April 18, 1966

April 18, 1966

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AVIONICS

X-rays Studied for Secure Stationkeeping

By Barry Miller10 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Pan American Order for 747 Opens New Era in Airline Jet Transport Equipment

By William H. Gregory9 min

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Rolls Explores Third-generation Lift Jets

By Herbert J. Coleman9 min

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AVIONICS

X-rays Studied for Secure Stationkeeping

Los Angeles—Feasibility of using X-rays to enable military helicopters to fly safely in close-order formations under adverse weather conditions or at night is attracting growing attention in government and industry. While other techniques, like radar or modified Navy Tacan, may be able to handle the formation flight assignment (AW&ST Mar. 22, 1965, p. 36, p. 45; June 21, 1965, p. 40), even at the uncomfortably short ranges of interest to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, an X-ray system could offer distinct superiority in security, due to its relative insensitivity to deliberate or unintentional jamming.

By Barry Miller10 min

3839
AIR TRANSPORT

Pan American Order for 747 Opens New Era in Airline Jet Transport Equipment

New York—Pan American World Airways’ signature last week on a $531-million contract for 25 Boeing 747s designed to carry 378-490 passengers injected a new order of magnitude into air transport. There is no question that the big subsonic transport based on USAF C5A engine technology has strengthened its claim for a firm niche in the fleet of the 1970s through the Pan American order, or that several carriers arc likely to follow with orders.

By William H. Gregory9 min

5455
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Rolls Explores Third-generation Lift Jets

Derby, England—Research scientists at Rolls-Royce, Ltd.’s, development center here are spurring investigation into new techniques for a third generation pure lift jet engine to meet United States and European operational requirements that will have far-reaching effects on future military and civil aircraft.

By Herbert J. Coleman9 min

110111
SPACE TECHNOLOGY

D-1a Bolsters French Space Aspirations

Geneva—Launch of the all-French D-l A satellite, now called “Diapason”, recently by a French Diamant 1 booster from the Hammaguir, Algeria, complex has shown that France’s aerospace industry, operating within a considerably smaller budget than those of the U. S. and Soviet Union initially, can fulfill the requirements of a brand-new technology in a relatively short time.

By Warren C. Wetmore8 min

8687
AVIONICS

Microcircuits Trim Tactical Avionics Bulk

Rome, N. Y.—Microcircuitry is destined to find widespread application in surface-based avionics equipment for tactical warfare, judging from the encouraging results of several exploratory developments sponsored by USAF’s Rome Air Development Center.

By Philip J. Klass8 min

100101
AVIONICS

Microcircuits Aid Onboard Test Concept

Seattle—Boeing Co. may apply its new concept of standardized onboard test equipment to its supersonic transport design. The company considers the concept a significant step in this field and one that utilizes current microcircuit technology to the fullest extent.

By Richard G. O’Lone7 min

2627
MANAGEMENT

New Fighters Near Critical Decision Stage

Officials strive to select joint V/STOL contractor by August, set FX operational requirement by October.

By Cecil Brownlow7 min

4243
AIR TRANSPORT

Jt9d Engine for 747 Emphasizes Thrust for Cruise

East Hartford, Conn.—Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Div. of United Aircraft Corp. has won the first round in its competition with General Electric and Rolls-Royce to supply the powerplants for the coming generation of commercial subsonic superjets.

By Michael L. Yaffee6 min

122123
BUSINESS FLYING

Private Aircraft Performance Evaluated

Wichita—Broad evaluation of business and personal aircraft handling qualities by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration indicates five primary problem areas where industry could make improvements to ease pilot workload during instrument flight.

By Erwin J. Bulban5 min

4445
AIR TRANSPORT

Tunis Air Seeks Improved Trade Balance

Tunis—Tunisia’s hopes for offsetting an unfavorable trade balance depend heavily on tourism and oil resources. In the exploitation of each, the country is making progress. Tunis Air is contributing effectively to the national tourist office’s campaign to attract money-bearing visitors.

By Joseph W. Carter5 min

April 111966 April 251966