NARA II
COLLEGE PARK, MD
RG 342
Entry P-26
Sarah Clark Central Decimal Correspondence
Box 3684
NND 917647
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Washington, D. C.
3 Aug 48
SUBJECT: Military Characteristics for Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft
TO: Deputy Chief of Staff, Materiel
1. The following characteristics for military aircraft are approved:
a. Type: Reconnaissance, Strategic, all-purpose.
b. Class: High altitude, very long range, high speed, land plane.
c. Mission: The mission of this aircraft will be to secure the maximum amount of air intelligence. It must be capable of carrying a normal operating crew extreme distances, at extreme altitudes, at speeds closely approaching the speed of sound.
d. Requirements:
(1) Performance (at design gross weight conditions less 1/2 fuel unless otherwise specified).
(a) Average speed for tactical operating radius: 435 knots.
(b) Range at designed gross weight: 6080 nautical miles.*
*(Note: Without refueling. External fuel may be used up to within 1500 nautical miles of radius.)
(c) Tactical operating altitude: 45,000.**
**(Note: To be attained at 1500 nautical miles from the target.)
(d) Rate of Climb: Consistent with speed and altitude capabilities.
(e) Take-off Distance: Maximum rolling distance will not exceed 6,400 feet based upon maximum operating weight (considering probable growth) under conditions of 100°F day at 3,000 feet elevation. If assist thrust is used to meet this requirement; the aircraft will be engineered to accept a permanent installation of-liquid propellant rocket engines.
(f) Landing distance (at maximum operating weight): Not to exceed the take-off run established in paragraph 1d. (1) (e).
(g) After minimum performance has been realized, further improvements in performance shall be emphasized in the following order of priority:
1. Altitude
2. Range
3. Speed
(2) Flying Characteristics
(a) A high degree of stability and controllability consistent with requirements for precision photography at high speed operation and maximum altitude is required.
(b) The airplane will have no peculiarly dangerous stall, flight, or landing characteristics.
(3) Crew Composition:
(a) The number of the crew will depend on the type of mission required and the installation of Group B parts.
(b) Provision will be made for all combinations of Group B installations to be effectively manned. (See paragraph (8) (a).) In no case will the crew exceed 12 personnel.
(c) Provisions for a minimum crew as follows is necessary:
1. Pilot
2. Co-Pilot
3. Radar-Navigator (2)
4. Radio Operator
5. Photographer
(4) Armament Minimums:
(a) Guns: None.
(b) Bombs: Provisions will be made for carrying an adequate number of photoflash bombs.
(5) Armor: Bullet-proof glass not required. Vulnerable portions of the power plant will be protected from fire equivalent to .50 caliber armor piercing ammunition, at a minimum distance of 350 yards.
(6) Cargo Capacity: Provisions will be made for carrying spare camera magazines during flight. Minimum space required for tie-down kits and first echelon maintenance essentials.
(7) Equipment:
(a) Communication: The latest types of equipment will be installed to adequately provide for air to air, air to ground, and inter-crew communication throughout the range of the aircraft.
(b) Navigation: Latest types of equipment and crew positions will be installed to enable efficient navigation under all weather conditions, throughout the range of the aircraft. This equipment shall include the latest types of bombing radar, and computer. Provisions for precision navigation to be made.
(c) Warning: The latest and most efficient type of tail warning installations will be made. The latest types of IFF equipment will be installed.
(d) Instruments: Sufficient instruments will be installed to enable all crew members to operate effectively day or night in all types of weather.
(e) Oxygen: The aircraft will have all crew compartments pressurized and equipped with oxygen in accordance with current materiel requirement directives.
(f) Anti-icing and de-icing will be provided.
(g) Photographic: (Reference current materiel requirement directives). Provisions will be made for the installation of the latest types of cameras, intervalometers, recorders, night illuminants, etc., necessary to enable the aircraft to perform any type of reconnaissance mission for which the aircraft is designed. (See paragraph (8)(a).) Provision will be made for necessary expendables such as film reels and magazines. Emphasis will be placed on the. installation of automatic recording and operation of equipment to permit crew reduction. The design of the airplane shall permit horizon to horizon photographic coverage without cutout from the wings or engines and without having to photograph through engine exhaust or variable air densities caused by air foil or other appendages.
(h) Emergency:
1. Escape: Provision will be made for a device to provide rapid deceleration from maximum cruise speeds. Ground and air escape hatches required. Emergency crew ejection in flight is required.
2. Gear and Flaps: Emergency operations of flaps and landing gear to be provided.
3. Salvo: Emergency salvo of bombs and externally carried loads will be provided.
(i) Lighting: Required for night operation.
(j) Crew Comfort: Maximum crew comfort possible under combat conditions is required.
(k) Other Equipment:
1. A meant of providing rapid deceleration from high speeds will be incorporated.
2. Automatic pilot will be installed.
(8) Structure and Design Features:
(a) General Arrangement: The aircraft will be designed, built, and fitted with sufficient Group A parts of the latest types of equipment to enable the craft to be dispatched on any of the following types of reconnaissance missions after appropriate Group B parts and crew positions have been installed.
1. Photographic Reconnaissance, to include, day and night target, strip, pinpoint, oblique, charting and mapping photography, radar scope photography, or
2. Electronic Reconnaissance, Frequency range to be covered should be from 0.2 mcs to 10,500 mcs. The function of this equipment is for intercept, analysis, direction finding, etc., or
3. Weather Reconnaissance, or
4. Combinations of the above missions.
Primary consideration will be given to installing Group A components of all the various equipments in such a manner that where practicable the installation of Group B parts may be made by service group personnel in a minimum time, allowing the aircraft to be sent on any of the above listed reconnaissance missions.
(b) It is desired that thorough consideration be given to including provisions for air-to-air refueling, or other possible means of increasing the altitude, range and speed.
(c) Ease of Maintenance and Service: Provisions are to be made for ready accessibility to internal areas of the airframe, wing structure, engine nacelles, and special equipment for simplified procedures of inspection and maintenance. Provisions are to be made for quick engine changes. Accessory equipment will be installed in a manner to allow rapid replacement of “package” units.
(d) Visibility: Maximum visibility consistent with design of aircraft is required for forward, downward, and rearward views.
(e) Reduction of Fire Hazards: A fuel cell purging system is desired. Heat and flame resistant features will be incorporated throughout the aircraft.
(f) Ditching: Provided the performance characteristics are not adversely affected, the aircraft will be capable of being ditched satisfactorily.
(g) Ground Handling: The aircraft will lend itself readily to conventional methods of ground handling.
(h) Other Specific Features: The aircraft will be designed to incorporate features necessary for mass production.
FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
/S/
LESLIE O. PETERSON
Colonel, USAF
Chief, Requirements Division
Directorate of Training & Requirements
