The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance; The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974

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Chapter 1
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Soviet Myasishchev-4 bomber
(the Bison)
The Air Force Intelligence Systems Panel
Even before the publication of photographs of the Bison· raised fears
that the Soviet bomber force might eventually surpass that o f the
United States, the Air Force had already established a new advisory
body to look for ways to implement the main recommendation of the
BEACON HILL Report-the construction of high-flying aircraft and
high-acuity cameras. Created in July 1953, the Intelligence Systems
Panel (ISP) included several experts from the BEACON HILL Study
Group: Land, Overhage, Donovan, and Miller. At the request of the
Air Force, the CIA also participated in the panel, represent«!d by
Edward L. Allen of the Office of Research and Reports (ORR) and
Philip Strong of the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI).
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The chairman of the new panel was Dr. James G. Baker. a re­
search associate at the Harvard College Observatory. Baker had been
involved in aerial reconnaissance since 1940, when he first advised
the Army Air Corps on ways to improve its lenses. He then estab­
lished a full-scale optical laboratory at Harvard-the Hrnrvard
University Optical Research Laboratory-to produce high-quality
"' Mc:moram.lum for Rolxrt Amory. Jr.. Dt::puty Direclor. lnlelligence from Edward L .
Allen. Chief. Economic Research. ORR and Philip G. Strong. Chief. Operation:s Staff.
OSI. "Meeling of lhe Intelligence Systems Panc:l of th.: Scientific Advisory Board.
USAF:· 26 Augusl 1953. OSI (OSWR) records. job 80R-0l424. bo:< I (S).
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