April 17, 1967

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Safety

Board Reports on Apollo Fire Investigation

Inspection and disassembly—Immediately after the accident additional security personnel were positioned at Launch Complex 34 and the complex was impounded. Prior to disturbing any evidence, numerous external and internal photographs were taken of the spacecraft.

Apollo Inquiry Board Report

Nasa Implements Board Findings

Space agency driving to renew manned flight program despite disagreements erupting over inquiry report on Apollo 1 fire

By William J. Normyle14 min

War in Vietnam

Ac-47 Broadens Viet Attack Envelope

Bien Hoa, South Vietnam-Venerable Douglas C-47 twin-engine transport reconfigured as an attack aircraft is proving highly successful in its new, unconventional role in this highly unconventional war. Equipped with three side-firing General Electric 7.62-mm. Miniguns, each with the capability of firing at a maximum rate of 6,000 rounds/min., this aging, incongruous warhorse has been camouflaged and dignified with the combat designation of AC-47 in recognition of its attack mission.

By Cecil Brownlow12 min

Avionics

Blind-flight Orienter Uses Magnetic Field

Washington-Recently patented non-gyroscopic blind flight instrument requires no power source, weighs less than 8 oz. and is non-tumbling. Use of the instrument “apparently reduces psychological tension as well as tendencies toward vertigo.”

By B. K. Thomas9 min

Apollo Inquiry Board Report

Board of Inquiry Recommendations Stress Future System Reliability

In this review, the board adhered to the principle that reliability of the command module and the entire system involved in its operation is a requirement common to both safety and mission success. Once the command module has left the earth’s environment, the occupants are totally dependent upon it for their safety.

Aeronautical Engineering

Nasa May Increase Thrust for New X-15

Washington—National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s detal-wing X-15 hypersonic research aircraft may use rocket boost of 80,000-100,000 lb. thrust for sustained flight at Mach 8. Prime contender for providing rocket engine power of this magnitude for the advanced research aircraft is a modified version of Aerojet-General’s LR-91 engine presently used in USAF Titan 3 missiles, according to space agency spokesmen.

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Business Flying

Bowaters Utilizes Jet on Two Continents

Single HS 125 transports officers of British-owned paper product manufacturer to company’s facilities in North America, Europe

By David A. Brown5 min

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Safety

Electric Arcing Blamed in Simulator Fire

Investigations by Air Force board found that the most probable cause of the fire was an electrical arc in a work-lamp cord inside the chamber. The board was not able to determine the cause of a small break in the Teflon coating of the wire, but concluded that arcing against the aluminum floor plate probably started the fire.

Aeronautical Engineering

Dc-9, 737ranges Stretched for Cx-2 Role

Los Angeles-Aeromedical evacuation transport versions of the Boeing 737 and Douglas DC-9 transports being studied for Air Force’s pending CX-2 competition feature increased loading access and maximum fuel capacity for ranges longer than the standard commercial models of these twin-jet aircraft.

By C. M. Plattner4 min

April 101967

April 241967

April 17, 1967

April 17, 1967