of the scientists and engineers engaged by the Air Force to assist in the ballistic missile program.

Space Technology Laboratories has been given the responsibility for the systems engineering associated with the ballistic missiles. They evaluate contractor proposals to insure that they are technically sound. They act as project managers to make sure that all the subsystems are compatible and will work together as a whole.

They provide technical direction to the whole ballistic missile program until it is turned over to the operating command.

While the greatest portion of the actual development is done by the missile contractors, Space Technology Laboratories does a small amount of applied research work aimed at general improvement of the program.

One million dollars are programed for Anser, Analytic Services, Inc. This is a study group operating directly in support of Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, for the purpose of assisting in the quick evaluation of development planning problems.

The research program:

(Chart 14 follows:)

CHART 14.-Department of the Air Force: Fiscal year 1961 research, development, test, and evaluation budget estimate

General WILSON. The research program, with two major subdivisions, represents the future potential of the Air Force to maintain its supremacy in weapons and equipment.

As you can see from the chart, we have tried to maintain a relatively constant level of effort to insure a steady flow of knowledge. This program is the result of constant screening to insure that the avenues of investigation are those that will be most beneficial to future weapon developments.

Our applied research effort is categorized into many areas of interest. These range from investigations of new types of materials to determinations of the human factors involved in future weapon sys

tems.

I would like to give you a few examples of the type of work that is being done.

METALS TO WITHSTAND HIGH TEMPERATURES

Military and civilian agencies have long been concerned with the lack of metallic materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures. Our portion of this coordinated program has been directed largely toward the refractory metals such as molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, and beryllium. These are of particular interest because of their strength at high temperatures.

A recently developed molybdenum alloy retained its high strength properties at 1,800° Fahrenheit for 100 hours. This was an initial step in the quest for a molybdenum alloy that will withstand temperatures in the 2,000° to 5,000° range.

Further studies and investigations in this area will be continued.

PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM FOR SATELLITES

One of the major limitations on the useful lifetime of a reconnaissance satellite is the supply of photographic film that can be carried. We are investigating new materials and techniques that will replace the conventional silver bromide photographic film. We are looking for a process that will not be affected by nuclear radiation, will be easily processed, have good sensitivity and resolution,

and be reusable.

During fiscal year 1961, we will continue investigating light sensitive dyes that have reversible properties, materials with photoelectron emission characteristics, and materials which deform when exposed to light.

If successful, we will have a photographic process that will increase the usefulness of our reconnaissance satellites.

Flights for prolonged periods above the level of 80,000 feet will require a sealed environment to sustain life. Since we cannot carry all needed materials, we must duplicate the earth's environment in a small space and with a minimum weight.

Our goal is a system which will independently perpetuate a breathable atmosphere, provide a source of food and water, reclaim wastes and harmful byproducts, and regulate temperature, pressure, and humidity.

Two major approaches are to be continued in fiscal year 1961. First, work is continuing on the chemical regeneration process. Using this method, we hope to recycle all the waste products and produce oxygen and water.

The other approach is to duplicate the normal biological process by including microscopic plants and one-cell animals in the sealed environment.

These would absorb the waste gases and, in turn, give off oxygen. Algae is being explored as a food source as well as a regeneration agent. Success in manned space flight depends upon the success achieved in our efforts in this area. These are but a few examples of the variety of projects on which we are working.

This next chart, chart 15, shows the funds that we have programed for our basic research program.

(Chart 15 follows:)

CHART 15.-Department of the Air Force: fiscal year 1961 R.D.T. & E. budget

BASIC RESEARCH PROGRAM

General WILSON. As you know, this program is aimed at providing fundamental knowledge that can be used in the development of combat weapons. Because of its basic nature, we have established six areas of interest to serve as a guide for the direction of our activities. This chart shows how we have divided the funds to place the emphasis on those areas where information is most needed.

All information obtained has value. Some, while not directly applicable, may keep us from investigating blind alleys in later, more expensive, programs. Other information can be used directly in developing new concepts. We have had many investigations that have given great promise for future applications. I will discuss two examples to acquaint you with the types of work being done in basic research.

MAGNETO HYDRODYNAMIC GENERATOR

One example of recent achievement is the first working model of a magneto hydrodynamic generator. Thermal energy was converted into electrical energy by directing an ionized gas into an electromagnetic field and successfully harnessing the resultant current flow. A nuclear heat source to ionize the gas may make this a practical engine to supply small amounts of power and thrust over longtime periods for use in space vehicles.

During World War II, a breakthrough into the 10,000 megacycle area made radar possible. We are now attempting to extend the useful electromagnetic frequency range into the infra-red and optical regions.

NOISE FREE AMPLIFIER OSCILLATOR

Professor Charles H. Townes of Columbia University is responsible for an entirely new, practically noise free amplifier oscillator known as Maser. He is now extending the principles of Maser into the infrared and optical frequency region with Air Force support.

This research shows great promise of success. It is expected to produce a major impact in many fields such as communications, detection, control, guidance, and related military and civilian uses where extreme sensitivity and high channel capacity are important.

These are but two of the projects being carried on in the basic research program to investigate ideas that may open up new avenues for weapon developments in future years. The scope of our program is exhibited by the fact that we have approximately 1,100 contracts covering work in the basic research area, all of them aimed at increasing knowledge in the area of Air Force interest.

COMMAND OPERATIONS

The costs of operating the research and development complex are identified in the major area of the management structure entitled "Command Operations." These funds pay for the expenses associated with the 10 major and 5 minor installations shown on this chart.

General WILSON. They pay for the administration of all our research and development contracts with industry, they pay for the in-house research performed, and for the engineering services required to keep our operating inventory modern and efficient. In fact, this program provides for all operating costs with the major exceptions of funds provided for central procurement, the military construction program, medical care, and the pay of military personnel, which are financed from other appropriations.

(Chart No. 17 follows:)

CHART 17.-Department of the Air Force: Fiscal year 1961 R.D.T. & E. budget

General WILSON. To give you a more precise understanding of these costs, the $390.7 million requested are divided into four major categories. The largest amount is for the pay of some 23,000 civil

ians necessary to help carry on the research and development performed by the Air Force. They aid in the administration of our technical contracts, they help manage the operation and they assist in the performance of the housekeeping duties necessary to the operation of our research and development establishment.

The funds necessary for the pay of the contractors who are operating certain of our major facilities rank next in order of magnitude. The $126.3 million are required to pay for the operation of the Atlantic Missile Range, the Arnold Engineering Development Center, the Eglin Gulf Test Range, the Trinidad radar, and several lesser sites. The major portion of these funds is used to pay the salaries of contractor-hired personnel.

The next item, "Supplies and equipment," includes local purchase, reimbursement to the Air Force stock fund for such expendables as fuels and lubricants, and procurement of nonstandard mission support equipment.

The last category consists of many and varied items. Specifically, such items as travel, communications, rents, utilities, printing, and contract maintenance of equipment and real estate are included.

This next chart shows this program for 3 fiscal years. This is the only major program area in the "Research, development, test, and evaluation" appropriation which shows an increase over fiscal year

1960.

(Chart No. 18 follows:)

CHART 18.-Department of the Air Force: Fiscal year 1961 R. D. T. & E.

General WILSON. Primarily, this increase is due to the fact that in fiscal year 1961 the appropriation will provide for support of the Headquarters, Air Research and Development Command, funded in past years from the operations and maintenance appropriation. Although we have absorbed additional requirements of over $22 million, our total program is only $9.8 million greater than last year. Continued belt tightening and improvement in our management efforts will be emphasized to keep the operation costs proportional to the technical effort being supported.

In conclusion, the program that I have presented today is different from previous programs largely by the addition of the large space projects. Just as we have progressed from manned aircraft to missiles, we are now confronted with a new and expanding field that dictates the type of developments that will predominate in future years. The transition cannot be made abruptly. Our program this year is continuing the development of those weapons that are urgently needed in our inventory. Our advanced developments are bridging the gap between the weapons required now and those needed for aerospace operation. Our applied and basic research program is oriented to extend our knowledge into the fields most needed for the development of future weapons.