April 18, 1960

April 18, 1960

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SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Boeing Plans Space-exploring Missions

EQUIPMENT

Low Frequency Unit Has Omni Properties

By David H. Hoffman9 min

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Multi-mission B-58 Proposal Detailed

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106107
SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Boeing Plans Space-exploring Missions

New York—Boeing Airplane Co., now on the threshold of space exploration with the Dyna-Soar project, plans to move into this field with a long-range research program designed to stay in advance of present U. S. activities. Details of this plan, prepared with apparently the same preciseness that characterizes the government’s own space-age program, were presented here at the Society of Automotive Engineer’s National Aeronautic Meeting.
128129
EQUIPMENT

Low Frequency Unit Has Omni Properties

Boonton, N. J.—A computer and compass system that telescopes the problems posed to a pilot flving a low frequency instrument approach into a “turn toward the needle” signal has been developed by Aircraft Radio Corp. Designated the Type CD-4 Course Director, the new ARC system lends the properties of a visual omnirange to non-directional homing beacons—furnishing them, in effect, with radiais.

By David H. Hoffman9 min

6465
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Multi-mission B-58 Proposal Detailed

Washington—Unusually rapid improvement in the aeronautical state-of-the-art during the past few years is aiding the Air Force in its efforts to obtain more versatile aircraft. The unexpected spurt in aeronautical knowledge over the last half of the 1950s, which was discussed in detail by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in its second semiannual report to Congress (AW Mar. 28, p. 29), prompted USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Thomas D. White to discuss the possibility of development of an acceptable multi-mission aircraft for two or more of his three major commands —strategic, tactical and air defense.
2829
Space Technology

Navy Tests Transit Navigation Potential

Washington—Navy this week will attempt to retard the spin rate of the first U. S. experimental navigation satellite, the Transit IB, and begin ground and shipboard tests to plot the probable accuracies of a more advanced operational system now under development.

By Cecil Brownlow8 min

4041
AIR TRANSPORT

La Guardia’s Jet Future Is Uncertain

New York—Operational future of La Guardia Airport is clouded with uncertainties despite a $56 million rehabilitation program now under way at the field and the recent decision to provide a second ILS for instrument Runway 4-22. It now appears questionable whether any of the current short-medium haul jets—Boeing 720, Sud Caravelle, Convair 880 or Convair 600—will be able to operate practicably at La Guardia.

By Glenn Garrison7 min

8485
AVIONICS

Officer Cites Proposal Improvements

New York—Suggestions for cutting the cost of preparing engineering proposals for the military services and increasing their effectiveness were described here by Capt. F. W. Evans, Jr., Office of Naval Materiel, during the recent Institute of Radio Engineers Convention.

By Philip J. Klass7 min

2627
Space Technology

Second Saturn Launch Complex Planned

New blast effects data shows explosion at takeoff could mean year delay; facility to cost $30 million.

By Evert Clark6 min

2627
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

York Says Useful Nuclear Plane May Not Be Flown Before 1970s

Washington—Dr. Herbert F. York, Defense Department director of research and engineering, has told the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that “a nuclear-powered bomber with suitable operational characteristics probably lies beyond 1970.”

By Ford Eastman6 min

158159

Letters

Vital Issues From time to time our politicians and governmental officials become sufficiently specific to go on record regarding their positions relative to matters pertaining to our military space efforts. With elections forthcoming, I was caused to wonder whether it would be feasible for you to summarize and publish the position of these people on vital issues.
7273
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Curtiss-wright Proposes Business Vtol

New York—Curtiss-Wright is designing a six-place executive VTOL aircraft powered by a German-designed rotating combustion engine it has licensed and a new propeller the company is proposing for VTOL uses. The propeller, of lightweight steel and glass-fiber construction, is designed to produce a lift force as well as thrust when turning in a plane perpendicular to the line of flight.

By Barry Tully6 min

April 111960 April 251960