October 7, 1957

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AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Gm Seeks ‘fluidity’ in $60 Million Engine R&d Facility

Indianapolis—Allison’s new $60 million jet engine development laboratory represents one of the largest self-financed bids ever made bv private industry in an attempt to remain a prime contractor in defense business. Allison Division, General Motors, now believes it has in its Plant 8 the greater part of the facilities needed to be competitive in gas turbine aircraft propulsion, but it has slowed down or delayed the completion of the original $75 million program announced by GM President Harlow Curtice early in 1955.

By Robert H. Cushman14 min

108

AVIONICS

French Radio Web Enters Navaid Race

Montreal, Canada—Area coverage navigation system that not only tells the pilot where he is but can also display to him positions of nearby aircraft and, additionally, display on the ground for air traffic controllers the positions of aircraft in their control area, has been presented here.

By James A. Fusca10 min

MISSILE ENGINEERING

Solid Fuels Contend for Long Range Ballistic Role

Huntsville—Solid fuel rockets have moved into competitive position for use in long range ballistic missiles. Until recently it was thought that only liquid fuel rockets would do because of premium requirements of great efficiency, high thrust and controllability.

By J. S. Butz9 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Titanium Used on Aeroflot’s Ilyushin-18

Moscow—One of first users of titanium among Russian aircraft is the new Ilyushin-18 turboprop transport, the Moscow. Aeroflot, the state-owned airline, reports that the Moscow has titanium structure around the hot portions of the engines and their exhaust pipes.

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EQUIPMENT

Plane’s Weight Gives Tow Unit Traction

New York—Last fall the concept of propelling heavy aircraft by hooking a torque converter on to the main wheels and using the plane’s own weight to provide required traction was just an idea (AW Oct. 22, 1956, p. 82). But the theory has materialized into operating hardware.

By George L. Christian7 min

EQUIPMENT

New Aviation Products

Set for flight line checking of aircraft pressure instruments and systems simulates two types of pressure probes and generates selected pitot and static pressures for testing altimeters, Machmeters, airspeed indicators and true airspeed computers.

MISSILE ENGINEERING

Missiles Won’t Alter Usaf Role—irvine

Los Angeles—Long-range ballistic missiles do not alter the defense roles assigned to the three military services, USAF’s Deputy Chief of Staff Materiel, Lt. Gen. C. S. Irvine told the Society of Automotive Engineers National Aeronautic Meeting last week.

By Russell Hawkes5 min

BUSINESS FLYING

Disillusioned Military Contractors Now Enter Business Plane Market

Denver—The aviation industry’s awareness of the lucrative potential of business flying market was preponderant theme at National Business Aircraft Assn.’s 10th Annual Meeting and Forum here last week. Trend in evidence here is that business flying pie will no longer be sliced by a relatively few specialist firms as in the past; these will face continually mounting competition in the next few years by many manufacturers hitherto solidly committed to military and airline requirements.

By Erwin J. Bulban5 min

September 301957

October 141957

October 7, 1957

October 7, 1957