September 21, 1987

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CANADIAN DEFENSE

Old Age of Air Force Fleet Complicates Modernization

Winnipeg, Manitoba—The drawbacks of an old, mixed fleet overshadow the promise of Canada’s CF-18 fighter acquisition, modernization plans and the stronger service identity inspired by the creation of Air Command here 12 years ago. The Canadian air force has only 675 aircraft of 25 types—the same number of types in operation before World War 2, but now spread across roughly one-third the 2,000 aircraft in inventory in the 1950s.

CANADIAN DEFENSE—PART 1

Canada’s Geography Overwhelms National Defense Resources

Ottawa—The Progressive Conservative government’s new 15-year military modernization program begins with the premise that Canada’s military needs must be managed, because they cannot be fulfilled. The reason is resources. In military terms, Canada has too few people and too much territory.

By Paul Mann8 min

AVIONICS

First Production Gps Receiver Delivered Ahead of Schedule

Cedar Rapids, Iowa—Rockwell/Collins’ Government Avionics Div. has delivered the first production five-channel Global Positioning System/Navstar receiver to the Air Force, several months ahead of schedule. By late this year, production of the five-channel Navstar receiver to be used on USAF and Navy fixed-wing aircraft and Navy helicopters is expected to reach a rate of 15 per month, according to Kenneth Medlin, Collins program director.

By Philip J. Klass7 min

AEROSPACE FORUM

Who Will Lead the World’s Next Age of Discovery?

Where is America headed in space? Is the U. S. destined to lead humanity on the space frontier in a great new age of discovery? Will this administration establish bold exploration goals for NASA? Will the public and Congress approve adequate NASA budgets? Consider these questions from a long-range perspective.

CANADIAN DEFENSE

Canada Sees Nuclear Subs as Key to Arctic Defenses

Ottawa—Canada’s decision to procure 1012 nuclear-propelled submarines is the centerpiece of its effort to improve its Arctic defenses, as well as buttress the navy’s shrunken fleet. The Arctic is taking on new strategic importance and will continue to do so for the indefinite future, according to the government’s defense white paper.

AIR TRANSPORT

Airlines Expect Higher Fall Fares Will Cap Off Strong Traffic Year

Washington—U. S. airlines, after transporting a record 40 million passengers in August, are projecting solid business travel for the fall and a profitable 1987. Average fares are likely to be higher on an annual basis in this period—4-5% higher in the second half, according to Washington-based Airline Economics, Inc.—reflecting a trend toward some consensus by airlines on fare levels for the remainder of the year.

By James Ott6 min

CANADIAN DEFENSE

Canada Formulates 15-year Plan for Long-range Defense Funding

Ottawa—The Canadian government has devised a rolling five-year budget and 15-year planning system to carry its new military modernization program into the 21st century. The framework is intended to insure that equipment decisions respond to rather than lead policy.

September 141987

September 281987

September 21, 1987

September 21, 1987

Old Age of Air Force Fleet Complicates Modernization