September 2, 1985

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SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Grumman Evaluates Space Station Thermal Control and Power Systems

Bethpage, N. Y.—Space station definition studies by Grumman Aerospace Corp. are addressing requirements for power and thermal control systems. Key concepts include a flexible modular design to meet changing demands and dependability to minimize outside support.

By Stanley W. Kandebo10 min

AVIONICS

Skyeye Rpv Modifications Follow Operational Evaluation By Army

Los Angeles—Lear Siegler, Inc.'s Developmental Sciences subsidiary is modifying its Skyeye miniature remotely-piloted vehicle (RPV) system based on Army operational experience in Central America and in-house refinement efforts.

By Michael A. Dornheim9 min

Space Technology

Shuttle Problems Force Flight Plan Rewrite, Early Satellite Release

Johnson Space Center—The space shuttle orbiter Discovery's emergency deployment of the Australian Aussat spacecraft combined with a shuttle manipulator arm malfunction last week forced a complete rewrite of the Mission 51-1 flight plan, including possible addition of a second Leasat repair extravehicular activity and the potential for a Sept. 2 or 3 night landing at Edwards AFB., Calif.

By Craig Covault9 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Empire Expanding National Carrier Role with All-jet Fleet, New Headquarters

Utica, N. Y.—Two strategic steps planned by Empire Airlines over the next year promise strong marketing payoffs for this national carrier, which still operates in short-haul markets like a commuter. Empire will switch to an all-jet fleet of Fokker F-28-4000 aircraft when it phases out the last of its Swearingen Metro 2 aircraft in December, and it is planning to relocate its headquarters from Utica to its hub at Syracuse, about 50 mi. away, where half of Empire's more than one million annual passengers originate.

By James Ott6 min

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Hughes Aircraft Utilizes Artificial Intelligence in Assembly Procedures

El Segundo, Calif.—Electro-Optical and Data Systems Group of the Hughes Aircraft Co. has introduced an automated process planning and assembly instruction system on one of its printed circuit-board assembly lines. The system uses artificial intelligence to accept engineering design information and assembly instruction changes and to generate new assembly instructions for display at individual computerized workstations in the factory.

By Keith F. Mordoff6 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Md-87 Transport Completes Low-speed Wind Tunnel Tests

Los Angeles—McDonnell Douglas has completed low-speed wind tunnel testing at facilities in Canada and the U. S. for the MD-87 transport, a shorter version of the MD-80 series of aircraft designed to carry 130 passengers. Fabrication of initial MD-87 subassembly parts is under way.

By Bruce A. Smith5 min

Space Technology

Mission 51-i Launched During 10-min. Break in Cloud Cover

Kennedy Space Center—Launch of space shuttle Mission 51-I at 6:58 a.m. EDT Aug. 27 was made possible when an opening occurred in thick clouds over this area early in the launch window. The opening, with an area of about 10 sq. mi., had been tracked for more than 3 hr. while clouds crossed central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico and it presented the only opportunity that day to get Discovery and its payload into orbit.

By Edward H. Kolcum5 min

August 261985

September 91985

September 2, 1985

September 2, 1985