September 26, 1983

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Aviation Week Pilot Report

F-16xl Shows Advances in Range, Ride Qualities

Edwards AFB, Calif.—Significant range improvement, increased weapon carriage flexibility and solid low-altitude ride qualities with little apparent loss in air-to-air capabilities have been demonstrated here by General Dynamics’ F-16XL strike fighter, the company’s entry in the U. S.

By Robert R. Ropelewski12 min

Space Technology

Spacelab Stresses Life Sciences Study

Huntsville, Ala.—The nine-day joint U. S./European Spacelab 1 mission set for launch Oct. 28 will study zero-g effects on the human nervous system and sensory organs in more detail than achieved on the Skylab space station 10 years ago and provide data useful in developing countermeasures for space adaptation symptoms experienced by 40% of space crewmen.

By Craig Covault11 min

Indonesia Using 737s for Marine Patrol

Seattle—Last of three Boeing 737s purchased by Indonesia for long-range maritime patrol duties is scheduled to be delivered to the Indonesian Air Force this week (AW&ST July 18, cover). The first of the three was delivered in May, 1982, and the second in June of this year.

By Benjamin M. Elson9 min

Avionics

Board Asks Caution in Lantirn Upgrading

Washington—A Defense Dept. Science Board automatic target recognition task force has determined that technology to detect, classify and identify armor on the battlefield at night and in adverse weather using airborne sensors should not move from advanced to engineering development.

By Clarence A. Robinson8 min

146

Avionics

Navstar Tests to Validate Receiver Sets

Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz.—Initial field testing of Navstar global positioning system (GPS) receiver sets built under the full-scale engineering development phase of the Navstar program is intended to validate design of the receivers in preparation for expanded testing on military platforms ranging from fighter and bomber aircraft to an aircraft carrier.

By Bruce A. Smith8 min

Air Transport

Two Cn-235s Prepared for Flight Tests

Getafe, Spain—Final system checkout and functional tests have begun with two CASA/Nurtanio CN-235 commuter transports, which were rolled out Sept. 10 in ceremonies in Spain and Indonesia (AW&ST Sept. 19, p. 30). Preparations are under way for the start of flight tests next month.

By Jeffrey M. Lenorovitz7 min

120

Business Flying

Canadair Outlines Future of Challenger

Montreal—Canadair’s commitment to the Challenger CL-600 and CL-601 corporate aircraft programs—including new modification plans and engines—was stressed here by the Canadian manufacturer to Challenger customers and operators. Canadair used its second annual Challenger maintenance and operations seminar to concentrate on the long-term viability of the aircraft.

By David M. North7 min

138

Satellite Communications

Amsat Seeking Low Cost Launch for Relay Satellite

Paris—The international Amsat satellite organization is seeking a low-cost launch opportunity for a replacement of its Oscar 10 amateur radio relay satellite. Oscar 10 is providing approximately one-fourth of its planned communications services because the spacecraft did not attain the desired orbit inclination (AW&ST Aug. 29, p. 13).

September 191983

October 31983

September 26, 1983

September 26, 1983