ad. AFOAT-1 is in a good position at the present time
to record data pertaining to long range detonation. of
high altitude shots due to the fact that they have installed additional stations for REDWING.
e. The safety aspects of the operationcouldnotbe.
fullyexploredin the time avallable.a
|However,all ofthese ‘safety—
Peaturesaresubject tosome probability of malfunctio
n,
and due to modification of the standard warhead which is
required, the probability of premature detonation or other
malfunction is not known at this time.
In view of this |
it has not been determined whether remote launching of
the missile would be required. No estimate has been made
of the extent to which personnel and ships would have to >
_ be removed from the (lunching point.
f. The additional shot most probably would necessitate
a longer operation REDWING and would divert somewhat the energies of personnel now there to this new activity.
@. If the test is deferred to a post REDWING date, more
time would be available for a thorough and systematic
approach to the experiment and greater benefit would be
derived therefrom.
Moreover, a complete series of high
altitude tests could be planned and implemented. In this
connection, it should be pointed out that this one shot
in REDWING would not rule out other high altitude shots
at a later date.
9. In view of all the above I do not believe we have
justification for recommending this added shot in REDWING
but
should consider it (and other high altitude shots) for later
scheduled {or possibly special) tests.
I intend to proceed on
this basis but desire to inform the Commission of the facts and
contemplated course of action.
If the shot need be added,
full-scale preparatory work would have to begin immediately.
eRe A PIES
EE
veie TAREE TE
J 12666, Seo. Be
1d91 Rodis ®
en’,At,Ae__
Date PAS
dS