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

Text

This text came with the file. It may have mistakes. When the text and the image disagree, the image is right.

54
&ee1 et NOFOAN
Chapter 2
B camera .
operating time. Three of the seven B-camera frames provided stereo
coverage. The complex B cameras were engineered by Hycon's chief
designer, William McFadden.'"
James Baker's idea for the ultimate high-altitude camera wa:s the
C model that would have a 240-inch focal length. In December 1954,
he made preliminary designs for folding the optical path using three
mirrors, a prism, and an f/20.0 lens system. Before working ouIt the
details of this design, however, Baker flew to California in early
January 1955 to consult with Kelly Johnson about the weight and
space limitations of the U-2·s payload compartment. Despite eve~y ef­
fort to reduce the physical dimensions of the C camera, Baker ne,eded
an additional six inches of payload space to accommodate the bigger
lens. When he broached this subject to Johnson, the latter replied,
" Six more inches? I'd sell my grandmother for six more inches!I" ~
•·• Ibid.: Bakl!r interview (S),
'' Bakc:r intl!rvkw (S).