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MEMORANDUM FORI Director of CentralOXCART Cover Story
Memo to DD/Rfrm Exec.
(Action Memorandum)
This memorandum is for information only.
A considerable amount of research work has been done with NASA, FAA and DOD since the beginning of the OXCART program in referenceover story. The sum and substance of these efforts culminated in an OXCART cover story that explained the governing body for the program toommittee of the above organizations who each contributed sums of money for the program. It was felt that this type of arrangement would be the only plausible explanation for the sums of money that were required to be covertly spent. Since the contracting and funding of the OXCART program had beenthrough black channels, the ostensible purpose of the committee was to conduct research in the supersonic transport field. ore careful examination of the above story, it was realized that too many people would have to be telling the same story at the same time and that once this explaining scenario got out of phase thatwould undoubtedly come to all members concerned.
It was, therefore, recommendedimple "no comment" type cover story would be adopted adhering to the principle that the less said the better. All persons concurred in this approach; however, they all realizedall-back position would have to be available. the classified research work on an Air Force interceptor-type aircraft would be the explanation. This is the present cover story.
APPROVED FOP RELEASE
4. The actual flight of the aircraft caused everyone again to look at the cover story, and it was soon apparent that the Air Force interceptor story had apparent loopholes. Basically, it was determined that the following issues have to be clearly explained:
is the work being conducted in
| |area? This is unusual since all Air Force testing of new aircraft is accomplished at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
is the source of funds for the project?
were the reasons for such tight security?
was C. L. Johnson of Lockheed Aircraftabove other competitors {sole source procurement)?
5. Taking the above prerequisitesover story, we are now looking into the following cover proposal. The OXCART vehicle is partatellite launch system that is being tested for future satellite programs. This particular tack explains the above cover prerequisites in the following way.
it is in the satellite field. It does notthat the testing would have to be done at EdwardsBase.
Defense Department can explain that the moneyfor procurement of aircraftlassifiedsecurity reasons and in the national Interest.
reason for the tight security is that thisthe present DOD policy of restricting informationprograms.
Aircraft Corporation's unique experienceaircraftnd space/satellite field makesqualified to do the job of developing aaircraft with particular capability asatellite launch system. In addition, Mr. C. L.
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Johnaon ia Ihe most experienced hand in "skunk work" type operations. This includes direct control and command from the top (Mr. Johnson) to the working personnel aa wellirect line to project headquarters. It also provides the security, expedite action, minimum cost and personnel management required for this type program.
In addition to the above, this places the program under the Jurisdiction of the Under Secretary of the Air Force (NRO).
The suggestions concerning surfacing and describing the OXCART aircraftew type interceptor or bomber withslightly above thoso of8 would have the following drawbacks with (a)0 bomber program development, (b) the cancellation ofnterceptor programs, and (c) the availability of theH. Phantom IIupersonic interceptor aircraft. It would be difficult to convince the technical press of an aircraft program with
light improvement in performance above8 program. before, military type aircraft would normally be testedAir Force Base. To change thia pattern would callthe
jay.
Deputy Director Research)
cc: DDCI (Cy 2)
Original document.
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