August 15, 1988

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HEADLINE NEWS

Space Shuttle Engine Fring Test Marks Key Step Toward Mission 26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER Completion of the space shuttle orbiter Discovery main engine flight readiness firing on Aug. 10 has bolstered NASA’s hopes for a shuttle launch late next month and has reduced to four the number of critical milestones to be completed before the launch takes place.

By EDWARD H. KOLCUM7 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Defense Leaders Lobby Congress Not to Initiate Fraud Reforms

WASHINGTON Defense industry leaders and Pentagon officials have increased their opposition to Congress’ efforts to impose new procurement or ethics regulations in response to the ongoing defense fraud and bribery investigation. The status of the investigation, which centers on how consultants help contractors win contracts, remains secret.

HEADLINE NEWS

Eaton Defends B-1B Countermeasures In Defense Science Board Briefing

WASHINGTON The B-1B defensive electronic countermeasures system performed well during flight tests against simulations of the top 10 Soviet threats, Eaton AlL told the Defense Science Board, but some of the threat bands had to be limited.

By BRUCE D. NORDWALL4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Aspin Threatens to Block Funding for B-1B Bomber

WASHINGTON The House Armed Services Committee is threatening to block further funding for the B-1B bomber unless the Pentagon proves that salvaging the aircraft’s faulty electronics is worth the money. The committee has long been the BlB’s severest congressional critic.

By PAUL MANN4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Hughes Protest Prompts Suspension Of $3.6-Billion FAA Contract to IBM

Los ANGELES The government last week suspended a $3.6-billion contract awarded to IBM for implementation of the FAA’s Advanced Automation System. The action was triggered by a protest filed with the General Services Administration on Aug. 4 by Hughes Advanced Systems Co.

By WILLIAM B. SCOTT4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

McDonnell Douglas Prepares to Begin Flight Tests Of F-15 STOL, Maneuver Technology Demonstrator

NEW YORK McDonnell Douglas is nearing completion of final ground tests that will clear the USAF/McDonnell Aircraft F15 STOL and maneuver technology demonstrator (SMTD) for first flight later this month. Remaining SMTD ground tests include electromagnetic compatibility tests, engine runs and aircraft taxi tests.

AUGUST 81988

August 221988

August 15, 1988

August 15, 1988