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 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

U.S. intelligence agencies began using the AIL Information Systems 1540 Multi-Form light tables (MLT 1540s) in 1971 to analyze film returned from U-2s, SR-71s; CORONA, GAMBIT, and HEXAGON satellites; and other photoreconnaissance vehicles. The MLT 1540 improved upon previous light tables. It had motorized features, could handle up to four film rolls of various widths, and enabled analysts to view two rolls stereoscopically. The MLT 1540 also accomodated improved optics, including the Bausch and Lomb Zoom 240 stereoscope displayed here.

Light tables such as the MLT 1540 continued to be used into the 1980s to analyze film returned from satellites and aircraft. Despite the introduction of computerized systems in 1981 to process imagery returned digitally from photoreconnaissance satellites and aircraft, they were also used for over 20 years to analyze some digital imagery that was run off in hard copy because the computerized systems could not process all of it.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency transferred the MLT 1540 to the Museum in 2004.

 Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Photographic Manufacturer Cutler Hammer
 Dimensions Other: 4ft 2in. x 5ft 2in. x 2ft 6in. (127 x 157.48 x 76.2cm)
152.4 x 101.6cm (5ft x 3ft 4in.) (Approximate, cover, laid flat)
 Materials Metal, plastic, and glass
Cover: synthetic fabric
 Alternate Name Cutler-Hammer AIL 1540 Light Table Inventory Number A20050091000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.