Difference between revisions of "Cuban Missile Crisis"
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==Photographic Interpretation== | ==Photographic Interpretation== | ||
After a U-2 Mission was flown, duplicates were made from the film taken. One set remained at the base for safekeeping, the other was flown to Washington D.C. to be analyzed. The film would then be delivered to an elite team of CIA photo interpreters, who worked primarily in a vacated automotive building, to remain unknown. Using different methods, the CIA was able to keep the Government informed on the type, range, and completion of the missile sites. | After a U-2 Mission was flown, duplicates were made from the film taken. One set remained at the base for safekeeping, the other was flown to Washington D.C. to be analyzed. The film would then be delivered to an elite team of CIA photo interpreters, who worked primarily in a vacated automotive building, to remain unknown. Using different methods, the CIA was able to keep the Government informed on the type, range, and completion of the missile sites. | ||
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==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
Revision as of 22:07, June 3, 2007
Overview
The Cuban Missile Crisis was one of the largest conflicts of the Cold War. Tension had been building between the Soviet Union, and The United States. In the past years, the USSR had been giving aid to the Cubans, who in turn were prepared to allow the Soviet Union to place nuclear missiles on their island. While the entire crisis lasted much longer, the "Thirteen Days" of October 15-28 was the most intense period of the crisis. [1]
Photography
At the time, satellite technology was in its infancy. The satellites in orbit were few, as well as incapable of aiding the United States in resolving the conflict. Photography was found to be helpful in determining the range, power, and completion of Soviet missiles. The challenge was being able to run a photographic mission above range of detection, and Surface-to-Air-Missile (SAM) range. Lockheed designer Kelly Johnson led a project to create a light, high altitude aircraft capable of carrying photographic equipment over hostile territory. The final aircraft was known as the U-2, or Utility 2.
New lens designs were needed to function adequately at these altitudes. Dr. James Baker was one of the contributers of lens designs to function at approximately 65,000-80,000 feet. Future enhancements enabled greater quality photos from the U-2s. [2]
Photographic Interpretation
After a U-2 Mission was flown, duplicates were made from the film taken. One set remained at the base for safekeeping, the other was flown to Washington D.C. to be analyzed. The film would then be delivered to an elite team of CIA photo interpreters, who worked primarily in a vacated automotive building, to remain unknown. Using different methods, the CIA was able to keep the Government informed on the type, range, and completion of the missile sites.
Further reading
- The Cuban Missile Crisis, Ray S. Cline, Foreign Affairs, Fall 1989.
- Thirteen Days - Robert F. Kennedy
- Eyeball To Eyeball - Dino Brugioni