RAMENSKOYE FLIGHT TEST CENTER

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
24
Document Creation Date: 
December 28, 2016
Document Release Date: 
February 2, 2010
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
November 1, 1982
Content Type: 
REPORT
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PDF icon CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7.pdf725.86 KB
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Fm 0 o A o OCR UK VRIMFIMPH MUM basoc UWO~1~~Py OQf1Q~P~DP~QdIQO?PO P~~?PQ [Ume move Fflughq, Ue )q -C (L'Ina w 57RATIE000 WEAPONS ON?IU?TROAD. lFACO LOTOO:S USSR WNINTEL RICA-09/0026/82 'NOVEMBER 19 2 Copy 2 2 L Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET Ramenskoye Flig DMAAC. USATC, Series 200, Sheet 0167-5, scale 1:200,000 CATEGORY 1BE NO. 1. (S/WN) This report updates NPIC report Z-20035/81 on Ramenskoye Flight Test Center (FTC), USSR, and discusses construction and aircraft activity observed from the 25X1 information cutoff date for the previous report, through F- 25X1 FIGURE 1. LOCATION OF RAMENSKOYE FLIGHT TEST CENTER, USSR WNI NTEL Z-14620/82 RAMENSKOY CENTER 1 0 2 111111 I 1 NAUTICAL MILES Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET 2. (S/WN) Significant developments in new and modified aircraft systems are discussed, including related activity observed at other facilities. 3. (S/WN) This report includes 30 annotated photographs, including an overview of the FTC with functional areas delineated; a location map; and a table of mensural data. BASIC DESCRIPTION 4. (S/WN) Ramenskoye FTC is approxi- Construction Activity mately 20 nautical miles southeast of Moscow (Figure 1). An overview of the FTC with the 5. (S/WN) Three small structures were functional areas delineated (Figure 2) is keyed built in the new llyushin area (Figure 2). A to Table 1-an outline of construction ob- small quonset-type aircraft shelter (item 1, served during this reporting period. Figure 2 and Table 1) had been completed by Table 1. Mensural Data for new Construction, Ramenskoye Flight Test Center, USSR (Items keyed to Figure 2) This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL 1 Aircraft shelter 2 Admin/engr bldg 3 Spt bldg 4 Spt bldg 5 Hangar 6 Spt bldg 7 Stor bldg 8 Admin/engr bldg 9 Admin/engr bldg 10 Prob shop 11 Prob spt bldg 12 Prob spt bldg 13 Aircraft shelter 14 Prob spt bldg 15 Spt bldg 16 Prob admin/engr bldg 17 Hangar Dimensions* (m) w 522 Apr 82 1,635 Apr 82 3 stories 99 Feb 81 502 Oct 81 5,593 Aug 81 New Tupolev hangar in east parking area 744 Ucon 455 Jul 81 8,688 4 stories; ucon 1,014 2 stories; ucon 3,791 Jun 82 Multistory with 5-story admin/engr sect 86 Footings measured; ucon 231 Footings measured; ucon 645 Mar 81 374 Ucon 202 1 story; ucon 519 Foundation only admin/engr addition 2,166 18 Admin/engr bldg 12,719 - Unid bldg 361 6 stories; ucon 5- and 10-story wings; ucon Construction stopped Horizontal measurements are accurate to within lof measured distance), and vertical measurements are accurate to within f measured distance), both at a 95% confidence level. -2- SECRET 25X1 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET a small administration/engineer- ing building (item 2) had been completed by and a small support building (item 3) had been completed by 6. (S/WN) A quonset-type support build- ing (item 4) had been completed by in the Tu olev area. A hangar (item 5), completed by~in the east parking area, is discussed in greater detail in paragraph 18, No further progress has been made on the unidentified building started dur- ing the previous reporting period. This con- struction appears to be for a building with at least one story underground or possibly for a personnel shelter. 7. (S/WN) Construction of a support building (item 6) in the Tupolev area, begun during the previous reporting period, contin- ued. In the support area, a quonset-type stor- age building (item 7) had been completed by and construction continued on a four-story administration/engineering build- ing (item 8) and a two-story administration/en- gineering building (item 9). 8. (S/WN) A probable shop with a five- story administration/engineering section (item 10) has been completed in the Yakovlev area, Two probable support buildings (items 11 and 12) are under construction in the support area. 9. (S/WN) A quonset-type aircraft shelter (item 13) in the crossover parking area had been completed by 10. (S/WN) A probable support building (item 14) in the MIL area will probably be completed by late 1982. In the flight research institute (LII; formerly Myasishchev) area, con- struction included a small support building (item 15); the foundation for a probable administration/engineering building (item 16); a six-story administration/engineering addi- tion to the largest hangar in the LII area (item 17); and a multistory, multiwing administra- tion/engineering building (item 18). When complete, these buildings will significantly increase the floorspace in the LII area. 11, (S/WN) New, unidentified construc- tion (area Q, Figure 2) is underway beyond the south-southeastern end of the FTC. This con- struction may represent a substantial addition to the FTC. 12. (S/WN) In the spring of 1981 in sub- area Q1, grading, backfilling, and the con- struction of three rectangular structures be- gan. Grading for a probable taxiway to con- nect the structures to the runway was also observed. This construction has proceeded slowly. Additional activity was observed in March 1982, when trenches, possibly for foot- ings, were observed. 13. (S/WN) Subarea Q2 was previously reported to be an FTC-related area.' During the previous reporting period, mounds that had been under construction near the south- ern corner of subarea Q2 were paved with concrete. The mounds resemble electronics mounds, although no electronics equipment has been observed. 14. (S/WN) The first observation of the BLACKJACK A, the new Soviet strategic bomb- er, on (Figure 3) was the most significant observation at the FTC during this period. The BLACKJACK A, originally designated the RAM-P, is a variable-geometry- wing aircraft similar to the Rockwell B-1B strategic bomber. Although approximately one-third larger than the B-1B, the BLACKJACK A has a similar wing-fuselage blend, empennage configuration, and engine placement (Figures 4 and 5). 15. (S/WN) The overall length of the BLACKJACK A is and the unswept wingspan is The BLACKJACK A has not been observed with the wings in the swept position, but calculations indicate that the swept wingspan is approximately ters. The vertical stabilizer is approxim ately meters high. The strakes, inboard of the en- gines on each side of the fuselage, are approx- imatelyF____-] long. Z-14620/82 SECRET RCA-0910026182 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET 17. (S/WN) The maximum takeoff weight of the BLACKJACK A cannot be determined without refined mensuration. The Rockwell B- 1B, which is smaller than the BLACKJACK A, has a maximum takeoff weight of 477,000 pounds.2 18. (S/WN) Statements made by Soviet leaders in recent years indicated that a strate- gic bomber developmental program was un- derway, and, therefore, this aircraft was not unexpected. In June 1980, an area in the east parking area across from the Tupolev area was graded, and construction of a uniquely shaped hangar (item 5, Figure 2 and Table 1) began. By late summer 1981, the Tupolev hangar was ex- ternally complete (Figure 6). Based on size and configuration, the hangar was thought to be related to a new aircraft program, either bomber or transport. This hypothesis was sup- ported by the introduction of the BLACKJACK 19. (S/WN) Snow melt from engine run- up and numerous observations of vehicles around the aircraft suggest that the BLACKJACK A was undergoing flight testing. Another significant activity related to the BLACKJACK A occurred in March 1982 at Akhtubinsk FTC where foot- ings for a hangar, which will be similar in size to the one housing the BLACKJACK A at Ramenskoye, were observed. Akhtubinsk is the main weapons testing/integration facility for aircraft in the USSR. The BLACKJACK A will probably be flight tested for at least 2 years at Ramenskoye before going to Akhtu- binsk for weapons systems tests. 20. (S/WN) The BLACKJACK A will prob- ably be produced at Kazan Airframe Plant Gorbunov 22 where the BACKFIRE B and C are currently in produc- tion. A large assembly hall under construction at Kazan could be completed by the summer of 1983. BACKFIRE Bomber Fuselage Section 21. (S/WN) The center fuselage section of a BACKFIRE bomber was identified onF lage section was not seen at the FTC after F (Figure 9). The BACKFIRE fuse- fied as an aerodynamic object and designated the RAM-N when first observed on a barge at the pier on the southern side of the airfield on (Figure 8). It had been identi- RAM-M Aircraft area near this apron since RAM-M fuselage has been in the engine test A portion of another probable and civilian markings were evident (Fig- ure 11). The aircraft was again observed on[ 0 two small, white, unidentified objects were on the apron in front of the aircraft (Fig- ure 12). The objects, long with ap- parent fins on one end, could be underwing fuel tanks. 24. (S/WN) Frequent observations of ve- hicles and equipment near the RAM-M indi- cated that an active test program was under- way. Two functions for this aircraft are possi- ble. First, because of the civilian markings, the RAM-M may be an earth-resources exploita- tion platform. The Soviets have no modern air- craft, such as NASA's U-2, to perform this task. Second, it may be a high-altitude battlefield reconnaissance platform such as the US Air Force's TR-1. The determination of these possible functions was based primarily on the long, high-aspect-ratio wing. A narrow fuse- lage and wings of this type have typically been associated with high-altitude aircraft. 25. (S/WN) Portions of a fuselage, similar in configuration to the RAM-M, were on the main apron in the LII area from to seen without a canvas covering on 22. (S/WN) An aircraft section on a barge at the pier on has been desig- nated the RAM-M (Figure 10). The final air- craft configuration could not be determined until by which time the nose and wings had been attached to the aircraft. The RAM-M has a high-aspect-ratio wing with a 40-meter span (Figure 11).3 23. (S/WN) The RAM-M wings were first -6- SECRET F- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Iq Next 2 Page(s) In Document Denied Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET FULCRUM A Fighter Aircraft 26. (S/WN) Activity associated with the FULCRUM A (formerly known as the RAM-L) continued at the FTC during this period (Figure 13). A FULCRUM A tail section was frequently seen protruding from the quonset- type hangar. 27. (S/WN) Although aerodynamic flight testing of the FULCRUM A will probably con- tinue at Ramenskoye, most flight testing will probably be conducted at Akhtubinsk FTC, where weapons test and integration exercises have been in progress. RAM-K Fighter Aircraft 28. (S/WN) The RAM-K flight test pro- gram continued at Ramenskoye. The RAM-K was usually parked outside the LII area on a designated spot on the crossover taxiway. However, on a RAM-K was involved in pre- or postflight activity in the crossover parking area (Figure 14). 29. (S/WN) Although RAM-K flight test activity continued at the FTC during this period, the observation of a highly modified RAM-K at Komsomolsk Airframe Plant Ord- zhonikidze 126 a production facility, on was of greater significance (Figure 15). 30. (S/WN) The modifications consisted of repositioned vertical stabilizers, the addi- tion of possible wingtip pylons, and an exten- sion to the tail section. The vertical stabilizers appear to have been placed on the edges of the fuselage rather than in their usual position, centered over the engine bays, and were not canted outward, as on previous models. The presence of possible wingtip pylons would not be unusual for this type of aircraft. The pointed tail extension was in the area where the parabrake housing is usually located. A similar modification on US aircraft houses a spin chute for spin testing. 31. (S/WN) Highly modified aircraft are usually seen at an FTC rather than at a produc- tion facility. Although one or more of these modified aircraft may have been at the FTC, the RAM-Ks observed there have all had verti- cal stabilizers in the usual location. 32. (S/WN) One RAM-K fuselage, which may have a tail extension, was in the Sukhoy area on but a canvas covering pre- cluded confirmation. This fuselage was still present on but very little activity was FROGFOOT A Ground Attack Aircraft 33. (S/WN) Moderate activity was associ- ated with the FROGFOOT A, formerly known as the RAM-J, during this period. FROGFOOT A aircraft were seen in the aircraft shelter (item 13, Figure 2) in the crossover parking area and in the Sukhoy area. Wing tanks were usually attached to the aircraft, and, on several occasions, unidentified stores were also attached. RAM-H and RAM-E Aircraft 34. (S/WN) The RAM-H has been at the FTC since the early 1970s. During the reporting period, it was removed from its usual parking location in the LII area and placed in the Su- khoy area. By portions of the RAM-H, including the vertical stabilizer and wing sections, had been removed from the aircraft and were on the ground next to the fuselage (Figure 16). 35. (S/WN) Between = the RAM-H fuselage, wings, and vertical stabilizer were removed from the Sukhoy area. The RAM-H has been inactive for a long peri- od, and the ro ram has probably been termi- nated. On~ the RAM-H was assembled and on static display in the aircraft museum at Moscow/Monino Airfield 36. (S/WN) The RAM-E was also at the Moscow/Monino museum on this program probably has also been terminated. SECRET RCA-0910026182 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Iq Next 2 Page(s) In Document Denied Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET 37. (S/WN) Three unidentified, probable fighter aircraft were seen at the FTC during this reporting period. One aircraft, seen onE was just outside the LII area, on the crossover taxiway (Figure 17). The aircraft, which somewhat resembled an L-39 trainer, may have delta wings. The overall length was approximately and the fuselage length was approximately An accurate wing span could not be determined. The aircraft could be a trainer because of its size and long forward fuselage section. 38. (S/WN) Another aircraft (not shown because of extremely poor interpretability of imagery), seen on was just outside the Sukhoy/Mikoyan areas. The over- all fuselage length was approximately C meters, and the wing span was approximately 41. (S/WN) The usual level of BACKFIRE activity continued throughout this period. By the BACKFIRE B in the test and 25X1 derelict area had been removed. By 25X1 a BACKFIRE B had been returned to the test and derelict area; it had a finlike object on the top of the fuselage just behind the cockpit area (Figure 20). The function of this object is not known, and it had apparently been re- moved by mid-March 1982. A BACKFIRE C had been returned to the FTC by after having been absent since December 1980. This aircraft has probably been undergo- ing intensive flight testing since vehicles and fuel trucks have usually been nearby. Two or three BACKFIRE Bs and one BACKFIRE C have usually been seen in the Tupolev/east parking areas. The length is comparable to that of the FULCRUM A; however, the aircraft ap- peared to have only a single vertical stabilizer. The wings appeared to be swept; however, the presence of a. crane that appeared to be emplacing or removing a canvas covering precluded an accurate analysis of wing shape. 39. (S/WN) The third unidentified air- craft was seen on in the crossover parking area (Figure 18). The wing of the aircraft was approximatelwhich is comparable to that of the Mikoyan-designed FLOGGER, but wing tips, wing sweep, and overall appearance indicate that it is not a FLOGGER. The crossover parking area is pri- marily for Sukhoy-designed aircraft. Little else could be determined regarding this aircraft because of the poor interpretability of the imagery. 40. seen on (S/WN) The was BEAR IF Variant Aircraft 42. (S/WN) The BEAR aircraft usually seen at the FTC were a BEAR A Mod, BEAR B, BEAR B Mod, BEAR C Mod, BEAR F, and BEAR F variants (mainly numbers 6 and 8). The BEAR A Mod has not been seen since December 1981. A new BEAR F variant (number 10) was identified at the FTC during this period. Variant 10 has several unique features. Al- though it has the high-lift wing common to most BEAR F variants, it does not incorporate a forward fuselage extension, no pods are on the vertical or horizontal stabilizers, and no pods or blisters are on the fuselage (Figure 21). This aircraft has a solid nose with a small, chin- mounted radome; all previously identified BEAR F variants have a greenhouse nose. 43. (S/WN) Analysis of imagery of BEAR F Variant 10 when at Akhtubinsk FTC suggests that this aircraft may be capable of carrying air-to-surface missiles (ASMs). Only BEAR B and C aircraft have been equipped to carry ASMs; both of these aircraft have large ra- domes. The presence of a radome on Variant 10 may indicate an ASM capability. Further, Variant 10 has not been seen at Kirovskoye BACKFIRE B in the Tupolev area (Figure 19). No particular activity could be associated with the airframe, and no new details of its configu- ration could be determined. - 14- SECRET RCA-0910026182 LEA"I 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Iq Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET Airfield the primary Soviet naval aviation test and development center, where antisubmarine warfare testing is con- ducted. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the aircraft is not associated with antisub- marine warfare. 44. (S/WN) Several developments involv- ing CANDID aircraft occurred at the FTC dur- ing this period. Two CANDIDs (bort numbers had previously been modi- fied with a long tail extension. These aircraft, when at the FTC, have almost always been parked in the transient parking area. In the spring of 1981, however, CANDID was returned to Tashkent Airframe Plant B Chkalov 84 where the tail ex- tension was removed. This aircraft was subse- quently returned to the FTC. 45. (S/WN) In mid-February 1982, CAN- DID again had a tail extension (Figure 22), but the tail extension on CANDID= had been removed. The reason for this is not known, but it is possible that equipment on CANDID had malfunctioned and that the tail extension was reattached to in order to continue the test program. CANDID was observed in the transient parking and old Ilyushin parking areas. 46. (S/WN) A CANDID with a tail exten- sion has been at Arkhangelsk/Kholm Airfield Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET when missile tests were being conducted at Nenoksa Naval Missile ' Test Center One CANDID has also been at Akhtubinsk FTC when missile tests were being conducted at Ka ustin Yar Cruise Test Complex D Site 1 Both aircraft have probably been involvied with the flight test phase of a cruise missile test. 47. (S/WN) CANDID modified with a new engine (Figure 22). This engine, wi by thin a .diameter nacelle, is over 6 meters long.and is probably a prototype of a large, fuel-efficient, high-bypass-ratio turbofan engine. It is proba- bly designed to power a very large transport aircraft.4 It is not unusual to mount a new en- gine on an operational aircraft in order to ob- tai.n test data not available through static bench testing. CLOBBER A Transport Aircraft 48. (S/WN) On a CLOBBER A with a conical tail extension just above the rear exhaust nozzle was in the old Ilyushin area. This modification was not seen again until the spring of 1982, when an aircraft with this modification was in the Yakovlev area (Figure 23). The purpose of this modification is not known. CUB Transport Aircraft 49. (S/WN) A CUB modified with a fin- like structure on the top of the fuselage, just aft of the wing, was first observed in the Anto- nov area on (Figure 24). 25X1 I 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 I 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET 50. (S/WN) A CUB modified with a ped- estal-mounted dome on the top of the fuse- lage and a tail extension was in the old Ily- ushin area between the transient parking area from was probably being backed into its temporary parking position in the old Ilyushin area. This aircraft has usually been parked in the Anto- nov area; little activity has been associated with it. Modified COOT Transport Aircraft 51. (S/WN) On a COOT modified with a high, T-shaped tail was in the new Ilyushin area. It was moved to the test and derelict area in mid-December 1981 (Figure 25). The purpose of the T-shaped tail modifica- tion is not known, although, in conjunction with other modifications, it suggests a short- takeoff-and-landing configuration. Helicopter Lifting Exercise 52. (S/WN) On a helicop- ter lifting exercise was underway on the crossover taxiway in front of the LII area. One HIP C helicopter was on each side of an aircraft fuselage section on a dolly (Figure 26). The two HIP Cs, with rotors turning, were connected by cable to the dolly and were probably preparing to lift the dolly and the fuselage. 53. (S/WN) A similar lifting exercise oc- curred in July 1981. The exercise was appar- ently training in lifting heavy objects using two helicopters. While the technique is potentially dangerous, such expertise would permit the use of medium-lift helicopters when heavy-lift helicopters are not available. Aerospace Components 54. (S/WN) One of the more significant programs underway at the FTC involves aero- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET space components. Although this activity was observed during the previous reporting peri- od, little was known of the program at that time. 55. (S/WN) The history of the aerospace components is complicated. It involves activity at two facilities besides Ramenskove-Kuv- b shev Aerospace Production and Tyuratam Airfield 3 56. (S/WN) The exact function of these aerospace components is not known; how- ever, they are probably components of a space launch vehicle. 57. (S/WN) A large structure was first seen at the FTC in November 1980. By the spring of 1981, the structure, which served as environmental protection for a meter, bullet-shaped object (Figure 27) very similar in appearance to the external fuel tank of the US space shuttle, had been removed. By a 26-meter component was seen fully assembled (Figure 27). The 26-meter component was delivered by barge from Kuy- 25X1 Ocvi 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET byshev to the FTC in November 1981. The meter component was delivered the same way the previous year. A more detailed analysis of the Ocomponent and related activi- ties at Ramenskoye, Kuybyshev, and Tyuratam may be found in a previous NPIC report.5 58. (S/WN) The aerospace components are so large that air is the only efficient means of transportation. Two BISON B aircraft (bort were modified to carry the components (Figure 28). The empen- nage of each BISON B is highly modified; vertical stabilizers were mounted outward on the horizontal stabilizers to allow for undis- turbed airflow when flying with a mounted component. The modified BISON Bs are loaded by moving under a gantry crane holding the component (Figure 27). The com- ponent is then lowered onto the fuselage of the aircraft. The pointed end of the compo- nent is mounted facing aft to reduce vortex - 23 - SECRET 25X1 25X1 ,r Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 SECRET disturbance at the rear of the aircraft. The components, gantry crane, and modified BI- SON Bs at Ramenskoye are probably only for flight testing and for development of flight parameters for flying the BISON B with a large object attached. The 26- com- ponents will probably be removed from the FTC after these parameters have been determined. 59. (S/WN) The aerospace components are manufactured at Kuybyshev Aerospace Production Plant 1, where a gantry crane, identical to the one at Ramenskoye, has been constructed, and the runway is being ex- tended. In addition, a new runway is being built at Tyuratam Airfield 3, where another identical gantry crane has been built. The components will be mounted on the BISON Bs at Kuybyshev and flown to Tyuratam, where they will be removed and taken by transporter (Figure 27) to their designated assembly areas. 60. (S/WN) On BISON was seen with a V-shape support bracket mounted just in front of the empen- nage (Figure 29). It is not known what this bracket was designed to hold. Subsequent coverage showed the 26-meter component on however, the bracket may also have been designed to carry some other, as yet unseen, component. The support bracket had been removed when the BISON was again observed in May and June 1982. 25X1 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 .-T--- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Unidentified Object 61. (S/WN) On an uni- dentified object was on the apron in the LII area. This object has been seen at various loca- tions on the apron and strongly resembles the upper forward fuselage section of an aircraft, primarily the flight deck area. While the object is probably only a mock-up or a fuselage skin, two depressions give the appearance of being window,shaped (Figure 30). 62. (S/WN) It is possible that, because of the other space-related activity in the LII area, this object is also space related. It is not com- parable in size or configuration to any known Soviet aircraft. Telemetry Collection and Processing Center 63. (S/WN) The Telemetry Collection and Processing Center is on the northern side of the Yakovlev area (Figure 2). Although the Center has been present for some time, it has not been discussed in any previous NPIC report. 64. (S/WN) The Center consists mainly of two buildings and telemetry collection equip- ment (Figure 31). A large, probable telemetry processing building consists of a four-story, L- shaped wing and a two-story, rectangular wing. The telemetry collection equipment is usually on the access road in front of the prob- able processing building and usually faces the two runways. The equipment usually com- prises four or five SHIP WHEEL radar sets. A small, rectangular building with a roof- mounted, movable dome is near the parking area. This dome probably houses a theodolite. A square building of unusual design is next to this building. Three large, circular patterns are on three sides of this building. It is not known if this building is part of the processing center. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 IMAGERY (S/WN) All available satellite imagery acquired from the preparation of this report. MAPS OR CHARTS DMAAC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0167-5, scale 1:200,000 (UNCLASSIFIED) DOCUMENTS 1. NPIC. Z-20035/81, RCA-09/0005/81, Ramenskoye Flight Test Center (5), May 81 (SECRET 2. Jane's All The World's Aircraft, 1981-82, p 454 (UNCLASSIFIED) 3. FTD. Drawing 82E1015, RAM-M (S/WN), 12 Mar 82 (SECRET 4. NPIC. Z-14571/82, IAR-0058/82, Large Transport Aircraft Development Program in the Soviet Union (S), May 82 (SECRET 5. NPIC. Z-20180/81, IAR-0223/81, Activity (SECRET REQUIREMENT COMIREX J02 Project 542058) (S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcom Warsaw Pact Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC, - 26 - SECRET 25X1 2bAl 25X1 25X1 25X1 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7 Secret Secret Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/02 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000102880001-7