August 26, 1985

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SAFETY

Dallas/ft. Worth Atc Releases Transcript of Delta L-1011 Crash

The following is a transcription of air traffic control tapes that recorded radio exchanges leading up to and after the crash of Delta Air Lines Flight 191 at 2306 GMT Aug. 2, 1985, at Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport. The transcription, provided by N. H. Scroggins, manager.

Space Technology

Nasa's Link to Strategic Defense Effort Grows with New Spacecraft

Washington—The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is proposing development of satellites that would release clouds of gas in space as targets for Strategic Defense Initiative laser weapons tests, as well as development of other spacecraft that could be positioned near gas clouds to assess SDI laser performance.

Business Flying

Lear Fan Seeking Outside Investor to Revitalize Turboprop Project

Reno, Nev.—Interest from potential corporate investors and agreement on a course of action by Lear Fan, Ltd., owners have encouraged supporters that the program to build a composite material turboprop business aircraft may be revived.

By Richard G. O'Lone10 min

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

Fcc Authorizes New Spacecraft, Sanctions Competition with Intelsat

Washington—Federal Communications Commission has authorized construction and launch of communications satellites for six new operators and additional spacecraft for eight operators with transponders already in orbit. The move boosts capacity in both domestic and international markets and inaugurates private competition with the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat).

By Jay C. Lowndes9 min

Air Transport

Major Fokker 50 Upgrade Grows Out of F-27 Reengining Program

Amsterdam—The Fokker 50 has evolved over the past two years from a reengined Fokker F-27 to an aircraft in which 80-90% of the parts have been replaced or modified. The modifications and sales successes to date have caused Fokker to increase its estimates of the market for the 50-seat transport by 50-75%.

By Michael Feazel9 min

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Swiss Air Force Update Plan Includes New Fighter, Jet Trainer

Meribel, France—Swiss air force is preparing for a multifaceted modernization that is expected to include the acquisition of a new fighter aircraft type, the selection of a new jet trainer, modification of part of its existing combat fleet and purchase of new ground-based radars.

By Jeffrey M. Lenorovitz8 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Pride Air Completes Route Network From New Orleans Hub

Washington—Pride Air last week added eight cities to its route network—four in Florida and four in the West—to complete its initial 16-city system. The largely employee-owned, New Orleans-based carrier added Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota and Jacksonville, Fla., San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif., Denver and Salt Lake City.

By Carole A. Shifrin7 min

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Companies Detail Applications for Aluminum-lithium Alloys

Paris—Societe Cegedur Pechiney is developing aluminum-lithium alloys for aerospace applications and plans to complete construction of a production plant at Issoire, France, in 1987. Prototype ingots now being cast at the company's research center with a pouring capacity of 1.5 metric tons at Voreppe, France, weigh 1,500 kg. (3,300 lb.) and are 800 mm. (31.5 in.) wide, 300 mm. (11.8 in.) thick and 2.7 meters (8.9 ft.) long.

Space Technology

Nasa Approves Fly-now, Pay-later Plan for Orbiting Industrial Facility

Washington—Space Industries, Inc., Houston, has embarked on an initiative to obtain both commercial investors and space processing tenants for its shuttle-deployed industrial facility, following completion of an agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration last week.

By Craig Covault6 min

August 191985

September 21985

August 26, 1985

August 26, 1985

Dallas/ft. Worth Atc Releases Transcript of Delta L-1011 Crash

Nasa's Link to Strategic Defense Effort Grows with New Spacecraft