December 8, 1986

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STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE

Neutral Particle Beams Show Potential for Decoy Discrimination

Washington—Neutral particle beam technology has emerged as one of the highest priority programs in the Strategic Defense Initiative because of its potential for midcourse discrimination between warheads and decoys. With an additional 10-fold increase in energy beyond the level needed for discrimination, neutral particle beams (NPBs) could serve as a kill mechanism during the mid-course trajectory and perhaps even for the boost phase.

By Philip J. Klass9 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Civilians Pressure Military to Cut Special-use Airspace

Washington—Commercial operators and general aviation are pressuring U. S. military services to justify their needs for special-use airspace and to use those areas more efficiently due to increasing demands on the national airspace system.

By Cecilia Preble7 min

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Piaggio P-180 Flight Tests Confirming High Speeds, Low Fuel Consumption

Genoa, Italy—Early flight tests of the Piaggio P-180 Avanti have confirmed fuel consumption projections of about 1 lb./naut. mi., 50% less than that of the small business jets with which the P-180 must compete. The aircraft reached top speeds of more than 260 kt. in the first 16 hr. of flight.

By Michael Feazel7 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Aeromexico Midair Hearing Highlights Atc Limitations

Los Angeles—Questions and testimony during the National Transportation Safety Board hearing on the Aug. 31 collision between an Aeromexico DC-9 and a Piper Archer identified current air traffic control limitations, underscoring a need for on-board collision avoidance systems and a general upgrade of U. S. radar facilities.

By Keith F. Mordoff6 min

Space Technology

Nasa Emphasis on Shuttle, Station to Continue Under New Goals

Washington—National Aeronautics and Space Administration this week will issue revised internal goals that will continue the space program’s heavy emphasis on operational programs such as the space shuttle and space station, and also will begin to reorient NASA’s mission more toward science and exploration.

By Theresa M. Foley5 min

December 11986

December 151986

December 8, 1986

December 8, 1986

Ntsb Assesses Flight Crew Training for Wind Shear

By SAFETY14 min