OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS - REVIVAL OF OXCART

Created: 6/14/1972

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy for Materiel, OSA

evival of

OXCART

The following operational considerations are presented to assist you in preparing your memorandum to DDI on the subject of regeneration of the OXCART vehicle:

REQUIREMENT:

There is sufficient interest within CIA to warrant exploring the feasibility, cost and timing associated with regenerating an operational OXCART weapons system to be operatedield unit under direction of OSA. This regeneration to be accomplished so as to put anvehicleorth Vietnam target in the shortest possible time.

BACKGROUND:

When the OXCART vehicles and program were put to bedomplete "regeneration" package was placed in Btorage as well. This package contained operating procedures, mission directives, checklists, names of qualified personnel, etc. It did, in fact, contain all possiblo information which might be needed for program revival. It was generally agreed that program regeneration in theonthsear could bc fairly easy andfter that time frame, recapture would become Increasingly expensive, time consuming and difficult personnel wise. Tlie OXCART aircraft and equipment went into storage in the June to8 time frame0ufficient parts equipment, AGE, etc. would be on hand toive operational aircraft fleet forays if reconstituted; thisay time frame would then be used to crank up the spares mill, obtain more money, make further decisions, etc. on program continuance.

would receive number one priority inand equipment.

weapons system as put away could be broughtwould be useable, operationally capable. o new EWSput in the aircraft.

assessment remains the same as when put

away.

ersonal equipment and survival gearwith OXCART airframe. This due to the OXCART seatand OXCART pressure suits no longer available.

all types of qualified personnel are readilybe pitched and brought on board in minimum time with littlesecurity problems.

.RAINING PHASE;

Toesirable level of operational capability, at least two aircraft should be removed from storage and put into flying condition. Obviously, the more aircraft available, the higher the probability of achieving mission goals becomes.

Pilot assets could be drawn from therogram, or2 pilots could be recalled. In cither case, tbe initial training phase would consist of extensive ground school on aircraft systems and operating characteristics. Four pilots should be selected initially for the two aircraft concept. The time required in this phase would be shorter if currentilots were used because of the similarities in basic aircraft systems and the fact that these pilots have the required personal equipment and high altitude physiological training. The time for this phase is estimatedeeks,

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The pilot source would also influence the flight training phase. However, in eitherinimum of eight flights is anticipated. These would include the gamut from low altitude subsonic to high altitude, high speed photographic and two and three refueling missions.

Based on the sortie generation rate per aircraft at the time the OXCART Program phasedigure of eight sorties per month is felt to be realistic. In order to facilitate flight training, it should be accomplished at Beale AFB, California. In this way, maximum use could be made of the common support facilities required and air traffic control arrangements.

Using the above data, it would be possible toonditional OR status with one pilot and one aircraft withinoays after the aircraft demothballing is complete and an OR bird has been delivered to the operating unit. ull detachment of two aircraft and four pilots, approximatelyoays after the second aircraft is availableood target date.

During this entire period, from go-ahead to operationally ready, the required operations support functions (commander, ops officer, flight planning, commo,ould be staffed and prepared to effect the transition from training missions to operational tasks. It isetachmentersonnel would be required.

OPERATIONALR PHASE:

The detachment would deployorward operating location for ops missions. Again, the concept of collocation with thenit is preferred because of the common support environment.

Operational missions would be flown using SAC tanker support. This requirement would be facilitated by collocationadena AB the currentar East operating location.

Depending upon the anticipated duration of the project, follow on training of aircrews and support personnel would be initiated. Channels for expediting take movement and feedback for follow on roquirements would be required. Logistic support would be provided by USAF.

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A minimum of two aircraft and three pilots would be required to insure mission flexibility and the potential for back to back or simultaneous missions.

Additionally, the aircraft is assumed to be fully equipped with operational EWS. Flights without FWS would have an increased vulnerability to ground defensive systems.

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Original document.

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