USS Long Beach Preliminary Studies

For later versions which include a Regulus Launcher I can see these Missiles / Cruise Missiles could use such a Continous Wave Illuminators but these earlier versions did not have any such long range anti ship/installation weaponry!
 
Next is the J-2 / J-4 variant because Friedman provided the sketch drawing for the J-2 but actual data for the J-4:
de8qi78-37a187ae-711b-4af5-bcf0-1cf0543b8c1e.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: Unknown I've used J-4's data: 202,4 (pp) 210,0m (oa) x 21,17 x 6,8m
Displacement: Unknown probably around 12.710tons (standard) 13.930tons (full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x1 5"/54 Mark 18 DP-Guns,
2x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
6x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
4x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)
 
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For what purpose were the additional illumination radars considered for? I thought Talos guidance was solely done by the SPW-2's?
 
Not known, they are present on all the SPS-32/33 equipped drawings.
If anybody could check somehow the BuShips notes and drawings at NARA, that might provide a clue.

And lastly what do an SPQ-2 Regulus director radar looks like?
 
For what purpose were the additional illumination radars considered for? I thought Talos guidance was solely done by the SPW-2's?

SPW-2 worked in conjunction with the SPG-49 target trackers, transmitting the beam that Talos rides on and receiving tracking data from the missile. I'm not sure SPW-2 is technically a radar; it's more of a datalink because it doesn't actually receive a reflected signal but rather a signal actively transmitted by the missile. That's how it gets away with being so small (much like the SPG-62 for AEGIS is also not technically a radar.)

I wonder if the separate illuminators were planned before they realized they could switch SPG-49 into CW illumination mode for terminal guidance.
 
For what purpose were the additional illumination radars considered for? I thought Talos guidance was solely done by the SPW-2's?

SPW-2 worked in conjunction with the SPG-49 target trackers, transmitting the beam that Talos rides on and receiving tracking data from the missile. I'm not sure SPW-2 is technically a radar; it's more of a datalink because it doesn't actually receive a reflected signal but rather a signal actively transmitted by the missile. That's how it gets away with being so small (much like the SPG-62 for AEGIS is also not technically a radar.)

I wonder if the separate illuminators were planned before they realized they could switch SPG-49 into CW illumination mode for terminal guidance.
Perhaps something todo with early computer or vacuum tube limitations?
 
I don't know the development history of the RIM-8 Talos but during the land based tests they might tested how would a different illuminator help the missile? But by this time the Galveston was undergoing modernization into CLG and she carried the usual SPG-49/SPW-2 sets.
Maybe these Continuous Wave Illuminators were auxuliary illuminators in case the large SPS-32/33 sets would interfere? On every sketch these illumination radars were above the SPS ones, out of their area of scan.
 
Also on this last J-2/J-4 design I've added a Mark 56 GFCS atop the blockhouse just under the forward CW Illuminator because I felt the ship required some forward arc facing Fire System, the official Mark 68 on the aft was blocked by the blockhouse
 
For what purpose were the additional illumination radars considered for? I thought Talos guidance was solely done by the SPW-2's?

SPW-2 worked in conjunction with the SPG-49 target trackers, transmitting the beam that Talos rides on and receiving tracking data from the missile. I'm not sure SPW-2 is technically a radar; it's more of a datalink because it doesn't actually receive a reflected signal but rather a signal actively transmitted by the missile. That's how it gets away with being so small (much like the SPG-62 for AEGIS is also not technically a radar.)

I wonder if the separate illuminators were planned before they realized they could switch SPG-49 into CW illumination mode for terminal guidance.
Perhaps something todo with early computer or vacuum tube limitations?

Or just how much they were willing to pack into one antenna mount. Looking at the Okieboat description of SPG-49, the CW illuminator was an almost entirely separate subsystem. In early development, it might well have made sense to keep it as a stand-alone antenna. The downside is that a separate illuminator would have required another set of controls/computers to keep it tracking correctly. The final solution allowed them to piggyback off the target tracking processes in SPG-49.

 
I might found the source of these mysterious CW illumination radars. In the previous article in Friedman's book there is a plan for Cleveland conversion with double ended Terrier installation. The drawing shows 4 radars per launcher and the description:
"Proposal for a double-ended Terrier CLG converted from a Cleveland-class light cruiser, dated 19 October 1956. The Terrier magazines at the ends are the eighty-missile, four-drum type that the Long Beach carried. Each is served by two SPQ-5A beam-rider guidance radars as well as two CW illuminators; the SPG-55 radar of later Terrier ships combined the guidance radar and illumimator functions."

1605509817914.png


Now the question arises that on ships which carried the SPQ-5 radars what sensor provided the CW Illumination?
USS Farragut, Dewey, Preble,
USS Boston, Canberra
USS Providence, Springfield, Topeka
 
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Excellent thread - as usual. I've been long intrigued by USS Long Beach. Hell of a terrific and powerful ship. Except the very ugly big squared superstructure.
 
I think the cube shaped bridge that gives her the unique look and thus captures the eyes of people. Plain cube bridge seems to be a last minute change as the other preliminaries shows octogonal shaped ones
 
I might found the source of these mysterious CW illumination radars. In the previous article in Friedman's book there is a plan for Cleveland conversion with double ended Terrier installation. The drawing shows 4 radars per launcher and the description:
"Proposal for a double-ended Terrier CLG converted from a Cleveland-class light cruiser, dated 19 October 1956. The Terrier magazines at the ends are the eighty-missile, four-drum type that the Long Beach carried. Each is served by two SPQ-5A beam-rider guidance radars as well as two CW illuminators; the SPG-55 radar of later Terrier ships combined the guidance radar and illumimator functions."


Now the question arises that on ships which carried the SPQ-5 radars what sensor provided the CW Illumination?
USS Farragut, Dewey, Preble,
USS Boston, Canberra
USS Providence, Springfield, Topeka

Possibly there wasn't one. When Terrier was initially fielded it was a beam-rider, which SPQ-5 provided on its own. When it switched to semi-active homing, CW illumination was added to SPG-55 (making it SPG-55B) and at least some ships with SPQ-5 were retrofitted with SPG-55.

This article mentions the standardization of Terrier ships on a standard Fire Control System. It doesn't mention specifically replacing SPQ-5 with SPG-55, but I know that happened on the DLGs. Not sure about the cruiser conversions.
TERRIER MODERNIZATION PROGRAM In the early 1960's, there were two versions of the TERRIER Fire Control System. One, the Mk 73, was characterized by a large AN/ SPQ-S Fire Control Radar that used a zone-plate lens antenna structure that was an adaptation of the TALOS AN/SPG-49. The other was the Mk 76 Fire Control System with a lightweight AN/SPG-SSB Fire Control Radar. When the semi active homing version of the TERRIER Missile was introduced, it was decided to standardize the fire control systems in 31 TERRIER ships. In 1968, the TERRIER Modernization Program saw its first ship, USS LEAHY, recommissioned. Concomitant with the standardization of the fire control system was the replacement of the three-dimensional search radar with the newer, more capable AN/ SPS-48 and the inclusion of the digital Naval Tactical Data System and its integral Mk 11 Weapon Direction System. By 1974, all TERRIER ships had a modernized, standard combat system configuration (Fig. 3).
 
But one question still remains that on the double Talos version the CW illuminators still remained...
 
But one question still remains that on the double Talos version the CW illuminators still remained...

The info I posted about SPS-49 on Oklahoma City was about CW illumination for Talos. As I said, I suspect the CW illumination for Talos was initially separate but later rolled into the SPS-49 unit. Terrier initially didn't have CW, but it was added in the switch to SPG-55B.
 
I see, I'm not familiar with radar. I know there are beam Rider missiles and none beam riders and the beam rider was not used nowadays?

Regarding the CW illum radars, does an SPG-51 sized dish could provide the range for the Talos?
 
Next is Design N-1 a rather large proposal with 3 missiles launchers and 2 guns!
de8ynyy-58d34cd8-ab38-4565-8e0b-53708af0250a.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: Unknown, based on the scaling of the sketch: 228,4 (wl) x 235,75 (oa) x 21,2 x 6,75m
Displacement: Unknown
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x1 5"/54 Mark 18 DP-Guns,
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
5x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x Mark 68 GFCS
1x Mark 56 GFCS
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)
 
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Next is the O variant introducing the RIM-24 Tartar into the missile mix:
de94gyx-2afcbcd0-d9a0-4242-8d43-90d9c31dde60.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: Unknown, based on the scaling of the sketch: 213,85 (wl) x 221,75 (oa) x 22,3 x 6,75m
Displacement: Unknown
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x1 5"/54 Mark 18 DP-Guns,
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
1x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
3x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
6x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x Mark 68 GFCS
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)
 
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Heh, the missile it's missing is Regulus. Is the 5"/56 gun another paper project as well?
 
Not missing, Regulus only envisioned for the U series and beyond.
Why should it be a never-were design gun???
The 5"/56 Mark 18 guns was used extensively by the USN, the West German Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Spanish Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, with some of them still in service today!
 
A typo error, nobody seems to notice.
Fixed them in the previous posts.
 
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Check the first post to see the what is coming
 
And now the second Tartar equipped version, P-1:
de98uoy-5b2a17a6-df3d-42fc-93f8-1db892d7b953.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 202,4 (pp) 210,0m (oa) x 20,94 x 6,74m
Displacement: 12.450ton (Standard), 13.490tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)
 
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Following is the Q variant which clearly shows the typical cost saving measures as it is basically the E version shortened and the forward Terrier launcher got replaced by two twin Tartars.
de9cyvs-0181dcfe-25b9-4f50-9651-ce482d395afb.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,7m
Displacement: 10.710ton (Standard), 11.700tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)
 
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Next is a further cost reduced scheme, R-1 with only a Talos and Tartar launcher next to the usual ASW torpedo tubes and RAT launcher:
de9gyib-b56c6a71-fad6-49cd-bd51-9c0fe286a65d.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,7m
Displacement: 10.640ton (Standard), 11.590tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
1x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
3x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
2x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
5x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)
 
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So far the smallest design to carry the SPS-32/33 set:
de9l4dm-f54e3813-5d86-422e-a6a0-ae67e38d2a01.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 170,7 (pp) 176,78m (oa) x 17,68 x 6,5m
Displacement: 8.850ton (Standard), 9.590tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
1x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
3x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)
 
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The S-1 could well have served as the basis for a dedicated high-end convoy escort. Great drawings as always, Tzoli!
 
There will be an even smaller one a 170,7m long but that will be a CONAG style I presume 40.000shp Nuclear and 40.000shp Gas Turbine. Maybe the first proposal in the USN with Gas Turbine propulsion?
 
Continue of the line or more like the ABC, design T-1, a Terrier double Tartar variant:
de9pee8-615c4ef1-c8c1-43ef-aed2-573c6c665429.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 176,78 (pp) 182,88m (oa) x 17,98 x 6,5m
Displacement: 9.150ton (Standard), 9.890tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-2 Terrier SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
1x SPS-10 - Surface-Search Radar
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
2x SPQ-5 - Terrier Illumination/tracking radars
7x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x ECM (Atop the blockhouse)
 
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The preliminary table shows that the Long Beach was envisioned (after a decision) to carry Regulus I missiles, though some artist impressions shows Regulus II. Now Long Beach as finished was stated to have foundations for Polaris missiles. My question is was Long Beach as laid down had space allocated for Regulus II launcher and storage which was later changed to Polaris when the Regulus program terminated? And what does this Polaris foundation means structurally?
Artist%27s_impression_of_a_Polaris_ballistic_missile_launch_from_USS_Long_Beach_%28CGN-9%29%2C_1961.png

missiles-and-rockets-feb-61-polaris-long-beach.jpg

Note that what appears to be Terriers on each side of the bridge structure!

And am I guessing correctly that Long Beach laid down with Regulus II in mind but shortly after construction started this was changed to Polaris?
 
The preliminary table shows that the Long Beach was envisioned (after a decision) to carry Regulus I missiles, though some artist impressions shows Regulus II. Now Long Beach as finished was stated to have foundations for Polaris missiles. My question is was Long Beach as laid down had space allocated for Regulus II launcher and storage which was later changed to Polaris when the Regulus program terminated? And what does this Polaris foundation means structurally?
Artist%27s_impression_of_a_Polaris_ballistic_missile_launch_from_USS_Long_Beach_%28CGN-9%29%2C_1961.png

missiles-and-rockets-feb-61-polaris-long-beach.jpg

Note that what appears to be Terriers on each side of the bridge structure!

And am I guessing correctly that Long Beach laid down with Regulus II in mind but shortly after construction started this was changed to Polaris?
There was never a change to Polaris in construction terms, the weapon was proposed but never implemented. The space for Regulus was left unused during construction, as the Navy had already ceased buying the missile and were moving to Polaris on their subs, but I've never seen any indication of actual work done to prepare her for the A-1. They were considering various options to be implemented in a refit when President Kennedy made the decision for them.
 
Nice find, will halp with a bit of the modernized/refitted Long Beach, I see they completly removed the Talos Launcher even it's loader doors as well!
 
The largest proposal and the first to be armed with Regulus missiles, U-1:
de9xcxu-98ccb67b-d1b8-4c36-9aa3-6322850c5cbd.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 219,46 (pp) 228,6m (oa) x 22,55 x 7,53m
Displacement: 18.280ton (Standard), 20.000tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
4x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
8x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking Radars
4x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking Radars
4x SPW-2 - Talos guidance Radars
2x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radars
4x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)
 
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Trying to search on the net for new info on Long Beach The modeller Company Revell (I always thought it was Ravel! ) shows a Regulus II equipped Long Beach in place of the ASROC and no ASW equipment at all:

I the rubber boats stowage location aren't the best as I think the Regulus would burn them to a crisp when fired! Not to mention you need a crane to put the Regulus II on it's launcher from below it's the Hanger. I know it's a Modeller Company's drawing, still it is rare to find such artist impressions.
 
Following design is V-1, the Regulus variant of P-1:
de98uoy-5b2a17a6-df3d-42fc-93f8-1db892d7b953.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 202,4 (pp) 210m (oa) x 21,18 x 6,83m
Displacement: 12.760ton (Standard), 13.970tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
2x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking radars
4x SPW-2 - Talos guidance radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x TACAN - TACtical Air Navigation System
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)
 
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Next is Design W-1 the Regulus version of Q-1:
dea60ww-044d6af7-1180-4df0-bad6-1beac6db2dad.png


The design had these characteristics:
Dimensions: 182,88 (pp) 190,5m (oa) x 19,87 x 6,74m
Displacement: 10.770ton (Standard), 11.810tons (Full load)
Engines: 80.000shp Westinghouse C1W Nuclear Reactors, 2 shafts
Speed: 59km/h (32knots)
Armaments:
1x2 RIM-8 Talos SAM,
2x2 RIM-24 Tartar SAM,
1x1 RGM-6 Regulus I CruM
1x2 RAT Launcher,
2x3 324mm Torpedo Tubes

Sensors:
4x SPS-32 - Air-Search Radar
4x SPS-33 - Height Finder Radar
1x SPS-53 - Surface-Search/Navigational Radar
4x SPG-51 - Tartar Illumination/tracking Radars
2x SPG-49 - Talos Illumination/tracking Radars
2x SPW-2 - Talos guidance Radars
2x SPQ-2 - Regulus Guidance Radars
2x Illuminator Radars (I've chosen SPG-51 like ones)
1x Radio Star Tracker Dome containing a Transit satellite navigation receiver antenna (Early version of the Global Positioning System)
 
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