March 16, 1970

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Air Transport

Concorde Sst Enters Mach 2 Development Test Phases

Toulouse—Anglo-French Concorde supersonic transport will enter the first of two critical development phases with the start of flight tests this week leading up to Mach 2.0. Performance data from sustained Mach 2 cruise tests will show whether or not Concorde will be capable of economical transatlantic operations.

By Donald E. Fink9 min

Management

Nixon Space Policy Lacks Funding Level Commitment

Washington—President Nixon’s plan for future U.S. exploration of space is the most comprehensive ever proposed. But it lacks a commitment to specific spending and lays the groundwork only for a judiciously paced budget level over the next decade.

By William J. Normyle7 min

Air Transport

Profitability Rise Sought for 747

Seattle—Boeing Co. is exploring numerous concepts—including a variety of passenger lounges and a simplified freighter version—to make its 747 giant jet more profitable and hopefully to stimulate a stalled sales campaign. Company studies recognize the hard realities that Boeing is trying to sell enormous capacity at $20 million per copy at a time when airline profits are dwindling and the smaller, less expensive three-engine airbuses are taking shape; and that airlines have little interest at present in expensive, containerized air-cargo systems.

By Richard G. O’Lone7 min

Management

Independent Research Due Closer Scrutiny

Washington—Increased government surveillance of contractor independent research and development is certain to result from current hearings, and the issue is likely to be a subject of continuing congressional scrutiny and controversy.

By Philip J. Klass6 min

Aeronautical Engineering

Milan Production Based on Export Market

Paris—Avions Marcel Dassault’s decision to launch production of the Mirage 5 Milan, which has a retractable canard wing to improve its takeoff/landing performance and low-speed maneuverability, is part of the company’s continuing effort to exploit the maximum versatility in its basic designs (AW&ST July 21, 1969, p. 25).

Air Transport

American 747 Records High Load Factors for First Week

New York—First week of American Airlines Boeing 747 service on the New York-Los Angeles route has produced high load factors and few operating problems. Using a 747 leased from Pan American World Airways and flying the route in competition with Trans World Airlines’ 747 service, American carried 3,501 passengers in the first week of operations, for a westbound load factor of 62% and eastbound load factor of 59%.

By Richard S. Kahn6 min

Management

Early Study of Users Aided F-5 Program

Los Angeles—Comprehensive study of user needs begun nearly a decade before production is cited by Northrop Corp. as a key factor enabling its F-5 Freedom Fighter to meet, and often surpass, maintenance and operational readiness goals. The aircraft, placed in service by the air forces of 16 countries, had an operational readiness rate of 80% in a total of more than 400,000 hr. of flying, and has averaged 20 maintenance hours per flight hour in an average of 21 flight hours per month.

By William S. Hieronymus6 min

March 91970

March 231970

March 16, 1970

March 16, 1970