January 16, 1989

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HEADLINE NEWS

Soviets Reveal Testing in Space of Thermionic Nuclear Reactor

The Soviet Union revealed last week that it has twice tested a new nuclear reactor called Topaz in space. The Soviets have informally offered to sell the reactors to the U. S. The flight tests of the Topaz reactor provide evidence that the Soviet Union has moved far ahead of the U. S. in operational use of space nuclear power.

By THERESA M. FOLEY5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Pentagon Board Names Army to Lead Revamped Asat Program

The Defense Acquisition Board has recommended that the Army take the lead in rejuvenating the Pentagon’s antisatellite effort, following a review last week of Pentagon plans. The board’s action is expected to be approved shortly by Defense Secretary Frank C. Carlucci.

HEADLINE NEWS

Navy to Modify T-45a Trainers Based on Operational Test Flights

The Navy plans to make some changes to the T-45A trainer aircraft prior to a limited production decision on the aircraft based on a report written after a series of T-45A operational test flights. One of the concerns was the thrust level of the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk. 861-49, which is designated the F405-RR-400L for the T-45 program.

By BRUCE A. SMITH3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Unwanted Publicity Prompts Mediator to Halt Talks Between Eastern, Machinists

Contract negotiations between Eastern Airlines and its machinists union were halted last week when Walter Wallace, chairman of the National Mediation Board, returned to Washington because of publicity surrounding the talks. Eastern and its International Assn, of Machinists and Aerospace Workers local had reopened bargaining sessions Jan. 7.

By MIAMI2 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Soviet Heavy-lift An-225 Begins Flight Test Program

The Soviet Union has begun flight testing with the Antonov An-225 heavy-lift cargo transport designed to carry large payloads internally, as well as on external attach points atop the upper fuselage. The aircraft’s external payload attach points and wide-span horizontal tail are evident in an in-flight photograph of the transport (top).

SOVIET SPACE SHUTTLE

Soviets Planning Manned Shuttle Mission for 1989

The Soviet Union has begun plans for a space shuttle orbiter mission this year, following analysis of the initial unmanned flight performed late last year by the No. 1 orbiter, Buran. Program engineers said Buran’s flight controls and thermal protection system performed to expectations during the unmanned orbital test Nov. 15.

By JEFFREY M. LENOROVITZ8 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

U. S. Scientists, Aircraft Study Ozone Depletion Above Arctic

NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have launched an airborne expedition to study ozone depletion in the Arctic. The project, organized by NASA’s Upper Atmosphere Research Program, is using two NASA aircraft, a Lockheed ER-2 and a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, to fly into the stratosphere over the Arctic polar vortex.

By BRECK W. HENDERSON7 min

MILITARY ELECTRONICS

Bubble Memory’s Ruggedness Revives Interest for Military Use

Magnetic bubble memory is returning to military computers after several years during which rapid advances in semiconductor and disk technology reduced its popularity. Honeywell’s Defense Communication and Production Div. and Magnesys Corp., a small Santa Clara, Calif., magnetic bubble memory system manufacturer, recently signed a production agreement to put bubble memory subsystems made by Magnesys into the U. S.

By SANTA CLARA6 min

DEFENSE BRIBERY PROBE

Pentagon Suspends Hazeltine, Teledyne Following Federal Charges of Fraud

Hazeltine Corp. and Teledyne Electronics have been suspended from doing business with the Pentagon for an indefinite period following a review of court documents in the Justice Dept.’s investigation of defense fraud and bribery. The suspensions were announced by the Pentagon less than a week after Hazeltine pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges and agreed to pay $1.9 million in fines in an out-of-court settlement.

AIR TRANSPORT

Crash of 737-400 Prompts Stricter Cfm56 Engine Checks

The crash of a British Midland Air-ways Boeing 737-400 with one engine out last week prompted British and U. S. regulatory agencies to order immediate checks of fire, overheat and vibration warning systems on twin-engine aircraft powered by CFM International CFM56-series engines.

By DAVID A. BROWN6 min

January 91989

January 231989

January 16, 1989

January 16, 1989