The CIA’s Secret Plan for Aerial Recon Using Spy Cameras on Birds

A 1975 CIA memorandum titled “Bird Camera Program” outlines a classified push to develop and test miniature surveillance cameras mounted on birds.

This was part of a broader effort to achieve low-altitude photography over sensitive sites without using traditional aircraft or satellites.

The goal: train birds to fly photographic reconnaissance missions with pinpoint targeting and return capability.

🎥 Upgraded Optics for Winged Agents

Early tests showed that existing bird-mounted cameras suffered from poor image quality due to slow shutter speeds.

The CIA decided to:

• Upgrade camera shutters to operate faster and avoid motion blur.

• Use external battery packs for more consistent power delivery.

• Develop new lenses with wider apertures to capture clearer images at speed.

Two modified cameras were scheduled for mid-January 1976 test flights. The plan included photographing Air Force resolution charts to calibrate the relationship between bird flight patterns and image clarity.

✈️ Simulated Test Flights

The tests were structured to reflect mission conditions as closely as possible:

• Cameras mounted to trained birds would fly over simulated target areas.

• Birds would wear new aerodynamic harnesses and redesigned camera fairings.

• The entire system was expected to capture up to 180 photos over three minutes, using 16mm film.

This would create a strip of overlapping images for ground analysis-similar to traditional aerial mapping.

🔧 Tech Development Timeline

To meet their deadlines, the program outlined key deliverables:

• Build and test new low F-number lenses

• Design and manufacture harnesses and camera housings

• Procure film cassettes and batteries

• Conduct mechanical shake tests and resolution tests

• Perform flight analog simulations to mimic real-world conditions

All components were scheduled for delivery and review by April 1976.

🎞️ Operational Planning

The memo suggested securing a support contract of $30,000 for materials, testing, and rapid film processing.

The film would be loaded and handled in a clean room, to prevent contamination or camera jamming.

High-speed development was essential: movie cameras were recommended to document both ground and flight tests for later analysis.

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