PROGRESS REPORT NO. 2

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89B00487R000300450003-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: March 1, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

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March 1, 1955
.,? K 1 Copy #I
PROGRESS REPORT NO. 2
Progress in the design and construction of the reconnaissance aircraft has
proceeded on schedule and cost. The design problems which have been
encountered to date have been satisfactorily solved and the configuration of
the airplane is well established, with the exception of the specific, detailed
cockpit arrangement. The cockpit mockup is almost complete, and on
March 15th General Don F. will visit this contractor's facility for discus-
sions on aero-medical aspects and pressure suit requirements for the
project. The pressure suit problems appear to be among the greatest
existing for the project at this time.
A P37 engine mockup has been delivered to this contractor and is being
used for detailed engine installation.
of our engineering group, has been in constant contact
with the special equipment vendors and no important problems exist at this
time regarding installation of such equipment.
of R-W, visited the writer several weeks ago to discuss 25X1
installation of electronic analysis equipment. Provisions were immediately
made for all airplanes to carr the R-W electronic unit in all aircraft. In
a visit on March 1st, brought up the problem of antenna pattern 25X1
determination. The writer proposed that, since Lockheed has perhaps the
most complete antenna range of any of the aircraft companies, the pattern
determination be established here at Burbank, using the numbers from the
number one airplane as soon as the basic equipment is available. Complete
provisions for installing the radar search equipment are being made in all
aircraft, according to discussions with No problems are 25X1
apparent in this field currently. Several discussions took place, which will
not be recorded here, on more advanced electronic gear.
A survey has been made of nineteen potential flight test base sites north and
east of the Los Angeles area. The preferred location for this base has been
described to O. R. by phone. Within the next ten days, the writer will fly
to the spot to make a personal survey of the area.
A study is being made of the GFE requirements along the lines of fuel trucks,
starter trucks, electric generators, and other elements required for setting
up the flight test base. It is proposed to construct two hangars capable of
housing an aircraft apiece, plus barracks for fifty-one people, and the
required kitchen and food-preparing areas for the flight test crew. This
report will be completed within the next several weeks and the detailed plan
jZ presented by the writer to cognizant personnel in Washington. At the same
JOCt,k;aat ,~~ ~aJa : i , e.- a.rI phases of an operational analysis will be presented.
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The writer will be unable to attend the March 10th and 11th meeting in
Washington on this project, due to the extreme pressure and critical nature
of the work at this location now.
CLJ:vmp
arence son
Chief Engineer
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