The KA-99A, F-924 and KA-112A are members of the newest family of panoramic reconnaissance film cameras developed by Fairchild. Their focal lengths of 9, 24 and 72 inches, respectively, are appropriate for high acuity photographic systems operation over the complete range of photographic missions including low, medium and high altitude as well as long range standoff operations. The entire family is adaptable to both present and future aircraft. Configuration flexibility is a significant feature of these cameras. The optical barrel, which is a characteristic of the split-scan design, provides an ideal form factor for installation in both aircraft and pods. The KA-99A and F-924 are compatible with the TARPS pod, and the KA-1 12A is part of the Fairchild LO RAP camera/pod system which is adaptable to many aircraft. It is presently flying on the Mirage III. The KA-99A is being produced under contract with the U.S. Navy, while the F-924 was developed as a company-sponsored project. The KA-1 12A systems have been delivered to a foreign government. All of the cameras use the same 5-inch film cassette and have many common subassemblies and parts. The KA-99A and F-924 provide 180° scan across the line of flight, while the KA-112A scans through 30° from the horizon on either the port or starboard side. The F-924 also operates in selectable sector scan modes. All of the cameras incorporate automatic exposure control, forward motion compensation, and focus compensation.

Date Published: 1 August 1979
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 0175, Airborne Reconnaissance IV, (1 August 1979);

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0175:
Airborne Reconnaissance IV
Charles Haney; Donald Jarvis, Editor(s)