September 14, 1987

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AVIATION WEEK PILOT REPORT

B-1b Combines Brisk Low-altitude Handling, More Capable Avionics

Dyess AFB, Tex.—The Rockwell International B-1B displays fighter-like performance in the low-altitude mission and landing pattern, with excellent agility and stability. This is a quantum improvement from the Boeing B-52 it will replace as the Air Force Strategic Air Command’s primary penetrating bomber.

By David M. North16 min

B-1B AVIONICS

Defensive Systems to Undergo Full Flight Test in 1988

Dyess AFB, Tex.—Defensive avionics systems performance for the Air Force/ Rockwell International B-1B aircraft is still largely unproven, but the Air Force believes that Eaton AIL Div.’s progress in software development for its AN/ALQ161 system will support the Air Force schedule for system flight test next year.

STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE

Rockwell to Test Space-based Missile Interceptor for Sdi

Los Angeles—Rockwell International is set to complete a space-based interceptor (Sabir) experiment before mid-1990 that will help determine the feasibility of Sabir concepts and provide realistic data for studies being performed by Rockwell and Martin Marietta.

By Michael A. Dornheim7 min

KRASNOYARSK INSPECTION

Administration Disputes Findings of U.s. Visit to Soviet Radar

Washington—Data gathered in an unprecedented U. S. congressional and technical delegation visit to the Soviets’ top-secret Krasnoyarsk radar do not alter the U. S. charge the radar violates the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty, the White House and State and Defense departments said last week.

By Paul Mann7 min

Aviation Week Pilot Report: B-1B Bomber

Reliability of B-1b Improves as Line Crews Gain Experience

Dyess AFB, Tex.—U. S. Air Force maintenance of the B-1B aircraft is overcoming the hurdles common to any new aircraft and is producing increasing numbers of operational and training flights. Maintenance personnel gave the B-1 high marks during discussions at the Strategic Air Command’s 96th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) based here.

By Bruce D. Nordwall5 min

STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE

Martin Lab Halves Time Needed to Retarget Space-based Laser

Los Angeles—Martin Marietta has reduced the time required to retarget a space-based laser by about 50% during simulator tests at the company’s rapid retargeting/precision pointing (R2P2) facility, while maintaining previous levels of laser-beam pointing accuracy.

By Bruce A. Smith4 min

September 71987

September 211987

September 14, 1987

September 14, 1987