January 2, 1989

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HEADLINE NEWS

China Agrees to Limit Marketing of Long March Booster in U. S.

WASHINGTON The U. S. and China have reached agreement on China’s marketing of Long March boosters to launch international communications satellites. The controversial agreement clears the way for China to launch U. S. commercial spacecraft.

By CRAIG COVAULT3 min

AVIATION WEEK PILOT REPORT

Optica Scout Provides Multi-mission Capability

BOISE, IDAHO The Optica Scout performs air-toground observation missions traditionally accomplished by helicopters, with increased loiter time and lower operating costs. Brooklands Aerospace Group, which manufactures the Optica Scout in the United Kingdom, claims the aircraft can be operated 500 hr./year at an hourly cost of $121, compared with $328 for a single-engine, turbine-powered helicopter.

By EDWARD H. PHILLIPS12 min

Laurels 1988

AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGYS annual Aerospace Laurels, which honor individuals and teams who have made major contributions in aerospace in the past 12 months, have been expanded in scope and content. Honorees were selected from an extensive list of nominations submitted by staff editors.

LEADERSHIP IN CONGRESS

Sweeping Changes Due for Panels That Set Space Policy in Congress

WASHINGTON The leadership of congressional space subcommittees is due for sweeping change in the next session. The prospect troubles some NASA officials because of the potential for loss of program support. At the same time, leadership at NASA is in flux.

AVIONICS

Growing Flight, Maintenance Simulator Market Attracts Many Competitors

ORLANDO, FLA. The growing flight and aircraft maintenance simulation market has attracted most of the prime airframe contractors, and military experts say there are more competitors in the business than ever before. Training and simulation experts attending a recent National Security Industrial Assn, interservice conference here said that use of computerized design and manufacturing techniques in aircraft production leads naturally to expertise in the use of computers for flight and maintenance training.

By EDWARD H. KOLCUM6 min

LOCKERBIE DISASTER

Bomb Destroys Pan Am 747 in Blast Over Scotland

LONDON British were seeking and U. to S. link officials traces last of exploweek sives found in the wreckage of a Pan American World Airways Boeing 747 with terrorist groups or individuals. Killed in the blast and subsequent crash of the aircraft—Pan American Flight 103 on Dec. 21, 1988—were all 259 passengers and crew on board and at least 11 persons on the ground in the town of Lockerbie, Scotland, where much of the aircraft impacted.

By DAVID A. BROWN6 min

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

Usaf, McDonnell Douglas Prepare to Deploy F-15e for Winter Testing

EDWARDS AFB, CALIF Operational test and evaluation of the F-15E dual-role fighter began last month in preparation for an off-site winter weather testing deployment to upstate New York scheduled for February. At least 18 USAF/McDonnell Douglas F-15Es are in flight status now, divided among test forces here and at Eglin AFB, Fla., a training unit at Luke AFB, Ariz., and the McDonnell Douglas facility in St. Louis, Mo.

By WILLIAM B. SCOTT6 min

December 191988

January 91989

January 2, 1989

January 2, 1989