January 17, 1966

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The War in Vietnam

F-5 Combat Trials Pinpoint Advantages, Limitations

Bien Hoa, Vietnam—Over-all performance of the Northrop F-5 light jet fighter has met or surpassed expectations thus far in its combat evaluation over South Vietnam by a U.S. Air Force team. The trials, however, have highlighted some of the aircraft’s basic limitations and could result in recommendations for a series of modifications for future F-5s scheduled for delivery under the Military Assistance Program.

By C. M. Plattner14 min

MISSILE ENGINEERING

Piston Launch System Favored for Sprint

Orlando, Fla.—Successful series of tests conducted here at the Martin Co./ Orlando Div.’s plant has established confidence in the “pop-up” technique as the most practical and economical launch method for the Sprint antimissile missile, if the system is deployed on a large scale throughout the United States.

By George Alexander8 min

104

MANAGEMENT

Major Joint Tactical Defense Effort Seen

Washington—Joint U. S.-European approach towards the development and deployment of improved tactical air defense systems is expected to grow into a major international cooperative effort over the next several years. Just how, when and in what form present exploratory talks between the U. S. and several of its European allies will evolve into firm programs still is a matter to be resolved.

By Cecil Brownlow8 min

MANAGEMENT

Major Aircraft Role Sought By Martin Co.

Baltimore, Md.—Martin Co. is making a strong bid for new tactical aircraft programs, modification work and subcontract production in a major effort to re-establish the firm in the aircraft business. Starting from virtually nothing in 1963, (see box, p. 103), Martin expanded aircraft business orders to $19 million in 1964 and $32 million in 1965.

By Michael L. Yaffee7 min

AVIONICS

Apollo Comsats Built for Multiple Access

Los Angeles—Unusual satellite communications transponder which has as many as four traveling wave tube power amplifiers operating simultaneously in parallel to increase radiated power and a four-stage tunnel diode amplifier to improve receiver sensitivity will be installed in the Apollo communications satellite, being developed for the Communications Satellite Corp. by Hughes Aircraft Co.

By Barry Miller6 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Greater Sensor Utilization Sought on Surveyor Lander Test Vehicles

Washington—Project Surveyor officials are restudying the payload on the engineering test versions of the lunar soft landing vehicle to determine if sensors intended primarily for monitoring or controlling spacecraft performance also will yield lunar surface scientific information.

By Donald E. Fink5 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Nasa Studies Feasibility of Color Television From Lunar Surface

Baltimore, Md.—Lunar television camera designed for manned Apollo missions may be converted from black and white to color if studies authorized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration prove the feasibility. The main problem with the use of color is in the increased complexity of processing transmissions at NASA receiving stations.

January 101966

January 241966

January 17, 1966

January 17, 1966