January 26, 1959

January 26, 1959

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AVIONICS

Satellite Optics Limited By Atmosphere

By James A. Fusca13 min

SAFETY

Premature Gear Raising Leads to Crash

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Soviets Hoped to Impact Mechta on Moon

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7475
AVIONICS

Satellite Optics Limited By Atmosphere

Reconnaissance systems for viewing the earth’s surface from satellites by means of image-detecting devices such as television, infrared, and photographic cameras are affected by three major optical problems: earth radiance, atmospheric optics, and optical resolution limits.

By James A. Fusca13 min

102103
SAFETY

Premature Gear Raising Leads to Crash

An American Airlines Convair 240, N94213, aborted a takeoff at the New Haven Municipal Airport on March 1, 1958, about 1024.1 The aircraft, with the landing gear retracted and the left nacelle and wing burning, skidded to a stop on the runway.
2627
SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Soviets Hoped to Impact Mechta on Moon

Three-stage vehicle designated CH-10 had initial 660,000 lb. thrust; 13 stations tracked flight.
5657
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Designers Face Flying Platform Controllability Problems

Detroit—Considerable research and development faces industry and U. S. Army Transportation Research & Engineering Command in solving the numerous stability and control problems inherent in the flying platform concept in the face of a paucity of basic and applied research data available.
3031
MANAGEMENT

Budget Holds Spending to Current Level

Washington—Eisenhower Administration last week asked for a balanced budget for Fiscal 1960 that would hold defense spending at about the current $41 billion level. Congressional criticism already has indicated, however, that there will be some upward revisions.

By Evert Clark9 min

8687
FINANCIAL

Lease Companies Push for Airline Deals

New York—Airlines are being increasingly tempted with offers from leasing companies, some formed in the last few months, to obtain their new turbine equipment on long term leases rather than outright purchase. Thus far airlines have generally rejected these offers, which may also include an option to buy.

By William H. Gregory8 min

4849
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Pratt & Whitney Evolves Turbofan From J57 Program

East Hartford—Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, in entering the ducted fan field, is taking full advantage of the retrofit possibilities of its proven J57 turbojet, previous development experience with very large compressor and turbine blades, extensive company-owned experimental facilities and a previously unused idea incorporating a short discharge duct for bypass air.

By J. S. Butz6 min

3637
AIR TRANSPORT

Industry Battles New Fuel Tax Proposal

Federal Aviation Agency budget calls for increased tax for gas, jet fuels; airlines protest plan.

By L. L. Doty5 min

3233
SPACE TECHNOLOGY

$485 Million Asked for Nasa

Washington — President Eisenhower last week proposed a $485.3 million budget to carry out programs of the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration for Fiscal 1960. He also plans to ask for $48.3 million in supplemental funds for Fiscal 1959.

By Ford Eastman5 min

8485
AVIONICS

Jet Aircraft Air Data Computer Will Be Installed in Convair 880

San Diego—Critical jet-age range, endurance, takeoff, climb and approach problems may be solved for pilots by a new air data computer without recourse to complicated performance charts. ADVISOR, derived from ADVanced, Integrated, Safety and Optimizing computeR, and developed by John Oster Co., Racine, Wis., will be installed in the Convair 880 when the first flight is made in late January.
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