July 20, 1987

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AVIONICS

Ah-64a Apaches Represent Blend of Electronic, Airframe Technologies

Le Bourget—Production versions of the Army/McDonnell Douglas Helicopter AH-64A Apache now being delivered to frontline field units are representative of current-generation operational aircraft that blend electronic and airframe technologies into effective, mission-specific battlefield weapon systems.

By William B. Scott10 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Ansett’s Stock Purchase Will Place Foreign Stake in America West at 20%

Los Angeles—Ansett Transport Industries, Ltd., of Australia plans to gain a 20% interest in America West Airlines by August through a voting stock purchase that would make the Phoenix-based operator the U. S. airline with the highest level of foreign ownership (AW&ST June 22, p. 37).

By Michael A. Dornheim9 min

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Microgravity Task Force Recommends Sweeping Changes to Nasa Program

Washington—NASA microgravity science policy must be changed to eliminate the wastefulness, overlap and misdirection that characterized the materials processing program in the pre-Challenger accident era, according to the final report of NASA’s Microgravity Materials Processing Task Force.

By Theresa M. Foley6 min

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Lockheed Prepares Altair Rpv for Initial Test Flight

Le Bourget—Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. Austin Div. is preparing to test its Altair remotely piloted vehicle, a derivative of the company’s Aquila target acquisition, designation and reconnaissance RPV. The aircraft will make its first flight late this month at a Beeville, Tex., test area south of San Antonio, following 18 months of company-funded development.

By Stanley W. Kandebo6 min

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Douglas Stresses Reliability Early in C-17 Development

Los Angeles—Heavy emphasis is being placed on reliability and maintainability of the McDonnell Douglas C-17 early in the aircraft’s development process to significantly improve the advanced transport’s capabilities to meet demanding Military Airlift Command mission requirements.

By Bruce A. Smith5 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Static Firing of Solid Rocket Motor Clears Usaf Titan 34ds for Launch

Los Angeles—The Air Force is expected to resume launches of military payloads with Titan 34D rockets in the near future, restoring the service’s ability to put critical classified satellites into space on a predictable schedule.

By William B. Scott5 min

July 131987

July 271987

July 20, 1987

July 20, 1987