February 13, 1989

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HEADLINE NEWS

Tower Vote Set Back Again, Leaving Pentagon Stalled

WASHINGTON John G. Tower’s controversial bid to become U. S. Defense Secretary suffered more damage last week on two fronts. The FBI extended its investigation of Tower’s background, and partisan conflict over his nomination broke out for the first time.

By PAUL MANN

HEADLINE NEWS

Soviet Probe Enters Mars Orbit; Landers to Descend on Phobos

WASHINGTON The Soviet Union maneuvered its Phobos 2 spacecraft into Mars orbit Jan. 29, initiating ambitious operations at a planet where earlier exploration was dominated by the U. S. The Soviet spacecraft is carrying two landers that will be dropped on the surface of the Martian moon Phobos in April.

By CRAIG COVAULT

HEADLINE NEWS

Orbiter Discovery Engine Repairs Accelerating for Shuttle Mission 29

New space shuttle main engine oxygen turbopumps are to be delivered to Kennedy Space Center this week for installation on the orbiter Discovery. The Mission 29 vehicle was rolled to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 3. The delivery is critical to enabling launch of shuttle Mission 29 by midMarch.

HEADLINE NEWS

Gripen Crash Delays Flight Test Program

LONDON The flight test program for the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen multirole combat aircraft was being restructured last week as program officials sought to minimize the delay resulting from the crash of the first prototype Feb. 2 (AW&ST Feb. 6, p. 25).

NASA HEAVY RAIN RESEARCH

NASA Will Study Heavy Rain Effects on Wing Aerodynamics

HAMPTON, VA. NASA’S Langley Research Center this spring will begin tests to determine the effects of heavy rain, often linked with wind shear, on transport aircraft aerodynamics. The connection between rain and wind shear has prompted studies of rain-induced lift reduction and the effects of heavy rain on drag and angle of attack at stall.

By EDWARD H. PHILLIPS

AVIATION WEEK PILOT REPORT

Notar Reduces Pilot Workload, Improves Response in OH-6A

MESA, ARIZ. The McDonnell Douglas Notar concept offers reduced pilot workload and smoother control response than conventional, tail-rotor-equipped helicopters. These attributes were evident during a flight in the no-tail-rotor demonstrator helicopter here recently.

By NICHOLAS C. KERNSTOCK

February 61989

February 201989

February 13, 1989

February 13, 1989