Description of document: Two Monthly Reports on USAF Guided Missile Test Activities at Holloman Air Development Center, Holloman AFB NM, Prepared by 6580th Missile Test Group, AD-0001189, 14 Jan 1953 and AD-0010909, 20 May 1953

Requested date: 10-June-2008 Released date: 29-July-2008 Posted date: 30-July-2008 Source of document: 49 CS/SCOK

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCEHEADQUARTERS 49TH FIGHTER WING (ACe)HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO

29 July 2008

49 CS/SCOKHolloman Freedom ofInformation Act (FOIA) Office1321 Tularosa RoadHolloman AFB, NM 88330Holloman.FOIA@holloman.af.mil

Your June IO, 2008 Freedom ofInformation Act request for a copy of the following:

- AD-00I0909 USAF Guided Missile Test Activities, 20 May 1953,44 pages (Unclass/Limited)- AD-OOOI 189 USAF Guided Missile Test Activities, 14 Jan 1953, 36 pages (Unclass/Limited)

is releasable and is attached.

Department of Defense Regulation 5400.7 indicates fees be assessed for processing thisrequest; however, the fees are waived in this instance.

Sincerely

WILLIAM A. LIBBY, Lt Col, USAFDeputy Commander, 46 Test Group

Attachment:Releasable Records

FOIA 2008-0023

q{o6a{ Power for jl.merica

UNCLASSIFIED I LIMITED

USAF GUIDED MISSILE TEST ACTIVITIES

ADOOl189

AIR FORCE MISSILE DEVELOPMENT CENTER HOLLOMAN AFB NM

"14 JAN 1953

Distribution authorized to 000 only. Other requests sh~llbe

referred to. Holloman Air Development Center, Holloman AFB, NM.

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ADOO1l89

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1965 per Group-4 DoDD 5200.10, 26 Jul 1962

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UNCLASSIFiED

~IED

SECURITY INFORMATIONAuthority: C. 0. Holloman ADC

By: C. 1'1. Mangum

Initials : (1, Yvl . W'll

Date: 14 Jan1Uj.ry 1953

MONTHLY REPORT

o N

USAF GUIDED MISSILE,

T EST A C f I V I TIE S )/

A T

HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

NEW MEXICO

Prepared by 6580th Missile Test Group

This document cont"jy\s infonnation affecting the National D,)fense of theUnited States within .the meaning of the Espionage Laws Tlt.le 18, Sections793 and 7Y4. Its transmission or the revelation of its contents in anymanner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT MI-1011, Standardization Flights

Air Resupply and Com:r.unications Service Trainees

PROJECT MX-776 o 0

PROJECT MX-I.JB3

PROJECT MX-904

PR0JEC'f MX-()72

PROJECT !'lX-8n 0

PROJECT 0'./-19

PROJECT MX-1277

PROJECT MX-1280

PROJECT MX-1342

PROJECT MI-1496,

PROJECT MX-1594

PROJECT 111-1011, Aerobee Rocket.

DI5TRIBlfI'IOij FOR THIS REPORT . •

o 0 ~"

• •

UNCLASSIFIE

page1 - 2

3 - 6

7 - 8

9 - 10

11 - 12

13 - 14

15 - 16

17 - 18

19 - 20

21 - 22

• • 23 - 24

25 - 26

27 - 28

• • 29 - 31

• END

.~.":~',

UNCLASSIFiED

RE!'ORT FOR TEE MONTH OF DECEMBER 19$'2

PROJECT TITLE: MX-776A & B, XB-63 (Rascal) & X-9 (Shri~e)

CONTRACTOR: Bell Aircraft Corporation, Buffalo. New Yor~

TYPE VEHICLE: Supersonic Air-to-Ground Pilotless Parasite Bomber

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER: February 1949

ESTIMATED GONPLETION DATE: _J;;.u"'1;;¥yc....:;;1...,95:;.:4"-- , ._

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: 10 develop a supersonic Pilotless Parasite Bor~~r

capable of carrying a 3.000 pound warhead a _

distance of at least 75 nautical miles at Mach Nos.

between 1.5 and 2.5 and at altitudes up to 60,000

feet.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: Phase I - testing power plant, servo system &

guidance system.

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

1N~ekly Test Status Report for week ending 2 Dec 52, X-9 Missile No.240B

Power Launch; two B-17(F-BO Rascal Guidance Flights; X-9 Missile

No o 2509~_CaptiyeFlight. Weekly Test Status Report for week ending

9 Dec. 2fd~X~9 Missile No. ·2610. Captive Flight; B..17/F-BO Rascal Gaid->

a~l«}~ !li,ght. Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 16 Dec 52.

weekll_fest Status Report for period 17-30 Dec 52. B-17/F-BO Rascal

GUidan~~ Flights.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listedreports may apply to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency(ASTIA). In order to receive desired reports from ASTIA, the request~

:Lng i'.gen'.:y should have a definite need for such reports and should bee] jeib1e to receive such infor-l1l&tion o

1

UNCLASSIFIED

.. Ai - -

SECURfTV INFORMATION

Pr£jectMX-776A f Shrike and Project MX-776B. B~63 Rascal

REMARKS

The month of December was one of completely normal operation. marke-i.

by only one incident of more than passing interest"

On 31 December four new buildings were turned over to this project

by A,I ..O, Buildings 874 & 876, the two missile radar check.out

buiJ,p;n&s. are located at the northwest and southwest corners of the

main Bell assembly bUilding~ Building 885 (the North Rascal Check-out

bqi.lding) is locaj.ed across the taxiway :from the Shrike pit, Building

886· (Flight Crew Ready Room) is located at the southeast corner of

Building 885,

2

PROJECT TITLE:

R&P\Rl' FOR THE ~!ONTH OF DECl11BER 19.2g

.::..Pr:..;;,;oj\Le:.;c:.ct:.....:.:J.1~I~-.:.8.:.b)::.i,'--"Ram="""j.:.et..::....cT~e:.c;s;..;t_V_.:;em;=· c;;..;l;;..;e~ ..__.__

CONTRACTOR I Lockheed Al~art Corporation

TYPE VEHICLE: Supersonic R~jet Engine Test Vehic] e

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER: 5 February 1951

ESTIMATED COMPLErION DATE: .::I.::nd.:.e:..;fi~·.:.n.::i.:.te::.- _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To design, fabricate, and test a supersonic ramjet

engine ~est vehicle which will be recovered by parachute.

PHASE OF DEVBLQPMI>NT :_---'P..:.ha=".:;s.::.e..:l::.- . _

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH IJF DECEMBER 'NHICH CJNCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Repor~ for week ending 2 Dec ~2, Main Canopy" Test No. 52,

conducted by .?pecial Parachute Unit. Weekly Test Status Report for week

ending 9 Dec 52, Check-Out and Assembly of TV-6. Weekly Test Status Re­

Ro~~_for week ending 16 Dec 52, Main ~DOPY Test No. 53. Weekly Test St~tus

Report jfor period 17-)0 Dec, Ramjet Test V.ehicle No.6 Launching.

Agencie~ which are no~ on distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency (AsrIA)" Inorder to receive desired reports from ASTIA, the requesting agency shOUldhave a definite need for such repo-rts and shOUld be eligible to receivesuch infonnation.

1

\ 1.. \ '

Project m:<>883., 1-1, Ramjet Test Vehicle

REMARKS

\. \ \..;: \ ...

...... '­\ .

The major activity on this project dUring the month of December

CJncerned the launch of TV-6, This was a test of the IRJ-h3-MA3 28-inch-

diameter ramjet engine which will power the Bomare missile, The Successful

test and recovery of this engine was a major step forward for this projec.t.

The ramjet engine tests conducted by this project to date have indi-

cated three things, First, tr~t this type of test is feasible, Second,

that it is improba~le that a ramjet engine of this size can be designed

and constructed, using all the ramjet knowledge available, which can be

expected to operate With ~ sufficient degree of reliability to be instalied

in an expensive missile system and flown without previous free flight

testing and development. Third, that the recovery feature of this ramjet

test vehicle is valuable not simply as a money saving device, but also as

a substantial aid to the development program in that the recovered engines

can be inspected, post flight tested, modified, and reflown. This is

particularly an advantage when there is an engine malfunc'Cion and some-

thing either goes wrong with telemetering or the malfunction is caused

by something which will not register in telemetering records,

A year ago this project was in the position of having a fewer number

of engine tests programed than the number of vehicles available, Con-

sequently the funds allocated to th.b program were reduced to the point

4

Proj ec t MX~8/jJ 1X-7 1 Raln:>.(j,:.e.:.t_"t_'8:..;S:..;t:...-V.:.8.:.h.:.iC:.:J:..;"8:.:... _

where the activity on this project must be cut back drastically for the

remainder of this fiscal year and until FY-54 funds are released, The

present situation, due to successful recoveries, is that there are vehicles

and engines available but insufficient flmds available to conduct the engine

tests; therefore, the project is not being used at its maximum efficient

rate despite the fact that there is a great deal of ramjet engine research

which remains to be accomplished,

At present two major missile programs (Bomarc and Navajo) rely on

ramjet engines for cruise power, It seems unreaS0nable that so much effort

in time and resources should be expended on the development of other phases

of these programs While so little is put into the flight testing and

development of the ramjets to power them. Certainly there have been large

expenditures for testing facilities to support the ramjet development

program, but it has been demonstrated that ground testing of components ~s

not SUfficient for the design of a reliable ramjet engine,

It is understood that FY-54 funds scheduled for this project probably,

exceed the amount that Cqn be spent in one year and this is gratifYing;

however, the ramjet test pro¥ram will receive a serious setback d~ng the

nine months between now and when FY-54 funds will be made available, 'For the

next nine months this project will ~e capable of operating at three times

the scheduled rate for about twice the cost, Since testing will be done

in 1"Y"" 54 anyway, if the funds were inade availa ble now 9 ",met-hin/( on the

5

Pruject MX-883, r-7, Ramjet Test Vehicle

order of six months could be gained in time. Second, the test contractor,

if expectl8d to reduce expenditures, must necessarily either apply his

experienced personnel to other tasks or lay them off; i11l either case the

majority of these individuals will not be available to this progralll when

it again desires i;o expand. This will probably be the most serious reault

since the effects will be felt even after funds are available and could

cause a longer effective delay than the six 1Il0nths mentioned above.

6

REPORT FOR THE MONTH Oli' DECliMB11l 1952

PROJECT TITLE: MJ(-904, IF-98, Falcon

CONTRACTOR: Hughes Aircraft Company, Culver City, Califon_l...;;i...;;R _

TYPE VEHICLE: Air-to-Air, Supersonic, Target Seeker

STARTIN G DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER ;_-=-1...:F...:eb;:.:r...:ua;;;;:.ry~;;:.;19~4::..9.

ESfIMATED COMPLETION DATE: ....:1:;.:.9~57:...- • ,

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To develop automatic missile annament for interceptor

aircraft which will be capable of destroying enemy

aircraft at any altitude within the operational limit

of the intercept.or wi til a very high kill probability.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: Phase I.III,IV,V,VI.,

REPORrS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 2 Dec 52, Weekly Test Status Re­

eort for week ending 9 Dec 52, Radar Scintillation l'1easurement.s, WeeklyI

Test Status Report for week ending 16 Dec 52. Weekly Test Status Report

for period 17-30 Dec 52, PhotOgraphic Study of I-bandRadar Chaff.

Agencies which are not op distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technic~l Information Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired reports from ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for SllC h reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

7

HEHA.RKS

No field tests ..ere conducted at HADG during the period of this rep(lrto

The much needed temporary partitions have finally been constructed in

part of the bay area of the building assigned to this project. This has

cQnvllrt...edothe~t\1 ~el's space into badly needed enclosed rooms for

electronic laboratories and repair sh0fls and a shipping and receiving room

separate frOlll the supply room.

A second missile test laborstory has been outfitted by converting the

conference room into a laboratory. This rool!! Will greatly ill1Mnce the

efficient operation of field test missions with several model GP missiles

to be launched per missioilo Installation of the necec;sary air and hydraulic

lines. wiring, and test equipment has been almost completed. The

installation in the original laboratory of the necessary wiring, piping,

and control valves for a 10,000 PSG nitrogen booster compressor is nearing

completion 0

This addition of new partitions in "the bay area and the second missile

laboratory will satisfy the requirements of the contractor for the next

few months.

W,l'lJHT 1"Ull TW', HdNTl1 I !I.,' I)W;]o;l'!J)Eh J.)~;

PHOJ-C;C'f T.LTLIi: j·lJHm, X(~H--'- ..•..---_•.- .._.- -----_..-----_ __._ - _--_.

TYP]> VEHICLE I Drone Missile_._..._------STARTING DATE AT HOLLUHAN AIR DEVBL0PNENl' CENTER: . }1ay 195.:.-0 _

ESTH1ATE,D COM.PLEITJN DATE:_June_1953

PUIIPOSE OF PHOJECT I The development 0 t', reuotelL con_trolled drone mis-

sile capable 01' si"lUla ~ing "i rcraft performance.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: C:l[Jducting developluent tests of 8 turbojet powered

aircraft for use as a remotely controlled drone missile

REPORTS ISSlJJW DlJRING 'fiE i'llJNTH Ol" DECEl'!BE.n W~CH CJNCERN VIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Heport for week ending 2 Dec 52, Test No.1, High

Altitude. W~~ly Test S.tatus Heport for ;.~cek ending So Dec 52.. 'weekly Test

Status Heport for week ending 16 Dec 52, Two Parachute Tests, Weekly Test

Status !i-eport for per lod 17-30 Dec 52, One Low Altitude Parachute Testo

Agencies which are n.ot on distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay a,lply to the Armed Servlces Technicill InformatLm Agency (ASTrA) 0 Inorder to receive deBired reports from ASTIA, t!1e requesting agency sh·~uld

have a del'inHc,e need hr sllch reports and Bh')llld bE; eligible to receivesuch information.

REMARKS

Three pa.rachute tests were conducted during the month to obtain in-·

formation essential to the design of a recovery system that will handle

thc inCrCDGcd Gpecd, ~ltitudc ~nd weight of the turbojet powcred XQ-l.

Results of these tests indicate that the recovery system under test since

5 November has inherent difficulties. At a conference on 29 December 1952,

at the Radiop1ane Company plant in Van Nuys, California, these difficulties

were discussed by representatives of the HADC Special Parachute Section,

the XQ-l Project Officer lli1d representatives of the contractor. As a

solution to the present problems a load release device has been designed

by Radiop1ane Company. A new test program will be conducted and a

satisfactory sJlution should be arrived at in a minimwn length of time.

10

I"lliPORT FOrt THE d8NTll OF D£CEc113J!:R 19,2

PHLJJECT TITLE: Project NX-U73, XQ~2---'CONTRACTOR: Ryan Aer mautica1 Company

TYPE VEHICLE: Drone Missile

STARTIN G DATE AT HOr.rj1MAN AJR DEV~LOPMENl' CENTER: -'-Jl.p;;;,:'n;.;;·.c::l-=1""9~5..:..0 _

ESTIMATED COMPLETIJN DATE: Standardization, March 1953; Post Stand-

ardizatj. on Test_s..L,_':..:'Ja.:..;r:..:c:..:h::....:::l-"-9::..54-'-- _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: The development of' a remotely contro.l.led missile

c"pable of simUlating the perl'onnance and maneuvering

characteristics of lllodern jet aircraft,

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: To conduct rated power test to demonstrate the

general stability of the target at 0.6 to 0.8 Mach

n~nbers and to determine the operational characteristics

of the control system at .full throttle setting.

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBEH WHICH CONCERN THIS PHOJECT:

Weekly Test Status Report fo r week end ing 2 Dec 52, Free Flight Nc>. u9.

Weekly Test Status Report fo r wee k endillf, 9 nec 52, Free Flight No. 50.

Weekly Test Stat us ll.ep?rt f:Jr week ending 16 Dec 52. Free Flight No. 51.

Weekly Test Status Report for period 17-30 Dec 52, Free Flight No, 52,

Agencies which are mL ~)n tlislribution t~ reeei VB the a'JOVG listed reportsmay apply te the Armed Services T"chnic~J Infor:nation Agency (ASTrA) 0 Inorder to receive desired reports fnm ASTIA) Lhe rerj\J.co"tin., Rgency 3houldhave a definite need for such reports anJ shc)1l1d 'J" eligible to receive:5uch i.nf0rmationo

11

!!oject ~~-873, XQ-2

REMARKS

Preparation of facilities and equipment, which will be used in the

training of personnel from other services in the assembly and operation of

the Q-2 dr,::me, was cQmplctcd during the jllollLh. The training program is

scheduled to start, 5 January 1953, and will continue for a period of

eight weeks, Personnel scheduled to a ttend this school are from ground

forces at Fort Bliss, Army Ordnance at White Sands Proving GNund ,'ind

Air Force personnel from Air r'roving Ground at Eglin Field, Florida.

Delay was encountered in the preparation of the drone to be used

for flight test number 53 because all autopilot components were expended in

flight 52, making it necessary to fabricate a complete set of mounts·and

brackets and to procure neces~ary servos, reference gyro, amplifier and

other components used in the Ryan Minneapolis-Honey,lell aut'opilot system.

12

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEl1BER 1952

PROJECT TITLEJ__O....;Q:....-.=1;;..9_A...e_r_i_al"-T__a_r~g_et_·_.__--..,. _

CONTRACTORI No.::n;.:e-'- . _

TYPE VEHICLE: Drone Missile

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTERJ__l_j,,;;..;_v.=e·;;;.ffib:.:e-=r...;1;.;;:9",5.=.1 _

ESTIMATED COMPLE:rION D.A1'EI )~O:...::..Jun:::;:;e:...l::::9'_"5:.:::3 _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT:_~his project useS. the sta~dard U';l-19 targ8t as a

vehicle to determine and improve radar response char-

acterist'ics of aerial targets, to evaluate the use of a

video link as a terminal gUi?-,nce faciEty, to test the

use of aerial targets as photo-reconnaissance vehicles,

and to evaluate various autopilct systems: _

PHASE OF DEVEIDPMENT: This project is presen~ly concerned witn preparation~

for radar response tests and video link te&ts.

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECm-IEER WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly' Test Status Report for week ending 2 Dec, Flight 668, OQ-19D Ma~

fiedDrone, Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 9 Dec 52, Flight

669, OQ-19D; Flights 670 and 671, OQ-19A, Weekly Test Status Report for

week ending 16 Dec 52, Flights 672,673,674, and 675, OQ-19A. Weekly Test

Status Report for period 17-)0 Dec 52. One Routine Training Flight.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive tb(; aoove Listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technical Info.mation Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired reports .t'rvJfl .11.:>1'111, "he requesting 8gency shouldhave a dennite neeCi for such reports and should be eligible to re,ceivesuch infol'lllation, .

13

~rcject uQ-19, Jrone ~lissile

REMARKS

During the month seven prJficiency luaintenance flights and two test

fli((hts were conducted. The proficiency maintenance flights were very

successful. The two test flights were the final two of a series of three

tests to determine the feasibility of launching and flying the heavily

loaded TV-OQ-19. It was shown that this configuration can be launched

and flown successfully.

Radar response tests are being held up as the Instrumentation Section

at HADe does not yet have in operation the equipment required. The TV

tests are awaiting the arrival of engineers and equipment from Wright Air

Development Center on 5 January 1953.

This project moved during the month and is temporarily borrowing

operating space from the XQ-l project. Building 859 is being rehabilitated

for the use of the OQ-19 project.

14

HKP0HT FJR TIlE H0NT!! )!" DliCd1BER lY;,2

PR0JECT TITLE:__MX_-_l_2..:.7..:.7.L,_Ae-t_'_!lQ_s-,p_h_"_r_i_c_S_a_ffi-"p_l_i_rI'-'g _

CONTRACTOH: Northwestern University, Air Farce Cambridge Research Center,

and Hollvman Air Force Base

Unknown

3 Nay 1951

sampling; apparBtus

TYPE VEHICLE: Large diameter plastic ballo-jns carrying atmospheric

EST]}jATi':D COl'LPLl!:TDN DATE:-------------------I

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To field test atmospheric sampling :nechanisns and to

obtain samples of the at!Dsph8re at 10,000 feet inter-

vals to 100,000 feet to determine the isobpe ratios

of oxygen and nitrogen.

PHASE OF DAV~PMENT: Phase I, one test

REPOIrrS ISSUED DURING THE H0NTH OF DECEMBER ';THIGH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Nonll

rI~'I1I

I

15

l'ro,jec1, HX-1277, JltmJspheric Sa'llp1inf,

REMARKS

There are no additional reC;)!llirlen Jatbns or conclusi'Jns at this t ime as

the jJrllcerl ures of this prvj8ct arc fairly standardized, No fi ights were

made tllis InJnth ~ince the ballo,lns on hand for this project have been used

U!J, alld additiollal balloons have not yet been received,

16

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEPlliER 1952- -PROJECT TITLE: MI..1280, Low Frequency Solar Noise Measurerr,ents

CONTRACTOR: Air Force Cambridge Research Center

TYPE VEHICI.E:--:,N;.:o:::;ne:.... _

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER: 24 March 1952

:b:S'XlMATlID Wl'll'LF.'TION DATEI_v,;.;'o;,;;.n;,;;.t.;;;in_.u""l""ng"'- _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To obtain continuous measurements of Geomagnetic

Fluctuations in the frequency range of 0 to 20

cycles for the purpose of aiding in the prediction,

of Propagation Conditions and the .understanding of

Geomagnetic Phenomena.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: Solar noise disturbances are being recorded on a

continuous 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week basis.

REPoms ISSUED DURING THE hONTH OF DECEMBER WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test status Reports for weeks ending" Dec, 9 Dec, and 16 Dec 52.

Weekly Test Status Report for period 17-30 ..l(e;;.;c~5,;;;2,;.' _

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listedreports lllll,y apply to the Armed Services Technical Informat;on Agency(ASTIA). In order to receive desired reports from ASTIA, the request­ing agency should have a definite need for such reports and should beeligible to receive s~ch information,

17

Proje£.:!: ML1280. Ll?,w !:equency Spur Noise Measurements

REMA.RKS

Disturbances were measured throughout the month with little loss of

data because of equipment failure. Some data were missed during the

·..eek of 22 December 1952 due to a shortage of manpower. Activity con­

tinued to be IIquiet II with only the usual diurnal variations being

reqorded. The noise level associated with the equipme?t was decreased

to a very low value this period. As a result, the data being gathered

at this time at'S b.:ltter than any ever recorded at the Holloman Site.

18

REPORT fOR 'mE MONTII Of DJiLEI'lBER 1952

PROJECT T1TL)':: MX-1342 , High Frequency Back-Scatter Tests.-CONTRACTOR: Rome A~r Development Center, Gr~ffis AFB, New York

TYEE VEHICLE: None----------------------------I

STARTING DA'IEAT HOLLOl'!.AN AIR DEVELOPHENT CENTER.__.::.l...:;.J:.,:u:::.ly"--=1"'9.::;;52=-- _

~STlMATED CJJ1PLETION DATE: 30 June 1953

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: a. To detenuine, through the use of back-scatter

measurements, the range and reliability of high frequency

co~uunication systems.

b. To determine, through the use of forward-scatter

measurements, multipath transmissions, pulse distJrtion,

and the height of the re flecttll<; layers of the Lmosphere.

PHASE OF DEVELOP!'1EN~: Routine target returns logged fer nine-hour days at

half-hourly periods on the back-scatter measure:nents only.

llliI'ORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECDlB~.3 ~vHICH CONCgRN THIS PRJJECT:

Weekly Test Status Reports for weeks ending 2 Dec, 9 Dec, and 16 Dec 52.

Weekly Test Status Report for period 17-30 Dec 5?~.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency (AsrIA) 0 Inorder to receive desired reports from ASTIA~ the requesting agency should

.• have a definiL-e need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

~ 19

Project MX-1342 High Frequency Back-Scatter

REHARKS

Twenty-four-hour operation of the project continued until 22 December

1952. At that time the project was put on 16-hour operation until the first

of the year. The project will be put on 24-hour operation again the first of

the year.

The data being logged now shows that there is a complete fade-out of

the signal at night, but this fade-out time varies from night to night.

Routine work on the project continued with no notable dii'f' ;ulties.

20

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 1952

PROJECT TITLE: MX..1498, Moby Dick

CONTRACTOR:: Air Force CllIilbridge Research Center

TYPE VEHICLE: High Altitude Plastic Balloons

STARTING naTE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT GENTER: October 1951

ESTIMATED COMPl.ETJON DATE: Indefinite-------------------PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To study the very high altitude wind fields

PHJ.SE OF DEVELOPMENT: Operational test phase

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER WICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:.Weekly Test Status ll.eports for weeks ending 2 Dec~ 9 Dec, and 16 Dec 52

Weekly Test Status Report for period 17-30 Dec 52. Report No. HDT-21:

Summary Report on Pr0,iect Moby Dick, Covered Wagon Balloon Launcher De­

velopment and Test Results, 6 Dec 51 to 15 Sep 52. da.ted 12 Dec 52.II

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listedreports may apply to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency(ASTrA). 1t1 order to receive desired reports from ASTU, the request­ing agency should have a definite need for such reports and should beeligible to receive such information.

21

!!oject MX~498, Moby Dick

REMA.RKS

=

The Moby Dick crews a.re now at the three locations on the West

C~st where the operational phase is to take place. The three locations

are8 Muroc, California; Vernalis, California; and Tillamook, Oregon.

During the past month, no balloon flights were accomplished. The

members of the crew have been concerned with the preparation of the

sites for the operational phase to follow.

In addition to some balloons, parachutes, batteries, steel shot

ballast and transmitters, two each IIMoby Dick" packages were received

at Edwards a,nd Tillamook. Test IIlquipment was received at Edwards AFB

and at Vernalis NAB.

22

CONTRACTOR: Stanley AviatiJn Corporation

PROJECT TITLE:

REPORT FOR THE M:JNTll OF DECEMBER 19'02

MX-1594, Gopher~-_._-------------

TYPE VEHICLE: Large p1a3tic balloons carrying dummy loads

STAUTllIG DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER:_~Jebruary 1952

ESTIMATED OJMPLETION DAT E:__.:U;;.;nk;;;:n.:,;o:.;.w;;;:n~ _

PlffiPOSE OF PROJECT: To conduct detectiJn tests on plastic balloons

PHASE OF DEVJ£LOPMENT: Phase II - To conduct detection and vUlnerability tests.

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONT!f OF DEGEl1BER WHICH CONCmN THIS P1liJJI!CT:

weekly Test Status Report for period 17:30 Dec 52, HADC-621; Dummy Load and

Activated Cut-Down ~stern; HADC-622: DJr!U!ly I:0ad, Ai1-1 Transmit~er and Clock

Activated Cut-Down System.

Ageneie3 whie h are not on distribution to receive the above llsted reportsmay a[Jp.ly tJ the 1'.rnedServices 'fechnical Infomatbn Agency (ASTrA).· Inorder to receive desir~d reports fr'.)!Il ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for sLCh reports and should be eligible to receive suchinforme.tion.

23

Project j1X-l~59~4~,~Go2P~hex~ ~ ___

REJ1A.RKS

.... ,':to

The aircraft was able to locate the secJnd test vehicle which was

equi[Jped with a radio transmitter and a radar target. The first flight

consisted of only a dummy load and visual contact was not established.

24

REPmT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 1952

PROJECT TITLE: Air Resupply and Corl1'nunications Service Trainees

CONTRACTOR! . Balloon Sonde Unit, HADG

TYPE VEHIGLEI__N_ot"'--a....PPo.,;1;;..i_c_ab..:;1:;.,.e . _

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CE:NTF.R; August 19$2---"'---..:..;;.----,-ESrIMATED CCMPLETION DATEI ~I=.nd..:;e~f,::;in,::;i..:t_e~ _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT I On-the-j ob training in balloon inflation anti launching

techniques

PHASE OF DKVELOPME2lTs Phase 1, observation of balloon launching made b~

regular Balloon Sonde Unit crew.

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Reports for weeks ending 2 Dec, 9 Dec, and 16 Dec 52.

Weekly Test status Report for period 17-30 Dec 52.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above lioted reportsmay apply to the Anaed Services Technical Information Agency (ASfIA). Inorder to receive desired n3ports from ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

25

Air Research and COIlllnWlications Service Trainees

REMARKS

The ARCS Trainees have received lectures an balloon history and theory,

and on the Mobr Dick instrumentation. They have been shawn movies of balloon

launchings, with ausociated lectures. The trainees have been present at

each balloon launching by the Balloon Sonde Unit. In addition, under the

guidance of Balloon-Sonde personnel, they have been performlng tests

associated with the investigation of balloon inflating techniques. On 17

Dec 52, 8 officers and 15 airmen completed their training at HADC and re­

turned to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho pending further orders.

26

REPORT FOR THE MC:1TH OF DECEMBER 1952

PROJECT TITLE: MX-10ll, Standardization Plastic Balloon Flights

CONTHACTORI:~ooe Island University and Dellver University

TYPE VEHICLE: Large plastic balloons carrying specialized

instrumentation.

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTERI..;I;;,..;;,;Ma:=.y~19:.::5;;:2 _

ESTIMATED CONPLETION DATEI..-.;U;.;;n;;.;;kn;.;;o;;.;;wn:;;;.. _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To obtain a value for the solar constant and to

measure daylight luminescence and infrared ab-

sorption.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT~ Phase I, field testing of equipment in con­

junction with Aerobee HI-lOll (X-B) firings

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

'"eakly Test Status Report for week ending 16 Dec 52, HAFB-1l9 and

HAFB-120 Launchings. WeeklYj'est Status Report for period 17-30 Dec 52

HADC-121, Infrared Camera and Instrumentation.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listedreports may. apply to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency(ASTIA). In order to receive desired reports from ABTU, the requestingagency should have a definite need for such reports and should beeligible to receive such information.

27

E!:~t ~lX-.IOll, Standardization Flights

RE}l.4.RKS

The first balloon night this month, made to measure the sol.aI'

constant for Rhode Island University was succesllful. The second flight

IllQUe was only partially successf\ti as the balloon rose at an un­

usually low rate and reached an altitude (about 78,000 feet MSL) below•

that required at sepal."ation. The Denver University flight was not

recovered for three days due to difficulty in obtaining permission t:,

enter the bombing range where impact occurred.

REPCRT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 1952

PROJECT TITLEs M!-lOll, Aerobee Rocket

CONTRACT'OR3 Oniv6J."sity of Colorado

TYPE VEHICLEs upper Air Test Vehicle

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOON AIR DEVELO.Pt1ENT CEN'l'ERI__A.c..L"",lP,-:u.;..st~1;..94"",9 _

ESTIMATED CGlPLETION DJTEs C;..Q;..n;;.;t..;;;i""nlll;;.;·;,;,;n""g _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT! To carry aloft instrUl1leIJtation desi~d to me~sure the

physical phenomenon and properties of the upper at:~ospher~.

PHASE 01" DEVELOPMENT; Varies for each individual test

REPORTS ISSUED DUlUNG TIlE MONTH OF D:l!CEMBER !'IHICH CONCERN THIS PEOJEGT:

Weekly Test Status Report for >feek ending 2 De':'.. ,)2, Weekly Te~t S,8"[,'L." liepJrt

for week ending 9 Dec 52, Weekly Test Status Report for \'),2"'[( ending 1: Dec

52, USAF Aer-obee No. 33, Missile CM No. 484 Launching. Week!,y Jest c;.2CU.:

Report for period 17-30 Dec 52.

Agencies which are not In distribution t) ~"Cd7t, U;e "O;)Vc L~v,",,,,:·,, ::'c<may apply to the Armed Servic ~~ ';'ec hni Cd 1 £,,1' >r.."l.tim Age,.cy (i\::;L.A). ~'~,l

order to receive desired reports from ASTIA, ;;"'..e re,-!ucstit",~ ~ ',cy o1';.;',;,<,~

have a definite need for such reports ,md sh-lu1.':! be elii~i')i',' "." 'c c~ivp

such information.' ...,

29

UNCLASSIFIED

Project !'lX-lOll, Aerobee ROcket .. _. _

REMARKS

During this period one Aerobee Sounding Rocket was launched. llSAF

Aerobee No. 33 was launched at 1238 hours.. 12 December 1953. The University

of Colorado equipment gave 28 seconds of continuous sun f::lllowing. It is

believed that this is the fir5t time such solar tracking has been successfully

accomplished.

During this launching Dr. Marcus O' Day, Chief, Upper Air Laboratory,

Air Force Cambridge Research Center, discussed the future of the Aerobee

Upper Air program. It appears that the continuation of the Upper Air research

effort on the part of AFCRC is greatly dependent upon successful l1peration of

the next two experimental RTV-A-la rockets. Dr. O'Day feels that tHO

successful projects will save the program.

USAF AerJbee ~o. 33 was the last of the standard 260O-pound thrust

Aerobes Sounding Rockets model RTV-A-l. Future Aerobees will be of the

model RTV-A-la type. Prior to launching upper air instrumentation in this

model, two successful test rockets will De flown. These rockets will carry

instrumentation to monitor portions of the vehicle.

The first test rocket was tentatively scheduled for launching in early

December. Delays have been encountered so that at present launching 13

scheduled for early February 1953.

30

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Project m:-10ll , Aerobee Rocket

Present indications are that the thrust on the mOdel I\TV-A-la wU1 be

reduced to 3000 pounds (nominal hOoo pounds). This should help to reduce

the probability of :t'uture failures due to aerodynamic forces all' heating. A

decrease of 3 miles in zenith altitude has been computed.

31 UNCLASSIFiED

UNCLASSIFiED

DISTRIBUTION FOR THIS Ril'ORT

ADDRESSEE

HeadquartersUni ted State s Air ForceAttn: AFODC(GM)Attn: AFDRDWashington 25, D. C.

Commanding Gene mlAir Research and Development Co~nand

Attn: RDDIOP. O. Box 1395Balt:i.P\ore 3, Maryland

Commanding GeneralWright Air Development CenterAttn! 101mWright-Patterson Air Force BaseDayton, Ohio

COllUnanding GeneralRome Air Develo~ent Ce~ter

Attn! RCRTPG.iftis Air Force BaseRome, New York

Commanding GeneralAir Force Cambridge Research CenterAttn: eRRTAttns CRRKCambridge, Massachusetts

Commanding GeneralAir Force ,SpeciaJ. Weapons CommandAttn:. fMVKirtland Au- Force BaseAlbuquerque, New Maxico

Armed Services Technical Information AgencyDocuments Service CenterU. B. BuildingDayton 2, Ohio

UNCLASSIFIED

con NO.

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Distributed By D·T=C··•.. IIInformation For The Defense Community

UNCLASSIFIED I LIMITED 20001221175

UNCLASSIFIED I LIMITED

USAF GUIDED MISSILE TEST ACTIVITIES

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

20 MAY 1953

Distribution authorized to U.S. Gov't. agencies and t~eir

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NOTICEThere has been a classification changeto this document. It is the responsibilityof the recipient to promptly remark it toindicate change.

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31 may 1956, DoDD 5200.10

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'-.~-_.. _.

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UNCLASSIFIED

HOLLCNAN

AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER

MONTHLY REPORT

o N

USAF GUIDED MISSILE

T EST ACT I V I TIE S

AT

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE

NEW MEXICO

REP 0 R T NO. H DT - 113

COP Y NO. 21

APRIL 1953

0-3AA-8S-7":l.;.k;~ I ~,f'()

UNCLASSIFIED

.SECRET

Authority: C. 0.. HollOlll&n.&DC

By: C. M. !lang1llll. Lt. Col., USD'

Date: 20 May 195.3

MONTHLY REPORT

ON

USAF GUIDED MISSILE

TEST ACTIVITIES

AT

HOLLOHAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER

HOLLOHAN AIR FORCE BASE

NEW MEXICO

Prepared by the 6580th Missile Test Group•

a,m, ~~_~ __C. M. MANGUM'Lt. Col., USAFGroup Co!Rander

This doCUlll8nt contains information afrecting the National Defense or thelInited States vithin the lIIIIIU1ing of the Espionage Laws Title 18, Sections19) and 79h. Its translll1esion or the revelation ot its content in anyIIIllM8l' to an unauthorilled parson is prohibited by lav.

SECURITY INFORiVIATIO\'1UNCLASSIFIED

t5"" 3 A-;9- g-0""1:<'~IX!/.'Jit>

TAB L E OF COlVTENTS

II II II II II II II II " II II II II • II .. • • • • • .. • • •

II II II II ell. II II • II II II II II II II II • ~ II II II II

II II " • e e II II II II II II II II II II II • II • II II II II II

2

4

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

28

30

32

34

36

38

40

42

44

Elm

1

3

5

9

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

25

27

29

31

33

35

37

39

41

43

• •

• •

II II II •

II • II II

II II II II • II II II II••

II II II II II II II • II • II II

• • II .. • • .. • • • • • • II • ..

• • .. • • II II II II .. • • • • II ..

II • II • II • • • .. • II • II II • •

II II II II II II II II • II II II II

• • • • • II • • II • • • II .. • • •

• • • • • • • • II .. • .. • .. • • •

" • II II II II • e II OIl • • • II • • • .. • • •

II II II II II II II II II • • II • • • II • .. • • ..

II • " • (I • II II •• II II ••

II • • •

PROJECT E-99 Clus~r Tests • • • •

PROJECT E-123 Gliclil Cluster Tests

PROJECT MI-1601 •••••• • • •

PROJECT MLI664 ••••••

DISTRIBll'1'ION FOR THIS REPORT

PROJ'ECT QIB--61 .. .. • II • • II • II II II II • II • II II II II II II II II • II II

PROJECT ~776B II II II II II II II II II II II II II

PROJECT MI-776. F-80/B-50 Training PrOgrUl ••••••••••••

PROJECr JlJX-BBJ II II II II II II e II II II II oil II II • II II • II .. .. II II II II •

PROJECT n.904 II • II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II '\ II II • - II II. • II

PROJEC'r XQ-l II II II II II II II II • II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II • •

PROJEC'.r IQ-2 • II II II II II II '" II ... .. II II II .. II II • II II II • II II II II II

PROJECT OQ-19 •• • • • • • • •

PROJECT HI-lOll• .lerobee Rocket • • • • • • • • • • • •

PROJECT HI-lOll. Standardization Plastic Balloon Flights •••••

PROJECT NO. R-11.4-13. Conductivity Meters ••.••••••••••

PROJECT MI-1280

PROJECT MLl342

PROJECT MI-l450-R

PROJECT MI-1498

PROJECT 5Ch.0

PROJECT E-61 Fuae Tests

REl'ORT FOR '1'HE KlN'l'B OF .HUL 1953

PROJECT Tl1'LEI Q;::.:Y:,:=B..;;;.:61=- _

roNTmCTOR: ~The~..:G~l:::el:.::m:..L:::.!..=:Ma:.:r:.:t1::;;n::.....::CO:::lII~pa=IIll_ _

TYPE VEll:iCLE: ..:D:.,:l"Q..::::.:;ne::.....:;Ki=ss;:;i:,:l:;::e'-- . _

ST.tRTJ.NG o..TE Ii.T HO~N ..IR DEVELOPMENT CENTER: Februaq 1953

July 19$3

i

FURFOSE OF PROJECf: To develop a target drone recovery system, ~sed on

the 1«-771 .Hat4dor Kiss:q.e.

&SF. OF DEVEWft1KNT: ConductitJ; night tests on the recovery system to

_ obtain data on plr<lchute deplrnt, data on the use

ot infi;LtAble landing cushions and da ta concerning

damage to the missile on 1lIIpLct.

REPORTS ISSUED DURlNG HONTH OF~ Wet! COHCE.RH 'l'IUS PllOJECT:

Weekly Test Swtus Report for week ending 7 Apr 53. Weekly Test StatUB

.Report for weeking endilE 14 Apr 53. Special Parachute Test. Weekly Test

Status Report for week ending 21 Jl.pr 53. Weekly Test Status Report for

week ending 284pr S3,QYB-6l No.1 Test.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reports-1 apply to thedrmed Services Technical Into tw. tion Jl.gency (4Sm). Inorder to receive: desired reports rrom 4STlil., the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

1

SECURITY INFORMATiON

rt\

i

Project QY&.61. Drone ,tissile

REdARKS

The Speci..l Par..chute Section conducted the second test of the 4-foot drag

chute compartment, solenoid and rele.. se latch, installed in a 1000-pound bomb, on

10"pril ; examination of the 35 mm movie films indicated that the 4-foot chute

deployed about 13 seconds after the bomb was dropped, blt broke away approxi­

mately 0.04 seconds aftel it blossomed. ReCOVEry of the bomb revealed that the

1/4.inch drag chu1::e cable failed, apparentJ,y- under chute opening load. The drag

chut~ cable "",,'oe used on th!' missile was subseqnentl;r strenghtened by adding a

second 1/4-inch cable in parallel .4i th ~he original one.

Ji dry run WiS conducted on 14 4pril. Prelaunching checks were made and an

F.86- aircraft, serving as a simulated missile, flew the proposed nirht path.

4 change in the control ~stem of the missile, a.s directed by the con­

tractor's plant, necessitated a rescheduling of the firing from 16 dpril to 23

April. ~ .. ther delayed the launching one additional day.

IIodific" tions a.nd checks were completed on Q'iB.61 No. I and the missile was

launched, 24 "pril. The launching was s·.lccessful, but the l6-foot parachute bag

emerged prematurely approximately 1.2 seconds after the launching. This in turn

pulled out the 4-foot parachute approxiJIR tel1 2.3 seconds after launching. The

missile crashed after 42 secondeof flight. It did not burn, blt vas a1lllost

totally expended.

Initial preparations are being made for acceler-a tion tests using the '!rack

Test Facility to test the 4-foot and the l6.foot polrachute compartments, and the

deployment of the 4-foot and 16-foot par.chutes.

1

lIEPORl' FOR THE MOHTII OF APRIL 195J

PURPOSE OF PROJECT~ To develop a supersonic Pilotless Parasite Bomber

capable of carrying ta 300-po1lIld warhead a distance of

7S nautical IIliles at lllach nlDllbers bet_en IS and 2 oS I

at altitudes up to &1,000 feet.

PHASi OF IEVELOPi!lIlIT~ 'l'estillg of guidance, servo, and propulsion SystelllS.

REPOJrl'S ISSUED DURDIG THE lIDB'l'B OF~ 'WHICH CONCERN mIS POOJECT:

Waelcly Test Status Report far _ek eDding 7 Jpr 53. lrIeekly Test Status

Report for week ending 14 Apr 53, F-80 SiJIIulated Missile Flighte. weelcly

Test Status Report for veek ending 21 Apr 53, F-80 Sialllated Missile FIiets.

lIeekly Test Status Report for week endiIlg 28 Apr 53, F-80 SiJrnilated Missile

Flights.

Agencies which are not on distributiCill to receive the abaft llsted reportsllIayapply to the .ArJaed 5enices Technical InforlRUon Agency (ASTU). Inordsr to ~~ift desired reports trOll ASTU. the T'equestin« a,:enq shaUdhave a definite need far such reports and should be e1i«ible to recebe suchinforllllltion.

3

•"

REMARKS

TIiilIlre 1Il!lre no msile operations at HollClllllll1 d~ the JlCIlth ot April

1953. 'lhe next. mssile, No. 13, rill arrive at HollClllllll1 on 1 June 1953 and

should be launched 011 or about 10 JulT 1953. Missile lio. 13 will be tbe first

missile incorporat:lJll« all guidance equip88nt and will be one ot the IIOst

important Rascal missiles to be launched at HollClllllll1.

:n1l'hD F-SO lliDulated mssile fiidlte consuting of 22 terJlinal dives

ere coDdncted during this period. The flights were generally successful,

but difficulty WIUI experienced in obta11'rl.n8 a satistactory radar scope pre-

sentation during the la:Jt two flights.

As a rellult of the above fli~tB this Project has requested the base to

:illlprove the North IlIIpact Target area to such an extent that it will he as eas1

to identify as the Tarzan Target. This request was necessary because d1ffi-

culty was experienced in locating the Borth Illpact Point CrOll Aerial Photo­

graphs tuen during the 1'-80 tendnal dift.

4

rtEWIH FGit TilE ..Kil;'fh OF "PRiL 1753

PRGJEC'f T.i.'fJ..E.:__...;.;;;:1J.:..'--,-7-,-76"--,(.:..F_-~::..;O:L.I-,-B-~5<.:o,-Pr::..;o:.o;gc;;.ra.;;;m,,,)'-- _

eeNTil..GTOih --=t<;::::J·c:u1=.pmE-=::..:n;;;:t....;f'u=:l'n=is",h:.::e:.:d:...;:.byoL...:Be=l:;l...;...;;.:i::r.;:c.:.ra.::;f::..;t:......;;CO.::;r""p;:,:.c.>•...:;::.du:::;f:.:f.:.:;a:.::l.::;o.>.'__

New York.

F-80 simulated miss!. Ie aircraft; .d-50 director aircraft

SlAnTlNG DATE "T HOLLCJ,;"'N AIR DEVEWPMENT CENTEl(:_--.:J;.::a:.::n=ua=:ry:..r...=l~95o::.3"-- _

E.::,Tl,,1..TED GOtlkLETlGli 1J4TE:_......;.J.;:;ul::.y<-::1"-~5"'4"-- _

P't)!(fOSE OF hiDJ ECT: To esw.blish a'l ..ir Force capability to op::r.<te 'ifld

m;.i., tain 13...63 g:Iid", 'lce e,qui pnen~ln order tha t .uIDC may

accomplish the responsibility of providing oper"'tional

know-how to using cOlllllUnds. Conduct tests or assigned

,·J.-776 Research and Developr!lf'l'lt Program, Ga the r pre-

liminary infoIT'liition which will be applicable to O~~

tional Suitability Testing of the t1I-776B missi Ie.

P!i..SE OF DEVJ:.1UhllJIT:-

Phase 1 - Setting up shops. procuring equipment.

"nct tr.-iRinG of fl1ght ere" personnel for F-80/B-50

aircI'aft.

REPOli.TS iSSUED DLllUiiQ THt i'lO:lTH OF "filiL lo':iiCi: Will-ERN TillS fRQJECT:

Weekly Test Status Reports fo_ weeks ?ndirr 7 "'pr 53. 14 -PI" 53. 21 d.pr 53.

and 28 apr 53.

dgencies whicn are nct on distrirrltion to receive the above listed reports!llly apply to the ",rned SeI'Vices Technical Inr'oImiltion A.gency (ASTld.). Inorder to receive desired reports from liST:u.., the re(l'le sting agency shouldhave a definite need for SJ~h reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

s

1

Project ll.I-776 (F-60j8-50 Training Program)

Progress in the F-60/£-50 program has continued to incred,se, particular-

1,- in the procurement of supplies and check-out of the guidance bench sets.

Li ttle or no progress has been made in check-out of the guid4nce equipment

installed in the F.80 and B-50 aircraft for the following reasonSl The '-80aircraft bas not been available to ttl! program during il.pril be~use of main-

terance difficulties; the 8-50 aircraft has been in an out-of-colllllission

status and ViS absent from HollollBn Air Force Base for a five day period to

have the compass swung at Kelly AFB, Texas.

F-BO/B-SO personnel have been tully occupied in the setting-up and check­

ing out of the guidance bench sets which precluded cbeck.out of'the ';-SO

equipnent. 'lh~.8..50 at rcrd,f't lolill depart Holloman on or about 4 Hay 1953

for Kirtland 41r Force Jhse where the flight crews will be given additional

training in the OP€Ntion of ttl! airer"n. 1t is estimated ttl! aircraft will

be at Kirtbnd for a period of ten days. It is anticipated, when the B-50

returns to Holloman., that several oriert .. tion flights will be mde in order

for the g'~idi.nce operators to f"miliarhe themselves with the equipment.~"--.

Upon completion of these flights, regular test and training missl.ons will be

scheduled.

Special test equipment has been received from local purchase sources,

Bell Aircraft CorpoNtion, and Base Supply which will permit cOlllplete

6

l'roject .iX-776 (F-bO/.;-50 Training Program)

chE'ck-c~t of <ill guida.nce equipment. lleceipt of this equipment will also

permit rebrn of borrowed e"uipment to P",trick ",FB in July 1953.

He<idGuarters, d.ir lleseach and Development COffi!:l2nd, has disapproved a

frequency allocation requEst. of 65.9 mc which is used to co~nd the F-BO

during me-course and teminal dive. "ction is being td.kEn to have a new

frequency allocated; however, consideraole delay may be encountered in

obtd.ining the crJsWls for tlie ll€ll frequency. Voice cO;1J/Unds could be

used to control the

very undesir_ble.

F-GO durinb the interim period but this method is

I

Correspondence and data pertaining to ~ follolling 16S P~pl.red dur-

ing this period:

1. Technical ...ssi sWnce fro", Eell .. j reraft Corpora. tion for the

F-BO/B-50 Program.

2. R.oq""st for an !.lectronics ;)pdre f"rt.s contrc.ct wi th Bell

"'ircraft Lorpor~tion.

3. Prepuation of the FY 1954 fudget Estimate for the F-BO/B_50

Major Orley B. Laudill nade a trip to MathEr ",ir Force lJ.l5e, Cali-

fomia. for thE p'lrpose of investig«ting all pluSES of motion picture photo-

graphy of rJ.d.. r scopes.

J'litjor 'l'hom-as .E. Sledge rnae a trip to liri;;ht-P"tterson Air Foree Blse,

7

j

Project 1«-776 (F-8ojli-SO Training Program)

Ohio and Bell 4l.ircr<£ft Corporation, &ffalo, New York for the purpose of

coordinating fiscal and deliveq of equipment IIIIiltters.

8

RlPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJ.&:T TITLEI Project HI-BB3, 1-7, Ramjet Test Vehicle

CONTRACTOR: Lockheed Aircra1't Corporation

TYPE VEHICLE: Supersonic Ramjet Engine Test Vehicle

STARTING DATE AT H01LOMAN AIR DiVELOPKENT Ct.Nl'KR: 5 February 1951

ESTDIATED CilWLEl'IJN DATE:_..:In=d~ef::.:i:.:n:.:i:.:t~e _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To design, fabricate, and test a supers.:mic ramjet

engine test vehicle which will be recovered by parachute.

PHiSi OF DEVELOPMENT: Phase I-........;........;--------------------REPORTS ISSI.lED DURING THE M'JNTH OF~ WHICH COOQ;RN TIIIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Report for week ending B Apr 53, Refiight of 'l'V-6 Full

Scale Flight Test No. 10. Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 14 Apr

53, Drag Parachute Test Nj. 31. Weekly Test Status Report for week ending

21 Apr 53. Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 28 Apr 53.

Agencies which are njt jn distributijn t:l receive the a~ove_listed reportsmay ap!lly to the Anued Services Technical Infonnation Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to received desired reports fr:lI:! ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such rep:lrts and should be eligible to receivesuch infonnati:ln.

9

I•

~ect HI-883, 1-7, Ramjet Test Vehicle

REMARKS

The ramjet engine test progrllJl1 was c'lntinued during the lIIonth of AprU

with Full Scale Flight Test No. 10 which was the second test of the. Marquardt

Aircraft GolllpaIIJ IBJ-43-H£-3 110. 8901~~. During this test, engine

operation was cOlllpletely satisfactory for 20 seconds. The engine prodUced

something on the order of 9,000 pounds of thrust which is considerab17 aore

thrust than that for which the engine vas designed. At the end 'If this 20-

second peri'ld, two fuel leaks developed in the engine, one in each of two

systelllS suppljing the outer and i.nmlr fuel nO$zle rings. The vehicle and

engipe w,:re damaged by recovery due to high surface winds. However, the

engine was in good enough condition after ~'to conduct a post flight

check; to deteX'llline that the tlach nUllllber control '·\as still on calibration;•

and to discover the two fuel leaks. This test is another exaaIple where

recovery and iDllpectiDn of a night test engine ,S ofpriJlle illlportance.

Without the post flight evideree of the fuel leaks, analysis· o~ the night

would have been hampered by the coincidence of two independent fuel leaks

developing allllost BillIultaneously.

10

I

REPORT FOR Te:£ MONT'] OF APRIL 1753

P1WJECT TITLE: MX-904, FALCJN, GAR-I, XF-'98

CONTRACTORl ilughes Aircraft C~lnpany, Culver City, Califortlia

TYPE VEIIICLEI Air-to-Air Missile

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEViLOPM1'NT CENTER: 1 February 19149

ESTIMATED CJMPL1'l'ION !lAT1: Interim Tactical Missile, 1 Jllnuary 1956

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To develop autvmatic .;lissile ar.nalnent for inter-

ceptor aircraft capable of destroying enemy aircraft at

any altitude within the op"rati;mal li,nit of the inter-

ceptor with a very high kill prooabillty.

PHASE OF D1VELJPj'~NTI Phases I, IIi, IV, and VI

RBPORTS ISSUlill DURING THE MOlfl'H OF APRIL -rHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test StatLis Report for week ending 14 Apr 53, Launching of CP-15,

CP-16, C1'-12, 8fld CP-ll. Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 21 Apr

53, Attenpted Launching of CP-·30, CP-31 j and CP-32, lieekly Test Status

. Report for week E1lding 28 Apr 53, Launching of CP-30, CP-3I, and CP-33.

Agencies which are not onlistributi)n to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Anned Services Technical Information Agency (ASTIA). In)rder to receive desired reports from ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need fJr suer. reports and should be eligible to receivesuch inform?tion ..

11

tI

I

Project i1l(-904, FALWN, GAH-l, IF-98

REI1ARKS

During the month of April 12 Model CP missiles were launched. Three

CP missiles were launched at a drone target dispensing countermeasures,

four CP missiles at an APG-3 radar gNuod installation, and five at an air

drone 'target.

No sir;nificcnt conclusions can be sUllllllarized at this ti ",e since

visual observatiuns can ;)ften Os deceiving. Two hits were ;)btained by

the missiles resulting in the loss of one drone. An i'1lportant fact is

that only two drones remain assigned to this project. One present schedule

indicates launching of 10 CP missiles in June against a low altitude, 9 Q'

missiles in July against chaff, and an undetennined number of CP missiles

in October against multiple targets. Requests have been submitted for

additional dr;)nes but there is n;) indication that these will be forth-

coming.

Launciling of 12 :tissUes this month has assisted 1aterial~ in

acquiring data required to further study the tactics required in utilizing

the missile; the li;'litations of the ,,,issile; and tIE success in producing

.nissiles in a production line asse'I1bly.

12

!

!ThroRT FOli '!HE MONTH OF ..PRIL 1953

PliOJ1(,T T.:i. TLE: __-:;X",-Q-...::l:...

CONTllAGTORI ....:Ra=d:::i;:::o..p;:;:l...:.:n.:.,:l!';"....;:Go;:::m"'?l=n"'z...._V.:,.J.::;n"-"N;.:u""z.;:;s.........:Ca=l;.:i:::;.f::;orn:;.:.;:i::;a=-- _

TYPt VEHlCtE: ...:D;.:r...::o.::ne::. Hi ss i1e

ST.dlTING D"TE. <iT HOLLOM.lN AIR DE.V.t..LOhiENT CEN'rER:_.:.;K;::ayo<-::1""9.<:.50.::...... _

ESTli-LiTED COJiPLilT.lON D.. TE:_-=-J~un.:.,:e'-"'19~5"'3'_ _

PUiU'OSE OF PROJEl,;T: The development of a remotely controlled drone missile

capable of simul.lting a ircNft J?!: do n1bnce.

PIilLSE OF DEVELOPNENT: Conducting developllJent tl!";ts of a turboj et powered

aircraft for use as a reJll)tely controlled dron~_

missile.

REPOll.TS ISSUED DLIUNG THE MON'll! OF APRlL liHlGH CONCERN THIS PliOJECTI

Weekl;r Test Sf-tus Report for wet'k ending 7 £pr 53, Flight Test. Drone

No. IS. Flight No. 42. ~ekly Test :it-tus Report for week ending 14 Apr 53.

InforID04tion on .Flight No. 42. Drone No. 15. Weelcly Test Status Report for

week ending 21 .\pr 53. YQ-l Recovery Test Progr.. :n. Weekly Test Status

Report for week ending 28 Apr 53.

4gencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the 1I.naed ~ervices Technicd InfonnJ.tion Agency (.l.STU). Inorder to :receive desired reports from ...>TlJI., the requesting agene,- shouldhave a definite need for such reports and sho<lld be eligible to receivesuch infomation.

l

Project IQ-l , Drone 14i1lsile

REMARKS

There vas. one night of the Ill-I conducted on 3 April 1953. '!his night

liaS generally unsuccessful. The drone climbed continuollllly despite full

down dev.tor signal. Indications are th.t tb! elevator servo does not have

sufficient torque output to fly the turbojet version of the IQ-l. The re­

covery system also failed on this night, and 1he drone liaS destroyed. This

tailure vas traced to two delay squibs failing to continue burning after

once baving been ignited. Tests are being conducted by the contractor to

determine the reason for the squib failure and to t4ke corrective action.

Tests were continued on the lQ-l recovery STstem.

Several attelllpts were'JIl;lde to tlT the air-to-air controlled night dis­

cussed in previous reports. These attelllpts were all unsuccessful because

the 12-inch pulsejet ellgine would not continue running,atter Iliving been

started, during pre-launching checks.

14

,,L~

REPORT FOR THE MJNTH JF APRIL 19~3

PROJECT TITU:_..:;I:.;:Q'-'-2'" _

CON'l'BACl'CR: Ryan Aeronautical Cumpany

TIPE VEflIC!E: Drone Jtissile

srJRTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN Am DEVELOI1llitn CENTER:__A;;;;<p<.:r..:;i;::I....;1;::9.:;.50..:- _

EsrIHATED COMPLETION DATE: Standardization..Hareh 1953; Post standardization

Tests, March 1954.

PUIlPOOE OF POOJECT: The development of a remotely controlled drcme missile

capable of simulating the perfomance and manelNenng

characteristics of modem jet aircraft.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: To conduct rated power test to demonstrate the•

general stability of the target at 0.6 to 0.8 Mach numbers

and to detennine the operational characteristics of the

control system at full throttle setting.

REPORTS ISSUED DLRING THE MONTH OF APRll. WHICH CCfiCERN TlUS ffiOJECl':

Weeki., Test Stat.us Report f-:>r week ending 7 Apr 53. Weekly~ Test Status Re­

port for week ending 14 Apr 53, Flight No. 60. Weekly Test Status Report

for week ending 2l A.er 53, Flight No. 610 iieekly Test status Report for,

week ending 28 Apr 53.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay app~' to the Anned Services Technical Information Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired reports from ASTrA, the requesting agency should!lave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

15

I

~ect JIQ-2

REMARKS

On night nlllllber 61, conducted 17 April, the lII8.in parachute separated

from the drone at parachute deployment. This preuture releas~ vas traced to

a sheared safety p:l,p. in the ground release zechanism. The safety pin is

normally sheared by the firing of a squib which is actuated when the c:lr0lUll

cootacts the ground. Because of inadequate depth clearance in the parachute

release unit and the longer squib presently Used, the squib had sheared the

alUlllinUIJI safety pin when the ground release lIIechan:l.811 vas assembled. It is

believed that a siailar pr81118.ture parachute release, vbich occurred on llight

nUillber 52, llII!ly ha_ been cauaed by this same condition.

Ryan Aeronautical ColllplUly and Continental Aviation and Engineering

Corporation personnel are continuing an investigation of the YJ-6C) engine

air inlet duct problem. Several engine rllls have been made on the ground

using the original Ryan designed air inlet, a Continental designed inlet,

and a new Ryan design •. Air inlet pressures, exhaust temperatures and engine

rpII 1IIIlre taken on each engine run. Flight testing of modified and new air

inlet designs vill be conducted during MaT.

Five 1Q-2 c:IroDe·lllissiles have been shipped to the Jlavy in cOllPliance"".

With a letter frQll Wright Air Developllent Center.

16

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJECT TITLEs ~-19 Drone Missile

mNTRACTOR: None-="'---------------------TYfE VEHICLE: Drone Missile

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTERs__N_o_v_e_mbe-'-r-'1"'-9..:;.Sl."'-- _

ESTIMATED OJMPLETION DATEI__-=30:;.;;....J:..un;;:.o.:.e...:l:;:c9""53"-- _

PlIU'OSE OF PflOJEnT: This project uses the standard OQ-19 drone as a vehicle

to determine and improve radar response character~stics

of drone missiles, to evaluate the use of a video link as

a terminal guidance facility, to test the use of drone

missiles as photo-reconnaissance vehicles, and to evaluate

various aut3pilot. systems.

PHASE OF DtVELOPMENT: This project is presently concerned with radar re-

sponse tests,control system components tests and A-7

catapult launchings to obtain catapult data in connection

with a new cast aluminum rocket car and MJEl JATO.

REPOOTS ISSUED DURING TIlE MONTH OF~ WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJE.::T:

Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 7 Apr 53, Flight No. 6970 Weekly

, Test Status Report for week ending 14 Apr 53. Flight No. 699. Weekly Test

Status Report' for wek ending 21 Apr 53. Weekly Test Status Report for week

ending 28 Apr 53, Flight No. 700.

Agencies which are not .)n distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Amed Services Technical Information Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired report.s from ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such ~ports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

17

l

i

~ect *19, Drone Hissile

REMARKS

The first catapult launching test, using the new cast al1llJlinUlll rocket

car with a type M2 JATO unit, was conducted thislllonth. This la1lllching was

successful except that there is need for vertical spacing adjustment between

the top rol1~ wheels and the bottom roller wheel on the rocket car, since

the plunger ram on the rocket car did not center into the snubber cylinder

after the firing but scraped the top side of the snubber cylinder. The

plunger ram centered into the snubber cylinder before tile firing.

" second test scheduled for the SIllllB day was cancelled because another

project required the range. Additional catapult la1lllChing tests were not

conducted this month because of higher priority tests using the same range

area and a reallocation of storage buildings and subsequent lIIoving by this

activity.

During the month two proficiency maintenance flights were flown and one

d8lllonstration flight lias :ll0lfl1 for representatives frQIII the Air War College

and the Universi~ of Hichigan.

A dUllllllY drone is being prepared for 10-7 catapult launching tests using

the new cast aluminUlll rocket car with M.3Kl JATO units. The weight of the

d\lllllllY drone can be varied from 300 to 400 pounds.

Tel8Jlletry equipment is being installed in an OQ-l9D Drone in preparation

for instrumented flight tests of the SUllllllers qyToscope Company model 122

Oyro-Servo.

18

REPORT FOR THE MJNTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJECT TITLEI MX:-IOll, Aerobee Rocket

CONTRACTOOI Air Force Cambridge Research Center - United states Air Force

TYfE VEHICI.J>I Upper Air Test Vehicle

STARTING DATE AT HOLLJMAN AIR DEV.&LO.PMENT CENTER: August 1949

ESTIMATIill COHI'LIiTION DATEI__.:::;C.:;;Jn::.;t;.:in=ui:;;n:5ig'-- _

PURPOSE OF PROJECTI To cat'ry aloft instrumentation designed to measure the

Ehysical phenomenon and pNperties of the upper atmollphere.

PHASE OF DEmOPMillITI Varies for each individual test

IlEPORTS lSSUED DURING THE MONTH OF~ WHIm CONCERN THIS PROJECTI

Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 7 Apr 53. Weekly Test Status Re­

port for week ending 14 Apr 53, Launching of USAF Aerobee No. 35, Missile

OM lb.• 524. Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 21 Apr 53. Weekly

Test Status Report for week ending 28 Apr 53, Recovery of USAF Aerobee No. 35.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportllmay apply to the Anned Services Technical Information' Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive dellired reports from ASrIA, the requesting agency should·have a definite need for such reports and should be ~ligible to receivesuch informa~i~n.

\

19

JL-----------

i.

~ect !!X-lOll. Aerobee Rocket

REMARKS

During the latter part or )fa1, it 11 planned to tire two Aerobee,

rockets, 0118 day apart, as II study ot sky brightness. This bas never been

acc'anpllshed at BollClllllll Air Force Base.

USAF Aerobee No. 35, the second test rocket, vas considered a euecess.

20

REPCliT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJiXlT TITLE: MI-IOll, Standardization Plastic Balloon Flights

CONTRAcrOR: Rhode Island University and Denver University

•TYPE vmICLE: Large plastic balloons carrying specialized inst~tation_

STARTING DATE AT HOLWMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTERI_..::l...:Ha:=LY...:l::::9~S2~ _

ESTIMATED COMi'IJl,TlOO DATE:,--:U::::n::::kn~own= _

PURPOSE OF PRUJiXlTI To obtain a value for too solar c"nstant and to measure

daylight luminescence and infrared absorption.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: Phase II Field testing of equi!-¥llent in conjunction

with Aerobee MI-lOll, (1-8) firings.

REPORl'S ISSUED DURING THE IDNTH OF APRIL WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

None

21

\i

•

Project HI-lOll, Standardization .P'llghtl5

REMARKS

110 tests lIere coillduetedduring the purled COftred b.r this report.•

22

REPORT :rna TIlE MONTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJECT TITLEs Project No. R-1l4-l3, Conductivity Meters

CONTRACTORs Air ForceCubridge Research Dsnter and HollOllllUl Air Force Base

TIPE VmmLEs Large diaJ1leter plastic balloon

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER: April 1953

ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE:_...:Unkn=:.:O..:;:Vll=-- _

PURPOSE OF PIDJliX:T: To flight test the balloon_borne air conductivity

meter and to obtain data on atmospheric conductivity

in the stratosphere.

PHASE OF DEVE1OP!'IENTI_..:P.::ha=s:;.:e~J _

REPORrS ISSum DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL WHICH CONamN THIS PROJECT:

liIone

23

•

,.•,

REMARKS

501118 d1f.f1culty was enc.>untered wilen pl.nniQg the initial night tor

tll1a. program. The QllD receiver to be 118ed .for re~i"ViDg te1elletered data

lias ~Jllstant souroe of tl'Duble. For this reason, the mght had to be

dela1ed until the equipllent was in a \oIOrkable condi1o:ion••

It WIlS agreed tbat problellllS of this nature could be overcOllle by,

shipping the apparat us to Holloman Air Force Base for ea~h flight where,check-out operations could be acc~plished by members of the BalloOl1 Sonde

Unit. In this lIay, the flights can be perfol1lled without pressure of dlll8

element and would eliminate trips to HollOlllan Air Force Base, for each

flight, by the contractors.

24

i

REPORr FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJFIIT TITLEI HI-1280, Low Frequency Solar Noiee Measurements

CONTlllCTClRI Air Force Cambridge Research center

TYPE VillICLis,_......:N:;.:Olle=' _

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER: 24 Karch 19,2

Esr I!'lATED COMPLETION DATEI_..:C:.:;o.:;nt;;.:in=IU::;'n:::sgL-. _

PURPOSE OF PROJECTI To obtain continuous measurements of geomagnetic

fluctuations in the frequerx:y range of 0 to 20 cycles for

the purpose of aiding in the prediction of propagation,

conditions and the understanding of geomagnetic phenomena.

PIIASIl: OF DE1/ll;LOPMENT: Solar noise disturbances are being recorded on a

continuous 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week baeill.

REPORTS ISSUED DURING THE MVNTH OF !f!!!.!: WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Reports for weeks ending 7 Apr 53, 14 Apr 53, 21 Apr 53,

and 28 Apr 53.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive tbe above listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technical Infomation Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired reports from ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

II

I

!!£.1ect 1£[-1280, Low Frequency Solar 1/0121e KeaenAr6lll811:t.21

REMARKS

Solar noise recording continued during the 1Il0nth without int1lXTllption.

A lIIiIIor lIIechanical failure occurred ill the clock mechaniSlll resulting in lou

ot time marks on' the recoll'd. 10 data "ret lost.

26

Im'CRT FOR THE Wt;rH OF APRIL 1953

PROJECT TITlEl MI-l)42, High Frequency Back-Scatter Tests

C<lHTIi&CT(Jt: Air Force CCIllIbridge Besearch Center

TYPE VEHICLEI_.::.Iti:.;:Q:::ne=-- _

Sl'ARTING DATE AT HOLLUMAN AJR DEVEW~T CEllI'm~ 1...;;J_ul...y~1""95_2 _

ESTL'!ATID CJHPLm'ION DATEI_--=C:.;o;::n..:;tJ.::;·n;;.:u::;o.;;;us=-- _

PtRPOOE OF PROJll:T: a. To deter:nine, through the use of back-scatter

measuremente, the range and reliability of high frequency

communication ~stems.

b. To detenoine, through the use of forward-scatter

measurements, multipath transmissions, pulse distortion,

and the height of the reflection layers of the ionosphere.

PHASE OF lEVELOPHENTI Routine target returns were lOgged 24 hours a day

at half hourly periods during most of the month. Start­

ing 27 April 1953, routine target returns were logged

16 hours a day at half hourly periods.

!P'ORTS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF AHUL IIHICH CONCERN THIS PlDJECT:

Weekly Test Status Reports for weeks ending 7 Apr 53, III Apr 53, 21 Apr

53, and 28 Apr 53.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsllaY apply to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired reports from AsrIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch infoI'lllation.

27

~ect Kl-IJ42, High Frequ8nCl,Back-Scatter

REMARKS

The project operated on a 2ll-hour, i'ive-day-a-1l8ek baa1e untU 27

April 195.3. On that date the project W88 cut back to a 16-hO\U', .five­

day-a-1I8elc basis. During the entire tiae the project was aD 24-OOur

operation, no signal return was received between the hours of 2200

and 06.30. Tberei'ON, it 111 bel1eftCl that l6-hour operation of

tr.e project will be sufficient to observe fade-out and fade-in of the

signal return, and no data wUl be lost.

The plate supply transformer of the transmitter burned out during

the first week of the month. Thr transmitter went back on the air using

a substitute transformer setup. A new tranafonner has been ordered,

but has not been received.

28

REl'ORT FOR THE MCilTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJF.Cr TITLE: HI-1450R, Physiology )f 11.ocket Flight

CONTBACTOR, Space Eiol.)gy Field Laboratory, H!FB

TYPE V,iHICLE, High Altitude nastie Balloon

STARTING DAT.Ii AT HJ1LOtWI AIR DEVlil.\)PME~jT CMER:_,;;;;Ma~y-=.:19:.:::50.:;...- _

~IMATED COMPLFJ:ION DATE'_--:;;I...;.nd;;;..e;..;f;.;;;i.;..Ill;;..·te'-'- _

PURPOSE OF PROJECTz To study the effects of temperature, pre.'Ulure, and

eolllllic radiation on living !!pecilllens at high altitudes.

PHASE OF DEVELO.I'KI!:N'r: Phase II: Use)f plastic balloons as vehicles for

exposure of the specimens.

REPOOTS ISSUED DUIUNG THE MONTH OFI~RIL WHICH CONCElIIl THIS PROJiX:T:

'weekly Test Status Report for week ending 7 Apr 53. Weekly Test Status

Report for ;oeek ending 14 Apr 53, HAFB-l37 and HAFB-138 Launchings.

Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 21 Apr 53. Ueekly Test Status

Report for week ending 28 Apr 53, HAFB-l39 Launching.

Agencies which are not on distribut::';;n to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technical Iufor.nation Agency (ASTIA). Inoru"r to receive desired reports fram ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

29

1

L

f!:2.1ect Ml-J.45OR, Physiology of Rocket Flight

REMARKS

Due to the loss of Flight IIUB-139, the Space Biology li'ield Lab, has

aSlllllll8d all responsibility for tracld.rig and recoyer,y. It is thought. tbat

better coordination can be accOlllplisbad in this way.

In order to comply with the test directive concerning the manned

balloon project, it will be necessary to receive the requested supplies as

soon as possible. Unless these supplies (to be iVnished by Wright Air

Development Center) are furnished within 30 days, an amendment to the

directive will be necessary.

30

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1953

PRO,:F..GT TITLE: M!-1490, Hoby Dick

CONTRACTOR: Air Force ClJIlbridge llesearch Center

TIPE VllHIC!.E: High Altitude Plastic Balloons

Sl'ARTING DATE AT HJLLCmN AIR DEVELOPK.bNT C.IlNT.ER:_-:;.Oc;:.;t;.;:o.=.be;:;.:r:....:;;1.:.;951=- _.. .......

ESTII'.ATlID c:JMPLETION DATE: Indefinite--=====---------------PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To study the very high altitude wind fields

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: Operational test phase

REPCIl.TS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL WHICH CCllCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Reports for weeks ending 7 Apr 53, 14 Apr 53, 21 Apr 53,

and 28 Apr 53.

Agencies Which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technical Infonnation Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired reports from ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

31

~ect HI-1498, Holly Dick

REMARKS

Progress is being lllade towards the establish!llent of two new Hoby

Dick sites. Two new ·covered wagon· launchers are near cQlpletion and

will undergo testa at Hol.J.oman Air Force Baae prior to shipment to the

l'llIW sitlls. H:!-ecellaDllot.8 supplies have been requil!litioned to outfit the

new sites and supplelllent the old sites.

Recovered packages are continuing to arrive at Holloman Air Force

Baslll.

)2

RU'ORT FOR ThE MONTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJECT TITLSI 504.0 Sleighrid" ;,eries II and III.

CONTRACTOR: Sandia Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico

TIPE VEHICLEI......;:S"'l:.;:.ed-=- _

STARTING DATE AT HOLLOMAN Am DlWELOPMENT CENTER: January 1953

F.STIKATW COHPLKTliJN DATE:_..;;.J...;;un:.;:.e;;....:::1.:..:95::.::3'-- ---:.:-- _

PURPOSE OF PROJECTI To conduct bpact tests on S2rdia classified units.

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: Sleighride Series II; sled impact test with the

special Ullit mounted on an nAn frame which straddles

the track approximately 2,000 feet from tl~ south

firing point.

Sleighride Series III; impact test on sled mounted

components at high velocities. The sled impacts a

concrete or wood oarrier placed 15 feet off the end

of the track.

REPORl'S ISSUED DURTI>G TfIE MONTH OF APRIL WIIICH CONQ.'RN THIS PROJECT:

None

33

JL..--- _

,~

•, "

504.0 Sleighride Series II and III

REMARKS

Sleighride tests proceeded on schedule and gave tavorable results

during the month.

34

REPOm FOR THE HONTH OF APRIL 1953

PROJrm TlTIJ,;s E-6,.;:::l..:Fus:..=:::e..:T:.:e;=:s.;;.t _

CONTRACT<lh Arll\Y themical Center, Camp Detrich, Kal}'land

TYPE V»lICL&. Small (4 pounds or less) clusterable bomb

ST.lRTDIG DATE AT HOLI.OMAN Am DEVEUlPMENT CENTERs_-:.:.Nov~e.;;;mbe~r-""19:.;:5:=2 _

ESTIMATED COMPLErION DATE:_:=Sep=..;t:.:;eDI:=;b:..:;e:;;.r....;1::,:9;.::;5.::.3 _

PllRPOSE OF PROJECl's To determine proper anling and functioning of the

E-61 Fu~e.

PHASE 01' DJ!.VEL(JPMENT: Phase I_.:.==--"----------------llEPCIl.TS ISSllED DURIN G TIlE KJlITH OF APRIL WHICH coomm THIS PROJ1iCT:

Weekly Test Status Report for week ending 21 Apr 53, E-6lR4 Bomb Test.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsmay apply to the Armed Services Technical Info:rmation Agency (ASTIA). Inorder to receive desired reports from. ASTIA, the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receivesuch information.

35

j-------------------

l

~ect W1 lPuse Test

REMARKS

01115 April 19.53. 100 B-6lJ14 bOlllbs were dropped .tr0lll an L-19 type air-

cran. !roll an a!tit_ ot 10.000 teet DcmI the terrain. Pral1miMl)' infol'­

ution. in the form of trends, was expected to facilitate in the design of

the more cOlllpl'8heDsive test and to determine the operational characteristics

of the several type fuses lIhen dropped on the &-6lR4 baRb with fins. !be

above tests lIIare considered satisfactol)' by p&rsonne1 frllll the Army Chemical

Center and they stated that considerable improVBllem was realized over

previous tests perfo:med.

I

36

j'------------------~~-

1

REroHT FOR THE MON'IH OF APRIL 1953

PROJECT TlTLE.:__--=E..~9L9..:Cl=us::.;te::=r_T:.:e:.::s~t"'_s _

OONTE4C'IDR: -=Ch=e=.:IIIl.=·:;;:ca=l_CO=rp&=.s-'Ili-=·;.::o=lo~g"'i:.;ca=I_La_=bo=-ra~to=rie'=~s_=an=d_A;,;;;rtho-=;;;.::u~r_.D...:.:....._

Little Inc•• Culbridge. Massachusetts.

TYPE VElUCLE: ....::Cl;:;:u:.::s~te"'r:....::Bo::::m::.:b::-- _

Sr...RfiNG ll.;.'l}; AT HOLW:wI .ill DEVE.WPHENT CENTER: 10 March 1953

ES'I'l&TED OOHPLETION DU'EI_....:::.15~Se-"'p<:.;te=lIbe=r...;1='9:...::5.:<.3 _

fURPOSi OF PROJECT: To ev"lu.tte the subject lIII1lIitions to determine if

they stisfactorill meet the applicable military

cmracteristics and are ready to be subnitted to Air

Proving Ground CoJlllllilnd for operational suitability

tests,

1'!IIl.sr. OF DEVELOPMENT: Phases 1 through VI of AFR:....::;80-.;:...:1h=-- _

REPORTS 1SSlJED DURlIlG TIlE MON'IH OF 4PRlL WIlla1 CONCERN 'IHlS PIlOJECT:

None

37

Project &..92 CllUlter bill

REMAaKS

There -ll!..J!O ~~l.!s!l~!~ for th!s. progralD du~ the 1IIOIIt.h of

April. TIle next teats 101111 be conducted during the _ths at J~~a~.• • • I

and Septeillber l'hen approxipteq.lQ.~ abe 101111. be dropped. Extensive

dUiage to the stabilizing fins ¥IS experienced in the first seven bombs

dropped. Ten boJabs were originally schechled for testing rot because of

the eXtensive dama.ge to 1he stabilizing fins the test program at HADe was

d1scontinu~

"

38

REPORT FOR THE MOHTII OF !PlUL 1923

PROJECT TITLE: Test of 1-123 Glide ClUBter

COllTBACTOlh Chemical Corps, Frederick, Maryland and Aircraft ArIIaMnts,

Inc••.lBaJ.t1Jlore 15. fagland.(Contractors to the CbelIical Corp!)

TIPE VEHICLE: Deviation Cluster BOIIlb ..STARTING DATE AT HOI.I.OMAll AIR DEVELOPMENT CEMTER: 10 April 1953

ESTIMATED COMPLETIOH DATE:_:::lS~Jun=e....:l:::9..::.53::..- _

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To obtain informtiOll on the free-night perforu.nce

and tra~ectory of the cluster during the launch froll

the carrier aircraft and durine; the helical glide.

PHASS OF DEVELOPKEHT=__Pha;;,;;;;.;.;,.se"--I _

REPORTS ISSUED DUIillfG THE MONTI! OF~ WHICH CONCEllH THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Report for week eooing 21 Apr 53, &-123 Cluster BaRb Test,

Veekl,y Test Status Report for week ending 28 4pr 53. &-123 Cluster Baab Test

10. 2

Agencies 1IIhi.ch are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsDlayapply to the Armed Services Technical Information Agency (45TU). Inorder to receive desired reports frOll! 45TU. the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receive suchinfol"llBt:l.on.

39

•

!!:2.1ect 1-123 Cluater BoaJb

REMARKS

Tblt 1-123 is a Glide ClU8ter .8oJW vlUck "dB dlllS1Ined to aiTlIl a two 'and

one-balf lIdle deviation to IIlitbllr side of t,Q1Il l1ae of fiillat of tbe carry1111:,

aircraft froll an altitude ot 30,000 [ ..t. lour Clutel's have been dropped

at HoUONn Air Development Center on the follow.iJl& dates: 20 April, 27 Apl'il j

29 April, and l.1, respectiftl;y. The first clutel' iBpacted approxiately

two and OIlNl-Aalt Mlle. south of tbIl ..\ircratt Aeadi.nl. and cOlllPleted a elide

path to t:Illl left of the aircraft -diIII: as planned. ThIll second cluster

operattld u plann~ for appraxilllatel;y 30 llecoDd8 alld then started to spiral.

Thill clutei' iIIlpacted approxilllatel1 OM Gd _-halt 1I1l.. south of the air­

craft f'llght path. TU third clutei' started to spiral imediately upon

leaving the carrier aircraft, at a rate of approxilla.tely five to six revolu­

tions per second, aDd contiDlllIId to elo so Il:I1til iJlpact. The clWlter iJlpacted

approxilllatelJ one lIIile IlOUth and _ JI1le ealllt of Tula Peak. The fourth

clWlter executed a right turn instead of a left turn as planned, and illlp&cted

in tile vicinity of 'l'ula Peak.

40

.,

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1923

PROJECT TITlIr.....:;MI-=l:;:;60.::;l=-- _

COJITRACTORr Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory. Inc.'

TIPB mICLEr A1r-to-A1r Hiosile

S'l'AR'l'INO D.l'1'l A.T HOI.I.<JWI AIR DEVELOPMENT CUTER, Februarll9!i3

ISTIKl'BD COMPLETION DA.Tlh__J..;;;ul;;ly~195=4 _

PllRPOOI OF PROJECT: To dt.termine the feasibUity of Jet Vane Launching

Control Spte1llS tor boJUiler launched air-to-air

missiles and to obtain design and pertonance data for

turther develoeent ot such Jet Vane Control 5pteJm.

PIlASI OF DEVELOHlEJlT r Phase I, Si.IlIple trajectory ot lidssUe &0lIl tixed

launcher. dllll!llj1 IllissUe lamebes fro. 1IO!ing sled,

and mesUe launches trOlll JIOving sled with pro-

grUliled turns through 9(lO or less.

REPORTS lSSmD DUIiIIIG THE MONTH OF A.PRIL WHIaI CONCERH THIS PROJECh-/loDS.

41-

II Project MX.-1601

,:,~- !!

LYe U "C; ~ ~.". ~

REMARKS

•

•J _

REPORT fOR TIlE MONTH OF APRIL 19$3

PIlO.JKCT TITLE: m::-l664, Cluster Bombs

CONTRACT<lh Cbellical Corp! - Copizant "encl-U' ArlIaJI8nt. center. 1«& .mrTYPK VEHIClE: Cluster BOIIbs: ~103, 1-115. and 1-89 cluster••

STARTING DATE AT HOLL<JW{ AIR lEVELOFMEll'l' CEN'lER: 31 March 1953

ESTIMATED COMPLETION UATE:_.;;;:15'-Ma;;;gy_l_9..:;.53"-- _

PUllPOSE OF PROJECT: To evaluate the perfol'lla11ce of a new family of chellical

bombs! including a .ulti-purpose cluster adapter and

and several unit bombs desi«ned to disselllinate various

chellical agents.

PlUSE OF lEVEWPMEHT:--::Pb"";,;;;;as~e;...::.I _

REPORTS ISSUED DURII«l TIlE MOllTH OF APRIL WHICH CONCERN THIS PROJECT:

Weekly Test Status Il8port for week ending 21 Apr 53. Test of Four E-ll5

Cluster Baabs. Weekll Test Status Il8port fer _k ending 28 Apr 53.

Agencies which are not on distribution to receive the above listed reportsllay apply to the Arlled Services Technical Informtion Agency (ASTU). Inorder to receive desired reports frOlll ASTU., the requesting agency shouldhave a definite need for such reports and should be eligible to receive suchinformation.

UNCL/1,SSIFIED

I..

~ect !II-1664. Cluster Bomb

REMARKS

lour of the 1-115 type cluster bolllbs 1I8l"e dropped on 15 April 1953•. A

DiBBioD lfaB scheduled for 17 April 1953, but 1fU cancelled becauae of pool"

weather. A mission scheduled for 20 April 1953 was cancelled by EdIlards Air

Force llaBe. A mission scheduled for 28 April 1953 1fU rescheduled fer

30 April because of a schedule confiict with Project IF-98j this DiBsion

finally lfaB cancelled by Edwards lli Force Base.

UNCLASSIFIED I LIMITED

[ This page is intentionally left blank. 1

UNCLASSIFIED I LIMITED

UNCLASSIFIED I LIMITED

To:

Requested By: KELLY AKERS, DTIC-RAttn: akers, Kelly

De£ Technical In£o Ctr (RlDTIC-R8725 John J KingMan Rd Ste 0944Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6218

Dist~ibut"dBy DTiCInformation For The Defense Community

UNCLASSIFIED I LIMITED 20080417147