October 19, 1959

October 19, 1959

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SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Nasa Probes Manned Re-entry Designs

AVIONICS

Reliability Is Essential Minuteman Goal

By Philip J. Klass10 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Nose Cone Tests Pay Space Lab Bonus

By J. S. Butz9 min

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2627
SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Nasa Probes Manned Re-entry Designs

Langley Field, Va.—Problems of manned flight continue to dominate the research pattern of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, although emphasis has shifted sharply from atmospheric flight toward space applications during the past year.
6869
AVIONICS

Reliability Is Essential Minuteman Goal

Downey, Calif.—One of the boldest and most comprehensive avionics reliability programs ever attempted, intended to improve present levels by a factor of 100, has been launched by North American’s Autonetics Division for the guidance and flight control systems it will build for the Minuteman ballistic missile, WS-133A.

By Philip J. Klass10 min

5455
SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Nose Cone Tests Pay Space Lab Bonus

Philadelphia—Development testing of equipment for space vehicles and for measuring physical phenomena in space has been an important bonus in the flight test program of the General Electric Mark 2 heat sink nose cone, the first Air Force IRBM and ICBM warhead to become operational.

By J. S. Butz9 min

4041
AIR TRANSPORT

Dc-7f Service Marks Cargo Race Start

New York—Introduction this month of the first Douglas DC-7 aircraft converted into all-cargo service marks the beginning of a new air freight push by several carriers, sparked by the availability of equipment as late-model piston planes are replaced by jets on the blue ribbon passenger runs.

By Glenn Garrison9 min

9899
BUSINESS FLYING

Hiller 12e Demonstrates Maneuverability

Power and agility of the light, threeplace, Hiller 12E helicopter—which weighs 1,700 lb. empty and can carry a useful load of 1,000 lb.—were the most impressive features evidenced during an AVIATION WEEK flight evaluation. The 12E, which grosses 2,700 lb., is powered by a Lycoming VO540-B1A six-cylinder air-cooled engine rated at 310 hp. at 3,300 rpm. at sea level.

By Robert I. Stanfield9 min

9091
BUSINESS FLYING

Czechs Seek Broader Aircraft Market

Brno, Czechoslovakia—Czech aircraft industry is aiming at a bigger share of the potential markets of the west in addition to its ready-made outlet for products within the Soviet bloc. Major reason is Czech dependence on imports of raw materials from the west to meet the increasing rate of production laid down in its second five-year plan “for the development of the people’s economy.”

By Edith Walford8 min

4445
AIR TRANSPORT

Cab Studies Ways to Expand Mail Plan

Washington—Major expansion of the now limited Post Office program to move first-class mail by air may get under way within the near future. Civil Aeronautics Board—required by law to establish a rate through procedures that are normally long and drawn out, involving public hearings and arguments—probably will adopt a short cut that could permit the Post Office to begin moving additional mail by air immediately.

By Ford Eastman7 min

3839
AIR TRANSPORT

Boac Stand May Spark Price-cut War

Carrier’s determination to set its own standards will leave IATA members without basic structure.

By L. L. Doty7 min

3233
MISSILE ENGINEERING

Pershing Titanium Casing Order Canceled

New York—Army is canceling its order with Pratt & Whitney for 55 fullscale titanium casings for the Pershing missile and will revert to less-costly steel casings for the program. Use of heavier steel casings is expected to cut the range of Pershing by 50 mi. and probably will mean other weight compromises.

By Michael Yaffee7 min

116117
FINANCIAL

AMC Contracts

Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio—Following is a list of unclassified contracts for $25,000 and over as released by the Air Materiel Command. Sundstrand Aviation Division, Sundstrand Corp., Rockford, I11., 18 ea., transmission assemblies, Sundstrand P/N M627219 ; 7 ea., frequency and load controllers, P/N 669970, spare parts and maintenance tools and test equipment for SM-62A missile, (PRs EA-9031-4621 and amendment no. 1 ; EA-9-03C1620), $148,770.
October 121959 October 261959