KOETHEN AIRFIELD

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A007600040008-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 12
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 5, 2007
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: July 11, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

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TOPIC
IRS* Germs
Kwth an A*PCUU
EVALUATIO
DATE OF CONTE
DATE OBTAINED_
REFERENCES
PLACE OBTA1 NEDJ
25X1
ATE PREPARED 11 July 1955
PAGES 6 ENCLOSURES (NO. & TYPE)
REMARKS
This is UNEVALUATED
Information
1. The following air activity and aircraft were observed at Koethen
airfield between 30 April and 3 June 1955=
30 April. At 0630, the dooremof the three hangars were closed..
Two jet fighters the engines of which had been run up several times
were parked in front of one of the hangars. At about 1000, these two
aircraft were pushed into the hangar. No other aircraft were seen at
the field. Usually a radio truck with glass cupola, a radio installation
of one mast and a take-off post with two flags are located at the
take-off point, but on this date no such preparations had been made.
There was no air activity.
9 May. At about 0700, 2 MiG-158 or U-MiG-15s the cabins of which were
covered by tarpaulins were seen between the eastern hangars. The doors
of the three hangars were el*sed. At about 1100, about 20 jet fighters
were pushed out of the eastern hangars and parked in front of them.
Two MiG-15s or U-M1.G-15s on.which maintenance work was being done were
seen in front of the western hangar. There was no air activity during
daytime. At 1200, the runway lights were tested. At about 1900, 2
MiG-15s or II MiG-15s fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks were towed by
truck to the eastern end of the runway and were parked there in addition
to a radio truck with a rod antenna, about 4 meters long. One landing
floodlight was posted bath on the right and left side of the runway.
All other jet aircraft were again pushed into the hangars. Beginning
at 2150, night flying was observed from a distance.
14 May. At 0645, the doors of the hangars were closed. Two uncovered
MiG-15s or U-MiG-15s were parked in front of the southeastern hangar.
During the preceding night night flying had been practiced.presumably
engaging the two aircraft with auxiliary fuel tanks which had been 25X1
towed to the eastern end of the runway. At 0900, 12 MiG-15s or U-MiG-158
were pushed out of the eastern hangar. Subsequently maintenance work
was being done on the aircraft and their engines were run up. When
the engines were cold 70 to 90 seconds elapsed from the moment they FLT ifs)
were started until they.were running at full power; t>e procedure lasted
CLASSIFICATION 3BGRET
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about 30 seconds when the engines were fun up for a second time.
At 0900, the take-off point was not yet established. At about 1300,
several MiG-15s or II MiG-15s approached the field from the east.
On one of the aircraft which fiiw at an altitude of about 80 meters
it was seen that one bomb suspended from the inner side of each wing,
along side of the auxiliary fuel tank. The bombs were about 1/5 of
the size of the auxiliary fuel tanks. Two dark spots were seen just
next to the fuel tanks on the aircraft engaged in air activity. These
were probably devices to fasten the bombs since the bombs had been
seen at this place on the other aircraft. The weight of the bombs
was estimated at 50 kg. No other features distinguishing the aircraft
from the usual MiG-15e were noticed.
23 May. At 0730, 20 MiG-15s or U-MiG-15s were seen in front of the
northeastern hangar. The doors of the three hangars were closed.
At about 1000, 11 MiG-15s or II MiG-15s were pushed out of the other
hangars and were towed by trucks to the southwestern corner of the
field. After about 10 minutes, they were towed back to the hangars.
A radio truck with A;kass cupola and a radio truck with a rod antenna
about 4 meters high had been parked at the eastern end of to runway.
There was no air activity. At about 1200, the radio trucks departed
again.
24 My. At 1100, 9 MiG-15s or U-MiG-15s were parked in front of the
eastern hangars. The take-off point was not established. The fuel from
2 tank trucks was transferred to the fuel containers at the fuel dump
on Baasdorfer Strasse. No air activity was observed.
27 May. At 0745, the western hangar and the southeastern hangar were
opened and 20 jet fighters were towed by trucks to the western end of
the runway. A radio truck with a rod antenna about 4 meters high and
two radio trucks each with an antenna mast extended to a length of
about 8 meters were parked at the take-off point. Two tank trucks were
again emptied into the fuel containers at the fuel dump on Baasdorfer
Strasse. Air activity started at about 0830. Single-seater MiG-15s or
U-MiG-15s without auxiliary fuel tanks practiced take-offs and landings.
Several double-seater aircraft with auxiliary fuel tanks made individual
flights of about 30 minutes duration at altitudes of about 3,000 meters.
Each of these aircraft made a gliding approach on a ground target near
the field. Several single-seater aircraft with auxiliary fuel tanks
made flights of 90 to 95 minutes duration in close formations of two
and three toward the northeast. The aircraft landed after they had
crossed over the field at altitudes of about 2,000 meters. On1 the
auxiliary fuel tanks were seen under the wings. Prior to 1100, a total
of 17 single and double-seater aircraft took off. The following
take-offs by formations were seen: At 0900 a formation of three, at
0915, 0930, 1000, and 1010 one element of two each, and at 1020 a
formation of three. At 1015, the first formation of three landed. The
other formations landed later on at regular intervals. Air activity was
discontinued at about 1500. Beginning at 1200, the attacking of air
sleeves was practised at altitudes of about 900 meters in the area between
Dessau and Koethen. All take-offs and landings showed good flight
discipline.
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3 June, Thirty jet fighters were counted at the field and included
18 engaged in air activity, 11 being parked in front of the eastern
hangars and 1 in front of the western hangar. The three hangars
were half open. At about 0700, the railroad bridge northeast of the
field at Baasdorfer Strasse was guarded by KVP sentries with watchdogs.
At about 0710, a boxcar was shunted to the northeastern hangar. At
about 2000, 15 boxcars were seen there. At about 0900, air activity
started. Several take-offs toward the west in formations of two and
three aircraft and individualiplanes were seen. The aircraft climbed
through the ceiling and, according to the noise heard after 5 or 6
minutes, crossed over the field from the east at altitudes of 4,000
to 5,000 meters. After about 15 minutes, the aircraft landed at
irregular intervals coming from the east and without crossing over
the field prior to landing. All ai0oraft were fitted with auxiliary
fuel tanks. Eight individual take-offs, 2 take-offs in elements of
two and 1 in a formation of three were seen within one hour. In
addition, 2 single-seater MiG-15s or U-MiG-15s practiced take-offs
and landings. The pilots of the latter aircraft were repeatedly changed
after landing. During air activity, the Kniferest-type radar set
slowly rotated to the left and right. The two aircraft taxied to the
take-off point while all other aircraft were towed there by trucks.
For towing, the aircraft were attached to a roil to 1.5 meters long
with the help of which, the aircraft could be moved in take-off direction.
2. The AL 4 Mk 3-type and the Fishnet-type radar sets were still seen
at the southern edge of the field. The sets were not in operation.
The Kniferest-type radar set north of the taxiway which had been removed
on 30 April was again seen at its previous location. The high mast,
which was about 8 meters in height, on the radio truck parked near
the take-off point was a telescopic mast which was fitted at the rear
side of the truck and braced to the ground, according to its height.
A radio installation of one mast was seen between the flight control
station and the western hangar. 2
3. The AA gun emplacement in the southeastern corner of the field was
still occupied by 6 x 37-mm AA guns. On 3 June, aiming practices were
held with the guns.
4. Extensive excavating work was under way next to the guard house
in the southeastern corner of the field. A conveyor belt was employed
for work. Shelters were apparently constructed. Other shelters had
been constructed between the eastern hangars and at the eastern end of
the runway. They were built underground, covered with sod and were
about 12 meters square. A similar shelter had been constructed north
of the eastern end of the runway at the point where the radio truck
had previously been parked. Logs needed for the constructions were
hauled to the site by trucks. 3
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6. It was learned that engineers of the former Junkers plant had
been asked whether they were willing to work in their previous
field for an initial pay of 750 eastmarks. Dresden-Klotzsche airfield
was scheduled to serve as test field for "Pt*na". 4
7. Dessau airfield was used for gliding practices by the Association
for Sport and Technics.
8. The following air activity and aircraft were observed at the field
between 4 May and 9 June:
4 May, At 1230, 4 MiG-15s or II MiG-15s with their noses toward the
west were parked in front of the aircraft revetments in the northeastern
corner of the field. Take-offs and landings were continuously made.
Take-offs were partly made in elements of two and also in formations
of thwee. The elements of two consisted of one U-MiG-15 and one single-
seater MiG-15. The two-seater aircraft were occupied by two men.
Local flights were made.
10 May. Between 1330 and 1430, local flights were made at altitudes
of 800 to 1,000 meters just below the ceiling. Two jet fighters
were seen at the take-off point. 25X1
Thirty minutes later, the same aircraft landed
Two radio trucks, one with an umbrella- 25X1
shaped antenna, the other one with an umbrella-shaped antenna and a rod
antenna and with glass cupola were parked between the aircraft revetments
in the northeastern corner of the field. During air activity by jet
25X1
fighters, a single-engine conventional aircraft made local flights taking
off and landing on the sod near the runway. Three take-offs were seen.
Take-offs and landings were made at intervals of 10 minutes.
11 May. Between 1630 and 1730, there was no air activity. Twelve
MiG-15s or U-MiG-15s were parked in a row in front of the northeastern
hangar and 3 MiG-15s or U-MiG-15s the tails of which had been disassembled
were parked in front of the southeastern hangar. One wing of one of the
aircraft had also been disassembled. Although there was a strong wind
one MiG-15 or U-MiG-15 was towed to the western end of the runway where
2 aircraft had already been parked.
12 May. Between 1630 and 1745, elements of two jet fighters made
local flights and flights out of sight. One MiG-15 or U-MiG-15 practiced
gliding approaches at an angle of about 300 from an altitude of about 25X1
1,000 meters down to an altitude of about 300 meters. The aircraft
subsequently made a left bank and climbed again.
Flights lasted about 15 minutes. 25X1
13 May. There was no air activity between 1645 and 1730. Thirty-two
aircraft were seen on the landing field.
31 May. Twelve jet fighters were parked without any noticeable pattern
in front of the eastern hangars, and 12 MiG-15s or U-MiG-15s were
seen in the dispersal area in front of the aircraft revetments in the
northeastern corner of the field. From the latter area aircraft
continuously taxied to the take-off point and returned there after
landing. Five jet fighters were parked in front of the western hangar.
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Two radio trucks and 2 trucks were parked between the aircraft
revetments in the northeastern corner of the field. The attacking
of air sleeves was practiced. Aircraft remained aloft for about 25
2 June. Between 1100 and 1350, jet fighters continuously made local
flights. The take-off by two elements of two was seen. Two radio trucks,
1 ambulance and 2 trucks wbre parked between the aircraft revetments
south of the western hangar.
3 June. Between 0900 and 1500, there was intensive air activity by
jet fighters. Twelve jet fighters were seen in front of the
northeastern hangar. They changed continuously, since they were
involved in air activity and, immediately after the landing, taxied
back to the dispersal area. An additional 12 jet fighters were parked
in front of the southeastern hangar in a row which extended onto the
field. These aircraft also changed while taxying to and from the take-
off point. Six jet fighters, 3 radio trucks, 1 ambulance and 1 truck
were parked between the aircraft revetments in front of the western
hangar. A single-seater monoplane and 1 radio truck were additionally
parked in front of the southeastern hangar. Local flights were
continuously made. Landings and take-offs were made at short intervals.
At 1500, 4 air sleeves were made ready at the take-off point.
8 June. At 1730, 12 jet fighters which were fully covered by tarpaulins
were parked in front of the southeastern hangar. Two rows of 7 aircraft
each were parked in checkered position in front of the aircraft
revetments in the northeastern corner of the field. Three radio trucks
were parked in front of the aircraft revetments at the dispersal area
of the alert flight. One of the trucks was fitted with an octagonal glass
cupola as described previously. A man was seen mounting and again leaving
this cupola from the interior of the radio truck. The umbrella-shaped
antenna which was fitted in the center of the rear edge of the top was
telescopic. The cupola projected about 80 cm beyond the roof of the
truck. The extended antenna had an estimated height of 3 to 4 meters.
The antennas of the radio trucks without cupola were fitted in front
of the right. At about 1900, 2 trucks each mounting a searchlight Ahout 60 em in
diameter proceeded in the eastern extension of the runway. One of them was
parked about 30 meters west of the gap in the fence and the other one 40
meters east of the road in the field at a point in line with the southern
edge of the runway. No personnel were seen near the trucks. There was no
air activity. Between 2000 and 2330, the rotable searchlight at the
field was in operation.
9 June. Between 1700 and 1820, there was no air activity by1jet
fighters. At about 1800, one Li-2 landed while rain set in.
9. After 10 May, a Fishnet-type radar set was seen at the southern edge of
the field next to the AA 4 UK 3-type set which had previously been seen
there between aircraft revetments and the fence. Another Fishnet-type
radar set was seen next to the Kniferest-type set at the northern edge
of the field in front of the aircraft revetments southwest of the hangars.
The distance between the two sets was estimated at 10 to 15 meters.
10. Excavation work was being done by soldiers between the aircraft
revetments in the northeastern corner of the field and the fence.
Logo, about 10 cm in diameter and 2 to 2.5 meters long, were seen at
the construction site.
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Comment. Koethen airfield is believed to be still occupied
by 1 fighter regiment and 1 reconnaissance regiment equipped with
MiG-15s. Air activity reported was normal. The fastening of bombs
under the wings between auxiliary fuel tanks and the fuselage was
observed for the first time, but, in the meantime w confirme 25X1
observations made at the Kummersdorf bombing range.
The bombs are estimated to be 50 kg
bombs. A total of 32 jet fighters were counted at the field.
MiG-15
previously reported from Jueterbog,
Comment. The radio installation of one mast between the
flight control station and the western hangar is reported for the
25X1
25X1
first time. All other information on radio installations was received 25X1
previously.
3?
Comment. The construction of underground bunkers on the 25X1
landing field was concordantly reported by two sources.
Comment. Rumors on the improvement DrnAd^n-K1ntmRnh 25X1
airfield were reported previously.
I
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COUNTRY
TOPIC
CLASSIFICATI
Last Gorr-any
;ioethen Airfield
EVALUATIO
DATE OF CONTEW
DATE OBTAINED
REFERENCES
PAGES 6 ENCLOSURES (1O. & TYPE)
This is UNEVALUATED
REMARKS.
Information
1. The follo:;ing air activity and aircraft were observed at .koethen
airfield between 30 April. and 3 June 1955:
30 April. At 030, the doors of the three hangars were closed.
i'wo jet fighters the engines of which had been run up several times
:;ere parked in front of one of the hangars. At about 1000, these two
aircraft were pushed into the hangar. i.o other aircraft were seen at
the field. Usually a radio truck with glass cupola, a radio installation
of one mast and a take-off post with two flags are located at the
take-off point, but on this date no such preparations had been made.
There was no air activity.
c,ere started until they were runnir~~~ at full porter; the procedure lasted
,1M. j ,,.t about 0700, 2 LiiG-15s or U-M1G-15s the cabins of which were
covered by tarpaulins were seen between the eastern hangars. The doors
of the three hangars s,'ere closed. At about 1100 about 20 jet fighters
were pushed out of the east:: rn hangars and parked in front of them.
T- o :.: .G 15s or U-iuiG-1,5s on ;rhich maintenance work being done were
seen in front of the western hangar. There was no air activity during
daytime. At 1200, the runway lights were tested. At about 1900, 2
:.AG-15s or U-L.iG-15s fitted with auxiliary fuel tank were towed by
truck to the east.rn end of the runway and ;,ere parked there in addition
to a radio truck with a rod antenna, about 4 meters long. One landing
floodlight was posted both on the right and left side of the runway.
All other jet aircraft were again Pushed into the hangars. Beginning
at 2150, night flying was observed from a distance.
4 L:M? At 0645, the doors of the hangars :ere closed. Two uncovered
::.iG-15s or U-11iG-15s were parked in front of the southeastern hangar.
During the preceding night night flying had been practiced presumably
engaging the two aircraft with auxiliary fuel tanks which had been
towed to the eastern end of the runway. At 0900, 12 iiG-15s or U-uliG-15s
were gushed out of the eastern hangar. Subsequently maintenance work
was being; done on the aircraft and their engines were run ur. When
the engines were cold 70 to 90 seconds elapsed from the moment they FLASH (10)
PI ACF fRTAINEDJ
REPORT
I tE PREPARED._..: 1 July 1155
('.i AcrIFIC ATIflNJ SE(1{ET
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about 3^ seconds when the engines wer? run uf: for a s