PROGRESS REPORT NO. 1

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89B00487R000300450002-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: January 31, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

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January 31, 1955
Copy #3
PROGRESS REPORT NO. I
This brief summary report covers activity on the design and construction
of a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft during the period from
December lot, 1954, to January 31st, 1955.
ENGINEERING:
During the period mentioned above, the project was organized and twenty-
seven selected engineers were placed on the program, under the direct
supervision of Clarence L. Johnson, Chief Engineer of the Lockheed Aircraft
Corporation, California Division.
The aircraft was designed and subjected to wind tunnel tests to determine
its aerodynamic characteristics. Description of the airplane is contained
in separate reports, not to be referred to herein. The wind tunnel tests
have confirmed precisely the original expectations of the design. Excellent
stability, control, and handling characteristics are evident. During the
course of the tests, it was necessary to revise the horizontal and vertical
tail to assure adequate stability at high attitude. Having accomplished this,
no further aerodynamic changes are required in the design.
A model is being prepared of the engine air ducts, for the purpose of
investigating the pressure distribution at the engine inlet.
Structural design has progressed to the point where an increasing volume
of detail drawings is flowing into the shop. Major elements of the tail, wing,
and fuselage have been released from Engineering. A schedule correlated
between Engineering and the shop has been set up and releases are on
schedule.
Mock-ups of the equipment bay are scheduled for completion the week of
February 1st. Contacts with the equipment designers and builders have
set up general agreement on items to be installed and on schedules. The
attitude of the equipment manufacturers toward the weight problem is of
considerable concern to the writer, as the agreed weight of 450 pounds
should not be exceeded.
SHOP:
First airplane parts were completed December 29th. 1954. Major elements
of the wing, tail, and fuselage jigs have been completed, except that machined
parts for precise location of elements are still in construction. Photographs
are appended showing the jig construction.
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PROCUREMENT AND MATERIAL HANDLING:
Special means for obtaining items peculiar to this project have been set up
outside of normal Lockheed procedures. Those items which are common
to all types of aircraft are being taken from Lockheed stores. A list of
GFE required, spare parts to be constructed, and the static test article
have been completed. The contract for procurement of the main landing
gear elements is being negotiated.
The complete Engineering Experimental building has been put under heavy
guard, taking security measures discussed with certain government
representatives. All engineers were cleared prior to working on the
project, and the manufacturing shop people have been cleared and impressed
with the necessity for secrecy on this project. Several employees were
transferred away from the Engineering Experimental shop during the screen-
ing process, because of questioned connections.
COSTS:
A curve of estimated expenditures and actual expenditures to date is
attached. No factors have developed which indicate that the original
estimated cost should be exceeded.
SCHEDULES:
The completion schedule for the aircraft has been indicated in a separate
report. Flight dates have now been selected as follows:
Airplane #1
- Aug.
8,
1955
#2
- Sept.
15,
1955
#3
- Oct.
20,
1955
#4
- Nov.
28,
19S-5.
Barring unforeseen difficulties, the flight test program should be completed
by December 26th, 1955, with four airplanes available for service on
January 2nd, 1956.
The flight dates are approximately 2-1/2 weeks after completion of con-
struction at Burbank, to allow for shipping to the test base and for various
pre-flight tests and taxi tests. Completion of the #I airplane is set for
the end of the day shift, 3:30 P.M., July 20th, 1955.
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SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Two special studies have been started -- one covering various aspects of
transportability of the aircraft and the second being an operational analysis
to establish optimum use of the aircraft, crew requirements. optimum
flight patterns, capabilities of equipment and personnel. An investigation
has been made on the effect of cosmic ray activity on the pilot's health.
GENERAL PROJECT OUTLOOK:
Excellent.
Major problems of concern are.,
1. Operation of the power plant at high altitude.
2. Availability and weight of special equipment.
Clarence L. J *90,-n
Chief Engineer
CLJ:vmp
STAT
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STAT
Radiation"
Progress Report #1
Rate of Expenditure Curve
Construction Photographs
Wind Tunnel Model Photographs (ten)
IIeme to C.L. Johnson on "Health Hazards of Cosmic
Plan of Operation for Engineering Exnerirr.ental Division
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STAT
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