September 19, 1977

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Avionics

Space-based Solar Power Study Near Completion

Kent, Wash.—Researchers here are nearing completion of an effort to refine the definition of a space-based solar power system capable of generating competitively priced electricity in commercial quantities before the year 2000. Economic considerations have focused attention on very large satellite systems capable of producing 5,000-10,000 megawatts at the busbars of the energy receiving stations on the ground—5-10 times the capacity of the largest nuclear power plants.

By Benjamin M. Elson12 min

Safety

Ntsb Studies Alaska Runway Accident

Flight Recorders. N124AS was equipped with a Sundstrand Data Control, model FA-542, flight data recorder (FDR), serial No. 1687. The recorder was located just aft of the rear pressure bulkhead in the ventral stairway. The parameters for the last 10 min. of flight were read out.

Aeronautical Engineering

Propulsive Lift Concepts Flight Tested

Mojave, Calif.—Ball-Bartoe Jet Wing, a flying testbed that uses both the bypass air and core exhaust from its turbofan engine for augmented wing lift as well as thrust, has completed initial proof-of-concept flight evaluations at Mojave Airport here and currently is being prepared for highspeed tests.

By Donald E. Fink9 min

Air Transport

L-1011 Active Control System Tested

Burbank, Calif.—Lockheed Aircraft Corp.’s California Co. has decided to offer an active flight control system on versions of its L-1011 TriStar transport delivered after 1980, following validation of the system’s performance throughout the aircraft’s operating envelope.

By Jeffrey M. Lenorovitz8 min

Space Technology

Second Flight Confirms Enterprise Data

Edwards AFB, Calif.—Second free flight mission with the NASA/Rockwell International space shuttle orbiter has extended the findings of the initial test flight by demonstrating that the vehicle retains its positive handling characteristics through a wider range of airspeed and aerodynamic loading conditions.

By Donald E. Fink7 min

Editorial

Studying Near-earth Resources

. . . Previous lunar programs have provided extensive photographic coverage, detailed sample studies at nine frontside sites, local and regional geophysical information and limited orbital maps of chemical composition. Telescopic observations continue to contribute.

September 121977

September 261977

September 19, 1977

September 19, 1977