Antiproton annihilation propulsion is highlighted as a major new form of propulsion that has moved from science fiction to serious scientific and engineering investigation. The use of antiprotons as the form of antimatter is crucial for propulsion, as the annihilation of antiprotons with protons can efficiently convert rest mass into energy​​.

The report discusses the application of antiproton annihilation to propulsion, explaining how charged ions resulting from the annihilation can be collected in a thrust chamber and used to produce thrust. It also notes that antimatter must be artificially created and requires significantly more energy to produce than can be extracted from the annihilation process​​.

The process of making antiprotons is described, involving high-energy proton beams striking a metal target to generate antiprotons, which are then separated and directed into a storage ring​​. Storing antimatter involves capturing antiprotons in electromagnetic traps, with efforts underway to capture larger quantities and develop more compact storage methods​​.

Antimatter engines are discussed, with the potential use of antihydrogen microcrystals as a highly efficient propulsion fuel. The report highlights the need for further research and development in this area, including the design of rocket engines that utilize antimatter​​.

Future plans for antiproton annihilation propulsion are outlined, with recommendations for new programs and research initiatives to advance the technology and explore its potential for space propulsion​​.

Beamed power propulsion is also explored as an alternative to traditional rocket propulsion. This concept involves using an external energy source to propel a spacecraft, potentially offering significant advantages in terms of efficiency and performance​​.

Other advanced propulsion concepts investigated include metallic hydrogen as a high-energy rocket fuel, tether space transportation systems, and unconventional applications of solar sails. These studies aim to expand the range of options for future space missions and enhance propulsion capabilities​​.

The report concludes with a discussion on the potential of solar sails for unconventional missions, highlighting the historical development of the concept and the principles behind solar sailing​​.

 Advanced Space Propulsion Study – Antiproton and Beamed Power Propulsion, October 1987 [215 Pages, 11.62MB]

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The post Advanced Space Propulsion Study – Antiproton and Beamed Power Propulsion, October 1987 first appeared on The Black Vault.

The follow It is written as a Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) publication, authored by Lieutenant Colonel Karl E. Nell, explores the complex history and strategic development of the “hearts-and-minds” concept in counterinsurgency (COIN) warfare.

Initially conceptualized by British Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templer during the 1952 Malayan Emergency to address a communist guerrilla insurgency, this approach has evolved to become a pivotal aspect of modern COIN doctrine, notably influenced by General David Petraeus’s application during the 2007 Iraq surge. The study thoroughly examines the concept’s colonial origins, its transformation during the Cold War, its misinterpretations in Vietnam, and its recent applications in post-9/11 conflicts, underscoring its progression from a tactical method to a broader commitment in irregular warfare.

The monograph delves into the colonial context and the strategic methodologies employed during imperialism. Despite their ethnocentric and coercive nature, these imperial strategies, as seen in France’s “pacification” campaigns in Sudan and Madagascar and the British tactics during the Second Boer War, laid the early foundations for the hearts-and-minds strategy. These powers demonstrated a fusion of coercive and conciliatory tactics that would later influence modern COIN approaches.

A significant focus is placed on the Malayan Emergency, where the British, under Sir Gerald Templer, aimed to sever communist forces from their support base. Templer’s strategy skillfully combined conciliatory and coercive measures, targeting the full spectrum of human psychology by blending emotional appeals with rational decision-making. This period marked the first explicit modern invocation of the hearts-and-minds maxim.

The Vietnam War era is critically examined, highlighting the U.S. military’s deviation from the hearts-and-minds approach. The U.S. Army’s preference for conventional warfare and an enemy-centric strategy led to significant challenges in Vietnam. This period of military history, particularly the introspection following the Vietnam War, set the stage for a shift towards information-centric, combined-arms warfare, as exemplified in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

The document also addresses the relevance of hearts-and-minds strategies in more recent conflicts, such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It underscores the importance of understanding the complexities of modern conflicts and adopting a blend of conciliatory and coercive strategies. However, the challenges in achieving lasting success are noted, highlighting the necessity for an exceptional commitment in terms of time, resources, and personnel.

Nell’s monograph provides an analysis of the evolution and contemporary application of the hearts-and-minds strategy in COIN operations. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that synergizes both conciliatory and coercive elements, supported by a profound commitment to the objectives of the mission.

Document Archive

Hearts-and-Minds: A Strategy of Conciliation, Coercion, or Commitment? by Lt. Col. Karl E. Nell [61 Pages, 3.5MB]

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The post Hearts-and-Minds: A Strategy of Conciliation, Coercion, or Commitment? by Lt. Col. Karl E. Nell first appeared on The Black Vault.

From the abstract of the report:

“Laser propulsion is the production of high specific impulse rocket thrust using a high-energy laser as a remote power source. Specific impulses in excess of 1000 sec are achievable because propellant temperatures are very high and low molecular weight gases can be used. This report highlights the research status of the fourth year of AFOSR sponsored work for converting the laser energy, and reports the results of ongoing experiments using laser sustained plasmas as the conversion mechanism. Major new findings from our spectroscopic techniques to diagnose the laser-sustained plasmas are also reported. The results indicate that it is possible to absorb almost all of the laser energy in the plasma, but that more effective ways are required to assure that the thermal energy of the gases flowing around and through the plasma(s) can approach efficiencies exceeding 50 percent.”

The below document was obtained from the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) through FOIA Case 2019-3.

Document Archive

Laser-Sustained Plasmas for Application to Rocket Propulsion, April 1987 [149 Pages, 10MB]

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The post Laser-Sustained Plasmas for Application to Rocket Propulsion, April 1987 first appeared on The Black Vault.

The Central Information Reference and Control On – Line (CIRCOL) System is a computer -based document reference retrieval system maintained by the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) in support of Scientific / Technical intelligence pro duction . CIRCOL System performance was analyzed by systematically studying the effects of twelve primary factors on search response time.

Document Archive

Optimization of Retrieval Techniques and File Structures for the CIRCOL (Central Information Reference and Control Online System), February 1974 [157 Pages, 45.5MB]

The post Optimization of Retrieval Techniques and File Structures for the CIRCOL (Central Information Reference and Control Online System), February 1974 first appeared on The Black Vault.

The general objective of this research program is to investigate methods for achieving laser action at wavelengths less than 3000 A. Two techniques are investigated which are applicable to short wavelength laser action. The first is two-step laser action. The second is a tunable Cerenkov laser. These research projects are described.

Document Archive

Methods For Obtaining Laser Action At Wavelengths Shorter Than 3000 A, June 1972 [55 Pages, 16.5MB]

The post Methods For Obtaining Laser Action At Wavelengths Shorter Than 3000 A, June 1972 first appeared on The Black Vault.

Pandemic influenza has had an impact on militaries and societies in the past, and will again, because the virus remains endemic worldwide and mutates rapidly, negating human immunity. Based on the lessons from the 1918 pandemic and the US National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, the Department of Defense (DOD) should expand its implementation plan in order to enforce containment of a future pandemic and respond to humanitarian assistance needs of partner nations.

Document Archive

Lessons from the 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Using Historical Examples to Inform the Department of Defense’s Response to the Next Pandemic, 2013 [43 Pages, 1MB]

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The post Lessons from the 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Using Historical Examples to Inform the Department of Defense’s Response to the Next Pandemic, 2013 first appeared on The Black Vault.

Research in support of the NWC weather modification program; Progress in engineering weather modification experiments by computer modelling; Project STORMFURY operations-1967; Flight studies of glaciation in clouds at -4 to -6C; Office of Naval Research program in weather modification.

Document Archive

 A Summary of the U.S. Navy Program and FY 1967 Progress in Weather Modification and Control, 1967 [19 Pages, 2.6MB]

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The post A Summary of the U.S. Navy Program and FY 1967 Progress in Weather Modification and Control, 1967 first appeared on The Black Vault.

According to the document:

“This Phase I effort was intended to explore the Biefield-Brown effect, which allegedly converts electrostatic energy into a propulsive force. Activities under this program emphasized the experimental exploration of this electrostatic thrust-generation concept to verify its existence, to verify its operation in a vacuum, and to establish the magnitude of its thrust. To meet these goals an overall laboratory test configuration was designed and developed for quantifying the electrostatically induced propulsive forces on selected experimental devices.

This configuration utilized a vacuum chamber with a torsion fiber type measurement system for direct assessment of propulsive forces. Geometrical symmetries were incorporated in the design to minimize the influence of reaction forces which can arise from nearby bodies, including the walls of the vacuum chamber itself. Tests were conducted at atmospheric pressure and over a range of partial vacuum conditions. Direct experimental results indicate that when an electrostatic potential difference is applied between asymmetrical electrodes of an all metal test device, a residual propulsive force is generated and acts on the device. This residual force acts in the opposite direction to electrical wind forces and to the forces claimed to have been measured in a vacuum by T.T. Brown.”

Document Archive

 21st Century Propulsion Concept, April 1988 (Veritay Technology, Inc.) [73 Pages, 3.7MB]

https://documents.theblackvault.com/documents/dtic/a197537.pdf

The post 21st Century Propulsion Concept, April 1988 (Veritay Technology, Inc.) first appeared on The Black Vault.

Explanation and prediction of military R&D in the USSR requires consideration of the system as a whole. Only in context can one make sense of the array of specific strengths and weaknesses found in any undertaking as complex as the way a country acquires its weapons. Although it may approach being a cliche to note the existence of national assymetries and the problems they introduce into analysis, nevertheless they are only infrequently taken into account. In this paper the author is concerned explicitly with how Soviet institutions, constraints, incentives, and values influence the process of Soviet weapons design. The central theme is that these processes strongly affect outcomes over the medium term future.

The Document

 The Process of Soviet Weapons Design, March 1978 [45 Pages, 5.9MB]

https://documents.theblackvault.com/documents/dtic/2011-43.pdf

The post The Process of Soviet Weapons Design, March 1978 first appeared on The Black Vault.

Remarks on dissent in the Armed Forces in relation to dissent in American Society.

In Armed Forces, dissent takes on a different garb because of the code of conduct expected of personnel.  Dissent has primarily manifested itself in the following areas: Underground newspapers, Off-post gathering places, servicemen’s Organizations; on and Off post demonstration and grievances.

DOD has provided adequate guidance for coping with dissent once identified.

Dissent Within the Armed Forces, December 1970

 [14 Pages, 1.7MB]

https://documents.theblackvault.com/documents/dtic/DissentWithintheArmedForces.pdf

The post Dissent Within the Armed Forces, December 1970 first appeared on The Black Vault.

Operation Dew took place from 1951-1952 off the southeast coast of the United States, including near Georgia, and North and South Carolina. Operation Dew consisted of two sets of trials, Dew I and Dew II.

The tests involved the release of 250 pounds (110 kg) of fluorescent particles from a minesweeper off the coast. Operation Dew I was described in a U.S. Army report known as “Dugway Special Report 162”, dated August 1, 1952.

The purpose of Operation Dew was to study the behavior of aerosol-released biological agents.

More FOIA requests are open to give more background on this project. I will update this page when they come in.

Declassified Documents

 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TIMES OF ARRIVAL OF CLOUD, PEAK RECOVERY AND CESSATION FOR OPERATION DEW II  [25 Pages, 2.7MB]

The post Operation Dew – Aerosol Released Biological Agent Tests, 1950s first appeared on The Black Vault.

According to the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC), this is their mission statement:

The Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) has served the information needs of the Defense community for more than 70 years. DTIC reports to the Assistant Secretary of Defense For Research and Engineering ASD(RE).

Our mission is to provide essential, technical research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) information rapidly, accurately and reliably to support our DoD customers’ needs.

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you are able to request “report bibliographies” – a listing of all reports that DTIC has in their system, which pertain to a certain keyword.

You can also request searches of other fields, like author, subject, abstract or even the current classification.

In July of 2016, I requested a list of all documents within DTIC databases, that were still marked as classified, and dated 1952 or earlier.

Download the Documents

Please note: The PDF below, has bookmarks for the different indexes, by year (or grouping). They were maintained when I converted this to a full .pdf to ensure you can quickly scan through this large document.

 Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) Classified Report List – Dated 1952 and Prior [4,128 Pages, 20.1MB]

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Obtaining Documents on this List

Want a document listed on this list above? You will need to file a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) for the record, by contacting DTIC via the following:

The DTIC FOIA Requester Service Center is the initial point of contact for FOIA requesters to submit requests and receive status updates or other information regarding their requests being processed at DTIC. Initial FOIA requests may be submitted by postal mail at the mailing address below, sending email to foia@dtic.mil, or by FAX at (703) 767-9201.

Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC-R)
ATTN: FOIA Requester Service Center
8725 John J. Kingman Road
Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060-6218Phone: (703) 767-9204
FAX: (703) 767-9201

Comment below on what you find interesting! Not sure how to file a FOIA REQUEST or MDR?  I will do it for you! Just let me know what you’re looking for.

The post Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) Classified Report List – Dated 1952 and Prior first appeared on The Black Vault.

Abstract

As the leader of the DoD’s scientific and technical information (STINFO) program, DTIC has the responsibility to develop, coordinate and enable a strong STINFO program for the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)) and the DoD Scientific & Technical (S&T) enterprise. Our aim is to maximize the availability and use of technical information and products resulting from defense-funded technical activities while ensuring restrictions in national security, export control and intellectual property rights are safeguarded.

It is DoD policy to establish and maintain a coordinated and comprehensive program to document the results and outcomes of DoD-sponsored and performed research and engineering (R&E) studies and to provide access to those efforts in an effective manner. In the 21st Century, supporting the S&T and RDT&E communities will require that we integrate, more than ever, our collections with databases, information links and the latest information technology, no matter the source. Our customers, from individual researchers to acquisition professionals, will be able to quickly fuse information into the most complete picture needed in a matter of minutes to hours; not days to months.

W. Brian Arthur wrote: “Technology springs from three sources: (1) technology that already exists and can be recombined in new ways to create new technologies, (2) technologies that spring from basic research breakthroughs, and (3) technology that is required to support the new technologies emerging from the previous two methods.”

DTIC’s rich collections contain the technologies that are known; DTIC is the information repository from which new technologies arise. We are moving rapidly to create the DTIC Information Cloud, combining the best elements of Web 2.0 capabilities enhanced with the superb collections in DTIC’s repository to create one integrated information space, improving the DoD’s RDT&E capabilities, reducing costs, reducing development timelines and fielding solutions more quickly. The DTIC Information Cloud will help DoD researchers and acquisition professionals find people, build communities, ask questions, search topics, collaborate, share knowledge of needs and capabilities to facilitate solutions for our warfighters.

As DTIC leads the department’s STINFO program, we will be the hub of DoD S&T information interchanges, empowering innovators with greater efficiency, effectiveness, and agility by accelerating the delivery of warfighting technology.

We are fully committed to achieving the strategic goals outlined in this plan and urge you to partner with us.

Download the Document

 Defense Technical Information Center Strategic Plan, 2011-2016 [31 Pages, 1.7MB]

https://documents.theblackvault.com/documents/dtic/dtic_strategic_plan_2011_2016.pdf

The post Defense Technical Information Center Strategic Plan, 2011-2016 first appeared on The Black Vault.