer any doubt that Chayka and Penardzhik are two
names for the same place. It is suggested that use be made of the name Chayka
which is Bulgarian and. undoubtedly replaced the Turkish name of Penardzhik),
Varna Tikhina (Early 1952)
101. The airfield of Tikhina (sic) is located near the Chayka hydroplane base, not far
from the southern bank of the lake and at the outlet of Devin Canal. This field
can only be used in good weather and is equipped only with a wooden shed capable
of housing two airplanes.
Varna Topoli
13 August 1952
102. The Varna/Topoli airfield is for civilian use. It has a maximum width of 2,000
meters on its east-west side, and 1,500 meters on its north-south side. The field
is entirely grass-covered. In the northwestern corner of the field there is an
air terminal, a garage, and a Emall radio station. Thisfield is primitively
equipped.
103. Enclosed as Appendix G on page 23 is a sketch showing the approximate location
of fields in the Varna area. 23
Vrazhdebna
101. A sketch of Vrazhdebna airfield, made in 1951, is included as Appendix H on
page 2).
June 1952
105. This airport is for civilian and military use. The northern part of the field,
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIAL4 ONLY
25X1
along the road to Kazanluk, is reserved for military aircraft. The only planes
observed were old Messerschmitts, Dormiers, etc. used for training purposes.
These planes, because of their ape, are bound to disappear shortly.
6 June 1952
106. A concrete hangar, approximately 25 x 30 meters in size, is being completed at
this airfield. This hangar is located about 200 meters east of the now air
terminal building.
13 August 1952
107. A sketch showing the latest installations at Vrazhdebna airfield as of this date
is included as Appendix I on page 25,
6 Se tember 1952
108. A camp of approximately 12 small tents and a parking area with about 4Q trucks,
some apparently radio-cars, are located in the military section of VraZhdebna air-
field.
109. On this date TABSO airplanes
parked at Vrazhdebna iirfi 1
The following aircraft were also observed at t
a. A German twin-engine transport plane,
b. A Czhechoslovak airplane
c. Two "Aeroflot" airplanes. 24
Yambol
Early March 1952
110. Yambol airfield is considered to be an "emergency field".
Early May 1952
111. Early in May 1952, twelve PE-2s arrived at Yambol airfield.
Late June 1952
112. Sixty twin-engine bombers are based at Yambol airfield. Air maneuvers were carried
out during the day and night of 15 July 1952 and antiaircraft fire was used.
12 July 1952
113. The following units are based at Yambol airfield:
a. Two squadrons which came from Gorna Oryakhovitsa;
b. Three construction companies (Stroeva Rot,) with unit numbers one to three;
c. One "Guard" construction company;
d. One noncommissioned officers school (K.P,CH.; Kandidat Podofitzerka Shkola)
composed of two companies; and
e. One service company (Intendantska Rota), composed of two section of 20 men
each.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
7" served
25X1
time:
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. O IPICI4IA O
-15-
25X1
114. The "Guard" company is composed of men chosen among; those In the three regular
construction companies. After having completed their .classes, a new selection is
made of the best among them and those most suitable for becoming specialists,
such as plane-assemblers., photographers, armorers, men charged with the upkeep
and folding of parachutes; machinegunners, etc, Those men chosen are sent to the
noncommissioned officer candidate school. The others return to the regular
construction companies for general work at the airport.
115. The two squadrons which came to Yambol airfield from Gorna Qryakhovitea arrived
in twin-engine, four-place Focke-WVlf planes, armed with three heavy machine guns
(two manned by the pilot and one by the machineggunner)v two 74,ght machine guns,
and bombs up to 20 kilograms in weight. The speed of the plane is 220 kilometers
per hour. These planes were disassembled and stored.
116. As of this date, 30 PASS planes were based at Yambol airi.eid; theme planes have
the following characteristics:
a. Fuselage: Very small, constructed in Kazanluk;
b. Places: Two;
c. Engine: One, "silent"., of Czechoslovak conatruetjon;
d'. Speed: 200 kilometers per hour;
e. Gas consumption: 200 liters per hour;
f. Armament: Four light machine guns; and
g. Weight: 1,500 kilograms.
The pilots are not sufficiently trained and only fly with Bulgarian or Soviet
instructors.
1?20 July 1952
117. Early in July 1952, there was much activity at Yambo). airfield. Tan hangars were
observed as well as 30 bombers, several fighter squadrons and several jet planes, 25
:]Comments'.
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
25X1
Q
Q~
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-17- 25X1
APPENDIX A
401f
I
_I\I_
I
l I
Scale: 1/100.000
1+G4T,GlV1J 8'
1.
Squares of red-colored water.
6.
Tents
2.
Factory
7.
Direction of landings
3.
Railroad
8.
Radio station'
4.
Highway
9.
Restaurants
5.
Six.buildings (3 completed,
10.
Buildings
3 under construction)
SECRET/CONTROL - U .S . OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-00810A001200750005-1 25X1
SECRET/CONTROL' -. U.S. OFFICIALS CNIX
APPENDIX B
Sezmer
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-00810A001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP8O-0081 OAOO12OO75OOO5-1
SECRET/CONTROL U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-19- 25X1
APPENDIX C
000
.b r L, b Hangar
Fuel
Tanks
. \
x: 3 0
r
awl\
?1 \
T
4
a
?1
a
,
3
~
V % WIN
LEGEND
A. Airfield
B. Radio Goniometer (radar?) Station
C. Control Tower - Officers Quarters
D. Barx' cks
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP8O-0081 OAOO12OO75OOO5-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
-20,
APPENDIX D
--`--?- .2 ow - 2 5 ?ca M
r. ~
I I
I ~ I
i
I I
I
1 t I
I I I
i I t
I I 1:
I I
W. I
U~l I
$~ I I
g, ~ I
II I
II I
I I
II I
II I
I I
I
I i.
I.
e
r
LEGEND
1-5. Wood and earth hangars for L-engine bombers
6. 10 to 12 hangars for gasoline in barrels
7. Wooden barracks used by German pilots
8. Wooden barracks for Bulgarian'personnel
9. Funeral mounds (tombs of Crusaders)
SECRET/CONTROL U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
l
r
t
~'Nh~Ma++ul
1
t
I
'v .
25X1
,1.
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP8O-0081 OAOO12OO75OOO5-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIA ONLY
25X1
-21- 'a
APPENDIX E "~
T,rudq,
x
3
g ~ q
9
d
.46 ry
01>
State Horse-
breeding Farm
LEGEND
1. Guard Post
2. TABSO Radio Station
3. TABSO Restaurant
4. Control Tower
5. Work shop
6-7. Workshops and warehouses
8'-11. Hangars
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP8O-0081 OAOO12OO75OOO5-1
'P
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY 25X1
-22.
APPENDIX F
t,aaca Za,oxa
h01
A~.
- z
Scn Z~.zO.00O
LEGEND
1 - 2 - 4 5. Hangars
(windsock on hangar 2)
3. Offices
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
25X1
a23-
APPENDIX G
Scales 1/60,000
R
Varna 0
Lake TOPO Air Terminal
Civilian
Airfield Garage
Ak$s, ~,
Topoli<
Radio Station
Penardzhik
Military Airfield
Sesevme
J' l,A
Bay of
'All ,tJ A
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS CNLY
-24-
APPENDIX H
y
M40
a0a
Sofia-
LEGEND
25X1
$ ? n1
---gym- - -- -- ?700r-
9 Bomb depot located two
kilometers from the edge
of the ru,4tsw4y, an the
banks of the Ukur River
1. Headquarters of the military airfield command
2. Spare parts depot - old planes
3. Hangars for new Soviet planes
)4. Workshops
5. Underground fuel reservoirs
6. Civilian air terminal, 1 3-story building
7. Parking area for old military planes
8. Parking area for new Soviet planes
9. Parking area for civilian planes
10. Concrete apron
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA001200750005-1
 Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-00810A001200750005-1
SECRET/CONTROL - U .S,. OFFICIAZS ONLY
_25_
APPENDIX ENDIX I
25X1
r-Iti
I
C
Ail
0
IV
aZ-0
pz
~C Z
L
t
r
m
i
04
all
J
g
V
LEGEND
1.82,3,4,5, : Hangars
6,7 : Workshops
899,10,11 Military Barracks
12 : Sports Ground
SECRET/CONTROL - U.S.?OFFICIAI CiLY
Approved For Release 2009/03/30: CIA-RDP80-00810A001200750005-1