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BRIEFING NOTE FOR THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE SUBJECT: OXCART Status Report
L Briefing Scope:
Brief summary (a) operational status of OXCART program, (b) terms of decision to terminate program, and (c) status of phase-out plans.
2. Operational Status of OXCART Program:
a. Since the OXCART program has been in an operational ready status to conduct photographic reconnaissance missions. Six operationally configured aircraft together with the operational team have been in constant training and operational flight simulations. 'They are postured
^nd for deployment
for quick reaction use from
to Okinawa for Far East operations in accordance with higher authority directions,
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otal of nine aircraft in thesix operational configuredlight test
and one trainer aircraft. Last7 to bc exact, wo lost2 aircraft,, and our first pilot, Mr. Walter Ray,raining flight. The aircraft loss was attributedaulty fuel guage and related electrical equipment problom resultingepletion of fuel and engine flameout when in descentiles from our Nevada test site. The pilot sustained fatal injuries due to impact since normal parachute deployment was preventedesultailure of the seat and pilot to separate during ejection sequenceeet altitude. Corrective actions are under way following an Accident Investigation Board inquiry. (Since the inception of the program we havo lost four aircraft: The first onhehe thirdn addition to the above).
history of the OXCART program has recordedaircraft have9 teBt and training flightsaccumulated overours of flying time with more
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ours atnd above. Simulated operational mission training flightsoutine occurrence and readiness to perform missions is being maintainodigh level.
U. isited the OXCART baso
Monday of this
ebruary) and found morale and readiness in good order despite the decision to terminate the OXCART program at the end of this year.
3. Torms of Decision to Terminate the OXCART Program:
a six-month CIA/BOB/DOD study, itthat the combined total size of theircraftOXCART (thenutircraft fleet) is too large to
meet all probable mission requirements. Reduction of the combined floet size appeared mandatory to savo money.
following alternatives were presented toby the BOB:
etain2 andleets at separate bases and reduce the fleet by storing twelve
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ircraft. Estimatedillion; five-year0 million. etain onlyircraft andf them to CIA to be operated from CIA air base in Nevada. Estimated savings,illion; five-year2 million. etain only theircraftingle base undor Air Force management with possible use of some civilian crew for covert missions. Estimated savingsillion; five-year5 million.
c. The President approved Alternative No. 3: etain only theircraftingle base under Air Force management with possible use of some civilian crew for covert missions. 2 aircraft and phase-out the CIA fleetircraft) capability by. Planning Pliaiic-out Status:
a. Sinco early January, members of my staff andRO have held meetings to formulate basic planning assumptions and to set-up focal points for coordination in the Agency, Air Force and Department of Defense.
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addition,RO has solicited guidanceVance regarding assumptions and related NRO/AFresponsibility.
phase-out planning has been basedAgency maintaining:
OXCART operational capability through calendarnd
Program control necessary to effect an orderly transfer or disposal of project assets, in consultation withRO and Department of Defense.
. d. Agoncy Operational Concept for Remainderanuary to
(a) Maintain existing capability to conduct missions
from selected overseas locations, such as, Kadena, and
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simultaneously from
(b) Readiness posture to include maintenanceday response for reconnaissance requirements in Southeast Asiaay response for reconnaissance requirements over Cuba.
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(c) Four aircraftXCART aircraft) would be mothballed and stored after7 to
(a) Maintain readiness posture to conduct quick reaction reconnaissance from either selected overseas locations
but not simultaneously, (b) The remaining five aircraft would be mothballed and stored after
f required, it may be possible to extend the life of the OXCART orogramhort period beyondecember
I Howovor, the planned phase-down of spares, support, equipment and people would not accommodate an extension of moreew months.ull resurrection of the program at this stage would require atonths lead-time to refill the support pipeline in terms of equipment, spares,. Some Salient Problem Areas:
Serious questions requiring resolution: How to mothball
and where to store retired aircraft?
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retired Air Force aircraft are putstorage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson,locations such as Palmdale and
also are under consideration,
problem is under study in conjunctionD/NRO and Mr. Vance inasmuch as it iamothballed aircraft would be available to the Airusoedge against unanticipated or undulyattrition.
f. Contractors, People and Facilities:
t will be necessary to disband the Agency/Air Force/ contractor team operating the OXCART program involving directly overeople, includingIA/Air Force people. Our main problem during the year will be to keep the disengagement of people under strict control, otherwise .our operational capability may be jeopardized. In any such termination, self-preservation impels people to want to jump ship,
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g. Security:
The security of OXCART from incpption has been of high order and the protection afforded to tho program during its development and operational readiness phases will continue through termination.
During phase-out, some relaxation of discipline must be expected, particularly among contractors and people leaving tho program. Briefing and dobriefings will be given special emphasis and attention.
5. Conclusion:
My staff will continue to work closely on the phase-out program in conjunction with the D/ NRO, the Air Force and Department of Defense.
It is anticipated that byoordinated phase-out plan will have been formulated.
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Original document.
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