April 10, 1978

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Special Series: Israeli Avionics

New Capabilities Building Rapidly

Fledgling industry catapulted by war, foreign embargoes into advanced in-country research and development skills

By Philip J. Klass11 min

Aeronautical Engineering

Rolls Seeks Rb.211-535 Commitments

Derby, England—Rolls-Royce development program for the reduced thrust RB.211-535 version of the basic RB.211 turbofan engine is aiming for a full-scale engine run on a test stand early in 1979, but the engine’s ultimate future is keyed directly to its selection by a major airframe manufacturer and airline purchases of the aircraft it powers.

By David A. Brown9 min

Space Technology

Nasa Considers Supersonic Research

Washington—National Aeronautics and Space Administration is considering development of a subscale, supersonic transport-oriented research aircraft in the 75,000-lb. class that would help validate concepts supporting any future U. S. operational supersonic transport development.

By Craig Covault7 min

Air Transport

British Back Pan Am L-1011 Buy

New York—Guarantee by the British export credit department of 100% of the financing for a $500-million order from Pan American World Airways for 12 Rolls-Roycepowered Lockheed L-1011-500 transports helped to tip the balance in a competition with two Boeing 747 versions and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30.

By William H. Gregory6 min

Management

Defense Dept. Streamlining Under Way

Washington—Defense Secretary Harold Brown will move later this month to streamline the Pentagon’s civilian management. Five top level positions will be eliminated in the shakeup. Management jobs being eliminated are: Two assistant secretaries of Defense.

By Slava W. Harlamor6 min

Editorial

Challenge to the Navy—2

The key finding of the Sea-Based Air Platform Assessment is that sea-based tactical aviation will continue to play a major role in virtually all military scenarios. The study found that no single platform—from the recently commissioned CVN Eisenhower down to an air-capable modification of the Spruance class destroyer—is likely to be the best system in all cases.

April 31978

April 171978

April 10, 1978

April 10, 1978