May 25, 1987

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Management

Missile Attack, Kuwaiti Pact Could Draw U. S. Into Gulf War

Washington—The Iraqi air attack on a U. S. Navy frigate in the Persian Gulf last week, coupled with a U. S. decision to begin providing protection for 11 Kuwaiti tankers sailing in the war zone, has heightened the chances of the U. S. being drawn into the six and a half year old war between Iraq and Iran.

By John D. Morrocco8 min

Hughes Apg-70 Radar Provides Enhanced F-15 Combat Capabilities

Edwards AFB, Calif.—The first USAF/ McDonnell Douglas F-15C/D equipped with a production Hughes AN/APG-70 air-to-air radar is scheduled for delivery to Eglin AFB, Fla., in June. An identical radar is being flight tested here in an F15E to evaluate the system’s high-resolution ground map modes.

By William B. Scott8 min

Space Technology

Canadian Msc to Provide Essential Station Assembly, Docking Capability

Ottawa—Canada’s contribution to the U. S./international space station program, the Mobile Servicing Center, will be the primary system used to dock the space shuttle to the station, making the MSC the most essential foreign component of the program.

By Theresa M. Foley8 min

SOVIET LAUNCH CAPABILITY

Soviets Test Massive New Booster for Station, Shuttle Missions

Washington—The Soviet Union’s first flight test of a Saturn 5 class booster May 15 will accelerate the launch schedule of the country’s space shuttle, and gives the USSR the capability to launch 220,000-lb. space station modules and military satellites.

By Craig Covault7 min

ALASKAN AIR DEFENSE NETWORK

Alaskan Command Operates Long-range Intercept Network to Monitor Soviets

Elmendorf AFB, Alaska—The Alaskan Air Command has developed a floating air defense network based on fighters, tankers and airborne warning and control aircraft that is intercepting and monitoring Soviet aircraft far beyond the ranges of land-based radars.

By Brendan M. Greeley7 min

AIR TRANSPORT

McDonnell Douglas Uhb Demonstrator Flies with Ge Unducted Fan Engine

Mojave, Calif.—McDonnell Douglas UHB demonstrator aircraft made its first flight on May 18 powered in part by a General Electric prototype Unducted Fan engine. The demonstrator is an MD-80 twinjet that has had its left Pratt & Whitney JT8D-209 turbofan replaced with the UDF.

By Michael A. Dornheim6 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Narrow-body Aircraft Direct Expenses Fourth Quarter 1986

Revenue Average Passenger Revenue Passenger Available Seat Load Revenue Available Revenue Revenue Miles1 Miles1 Seat-Miles1 Capacity Factor Ton-Miles1 Ton-Miles1 Departure Hours BOEING 727-200 American 37,799 3,411,663 5,663,932 149.8 60.2 355,094 712,516 58,473 88,197

AIR TRANSPORT

Teamsters’ Vote Clears Path for Usair’s Acquisition of Psa

Washington—The International Brotherhood of Teamsters of Pacific Southwest Airlines last week ratified an amendment to its collective bargaining agreement with that airline, removing the last obstacle to USAir’s acquisition of the San Diegobased carrier.

By Cecilia Preble5 min

May 181987

June 11987

May 25, 1987

May 25, 1987