DEAR DOC:

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP67B00511R000100140044-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 23, 2002
• Sequence Number: 44
• Publication Date: May 22, 1961
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved Foolease 2002/10/16: CIA-RDP67B0059000100140044? X1 A
May 22, 1961
Dear Doc:
At the inception of the 0 program, we were informed that the
Eastman Kodak Company would not supply a V/H sensor and associated
IMC drive electronics as a portion of our participation. It was also stated
that a V/H sensor would be supplied by Perkin-Elmer for our use, the
philosophy being that this device would be a unit identical to their own and
usable in our configuration.
To allow for any possible emergency situations, the Eastman
Kodak breadboard was designed to be tested with a programmed inter-
valometer V/H device. The programmer was based on scanning through
average values of V/H by a series of ten steps to cover a total of 10% ex-
pected variation. It is obvious that only 10% of the resulting photography
could be expected to be optimum.
Upon recent inquiry at Perkin-Elmer, it was determined that no
action had been initiated to provide the Eastman Kodak Company with a V/H
device and it appeared to be dubious that such a device could now be supplied
within the required time limits even if authorized.
When headquarters was informed of the Perkin-Elmer situation,
a full scale investigation into the possibility of obtaining a V/H device from
another source was initiated.
25X1 A A trip was made to to obtain recommendations. As a re-
25X1 sult of this visit, Owas con c e relative to a modification of the
Infrared Unit for initial tests and in addition the supplying of a 1. 0% Solo
unit for flight tests.
25X1
25X1
I nd I I were also contacted relative 25X1
to their ability to supply a better than 1 c accuracy device within an eight
month period.
After studying the anticipated system performances and weighing
technical and schedule factors, it was decided to re-visit the Perkin-Elmer
facilities to more fully evaluate possible procurement status.
had previously made the offer to supply engineering guidance if Kodak could
share in supplying engineering as well as mechanical and electronic tech-
nician help for fabrication of a unit.
In reviewing the design and the status of the Perkin-Elmer unit,
the following points became evident:
1. The sensor head design would have to be re-done by Kodak to
relocate the positions of the lens, the grid and the photo multiplier.
25X1A
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2. Fiber optics used to deliver the chopped light from the grid to the
photo multiplier could be procured by Kodak from one of several
suppliers without jeopardizing security.
3. The photo multiplier and power supply could be purchased through
Perkin-Elmer (no changes anticipated).
4. The resolvers could be supplied to Kodak by Perkin-Elmer to
protect security. Kodak would, of necessity, be required to de-
sign its own gear train coupling the resolver to the breadboard
film transport.
5. The discriminator and integrator might be supplied complete by
Perkin-Elmer.
6. Perkin-Elmer would act on an advisory basis to Kodak engineers
until approximately the middle of July.
7. All components could be ordered and delivered prior to October 1,
1961.
8. At some time between October 1 and October 15, 1961, Perkin-
Elmer would be in a position to supply assembly technicians to
produce a unit for test by December 1, 1961.
9. The unit is compatible with the Kodak breadboard's temperature
environment.
10. The Kodak stable platform would provide integration times
necessary to obtain 1% or better V/H determination accuracy.
11. The Perkin-Elmer approach is an improved version of the device
suggested over a year ago by Kodak and is similar in basic opera-
tion to the previously prove nit.
A summary of the systems investigated is as follows:
System
Type
Scan
Angle
Min
Scan Approx.
Time Cost
Solo
20?
Grid
Cont.
4"-10"
Correlation
4?
2"-4"
Correlation
10"
Grid
Cont.
2"- 6"
25X1
25X1A
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Delivery times were all with a seven to nine months promise.
Non-jeopardy of in-house or anticipated research and development programs
was claimed by all contacted. All units were to be flying engineering models
not type tested, mil spec., Air Force procurement units.
It is the opinion of the Eastman Kodak Company that the most
expeditious course of action to obtain a V/H sensor applicable to the "O"
program is as follows:
1. Immediately authorize an increase of funding to Perkin-Elmer
for a sum not to exceed $48,000 to provide engineering support,
material and technician assistance in the fabrication and delivery
of one complete grid type V/H sensor, associated electronics and
spares for the Eastman Kodak Company. Perkin-Elmer should
not need to make any but limited expenditures until subsequent
to July 15, 1961.
2. Immediately authorize an increase of funding to the Eastman
Kodak Company for a sum not to exceed $40,000 to provide
necessary engineering and technician support to supply one
V/H device. The Eastman Kodak Company will not need
additional funding for the procurement until after July 1, 1961,
however, Kodak does not wish to assume the obligation of supply-
ing a device without firm approval.
3. As an alternate, or preferably in parallel, authorize the Eastman
Kodak Company to procure, on a sub-contract basis, from 25X1A
25X1 A ne complete V/H sensor and associated electronics.
The funding for this procurement could be a $12,000 engineering
study through June 30, 1961 with a committment for com letion
of engineering and hardware for the amount of I uin fiscal 25X1
1962.
It is essential that an immediate decision be rendered to make
possible procurement within the remaining limited time.
BLE:LB
Orig. + 2:
L. E. W.
cc:
C. F. H.
E. L.G.
B. L. E.
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