Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The Duplex was used in a secret U.S. Air Force project, code named Genetrix, in early 1956. Under the guise of a meteorological experiment, the Air Force launched more than 500 balloons to float over the Soviet Union. Few provided useful photographs. Many were shot down or landed in Soviet bloc countries. The high-altitude Lockheed U-2 took over this type of reconnaissance later that year. The Duplex was developed by the Boston University Optical Research Lab. Its two 6-inch metrogon lenses produced an overlapping field of view.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Photographic Physical Description 9 x 9in.; format framing camera with a 127mm (5-inch) lens; black anodized aluminum; 2 film supplies, photo cell device to turn camera on and off; designed by Boston University Optical Research Lab.-buorl. Dimensions 18 x 20 x 13 in. (45.7 x 50.8 x 33.0 cm)
 Materials OVERALL - ALUMINUM
 Inventory Number A19880400000 Credit Line Gift of Itek Optical Systems Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.