CIA's NPIC Provides Secret Technical Support to Condon Committee for UFO Photo Analysis
On February 20, 1967, Condon and four team members visited the National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) for a briefing on photo-grammetry and analysis capabilities. A Secret clearance was declared. NPIC's work 'will not be identified as work accomplished by CIA.' Condon stated he had 'for the first time a scientific analysis of a UFO that would stand up to investigation.'
Background
The US Air Force contracted with the University of Colorado for a UFO study. USAF Brigadier General Edward Giller and physicist J. Thomas Ratchford monitored the project. General Giller established an informal liaison with the National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) and its Director, Arthur C. Lundahl, for technical services.
Secret Clearance
On February 20, 1967, Condon and four team members visited NPIC to familiarize the team with photogrammetric and photographic analysis capabilities. A clearance level of Secret was declared. 'Any work performed by NPIC to assist Dr. Condon in his investigation will not be identified as work accomplished by CIA.'
Photo Analysis
NPIC briefings covered: photogrammetry, microdensitometer and image analysis, isodensitometer experiments, and measuring instruments. Condon stated he had 'for the first time a scientific analysis of a UFO that would stand up to investigation.' The group was said to be very impressed.
Significance
Reveals secret CIA technical involvement in the supposedly independent Condon Committee study.