March 5, 1956

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AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Soviet Vertical Flight Designs Keep Pace with West

The onset of the first World War and the subsequent revolution in Russia eliminated helicopter development during this period. The Russian aircraft industry had been small in comparison with other nations. To the beginning of 1917, the year of the revolution, Russia built about 2,000 planes and less than 600 engines.

By Eugene K. Liberatore13 min

EDITORIAL

True Perspective on the Aircraft Industry

What I have to say really applies to the entire industry, but I don’t purport to speak for the industry. I am speaking only for the Boeing Co. Let’s look at the background for just a moment. We know the Russians have nuclear weapons. We feel, and I believe it is generally recognized, that our security depends on our ability to retaliate.

MANAGEMENT

Letters

Proprietary Data Sting The letter written by Mr. T. E. Bissell in the February 27 AVIATION WEEK shows what conclusion any intelligent, honest person would draw as to the present Government Proprietary Data policy, namely, that the terms of the contract between the Government and the contractor determines the policy.

PRODUCTION

Usaf Conversions Mean Big Business

Birmingham, Ala.—Hayes Aircraft Corp., well under way on its contract to convert Boeing B-50 bombers into KB-50 three-point refueling tankers for the Tactical Air Command, is confident it has found a new opportunity in the aircraft business.

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

P6m Airframe Built with New Approach

Baltimore—The unique airframe of the Martin XP6M SeaMaster was built with a new approach to experimental aircraft production. The result: A 25% cost saving over usual construction methods. The second prototype SeaMaster is now nearing completion at the Martin Baltimore plant.

EQUIPMENT

Dc-8 to Get Integrated Flight Package

Elmhurst, N. Y.—A new flight instrument package, called the Integrated Flight Instrument System (IFIS), has just been chosen by Douglas Aircraft Co. for its DC-8 jet transports. Now in prototype production at Kollsman Instrument Corp., IFIS has also been ordered by at least two airlines for their new jets, AVIATION WEEK has learned.

By George L. Christian5 min

AVIONICS

Douglas Will Favor Low-power Avionics

Avionics engineers and manufacturers are being offered an attractive financial incentive to reduce the electrical power consumption of equipment designed for high-speed military aircraft. Douglas Aircraft Co. studies show that every single watt of electrical power consumed by avionic equipment in military aircraft now under design increases airframe costs by nearly $20.

By Philip J. Klass5 min

Industry Report on Salaries, Bonuses

Tables of salaries and bonuses totaling more than $25,000 annually as reported by four aircraft companies to House Armed Services Investigating Subcommittee are shown below: Boeing Airplane Co. (Year Ended Dec. 31) William M. Allen, President

February 271956

March 121956

March 5, 1956

March 5, 1956