May 15, 1989

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HEADLINE NEWS

Coast Guard Weighs Replacing Troubled Textron Lycoming Engines

BOSTON The U. S. Coast Guard is seriously considering a replacement for the LTS101 turboshaft on the HH-65A helicopter, while a Justice Dept. investigation proceeds into fraud allegations involving engine contractor Textron Lycoming.

By DAVID HUGHES8 min

HEADLINE NEWS

F-117a Crash Reports Cite Pilot Fatigue, Disorientation

LANCASTER, CALIF. Spatial disorientation, fatigue associated with a demanding night flying schedule and development of new tactics may have contributed to the crashes of two Air Force/Lockheed F-117A fighters in 1986 and 1987. The accidents occurred in remote areas on night, single-aircraft tactical missions during a period when the Air Force was forming and training operational units to exploit the new fighters’ capabilities effectively.

By WILLIAM B. SCOTT7 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Nasa Considers Station Design Changes, Amid Funding and Cancellation Threats

WASHINGTON NASA space station officials are proposing to change substantially the way the massive international facility would be built and electrically powered in orbit. Under the proposal, 50-ft. solar collector dishes and turbines would be used to generate most of the station’s 75-kw. electrical power, starting early in flight operations.

By CRAIG COVAULT5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

U. S., Soviet Scientists Propose System to Monitor Laser Asats

WASHINGTON U .S. and Soviet scientists are proposing to monitor the firing of high-power lasers into space by placing simple equipment close to selected sites in each country. The devices could be used to detect ground-based lasers capable of serving as antisatellite weapons.

By THERESA M. FOLEY5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Usaf Launches Twin Strategic Communications Satellites

CAPE CANAVERAL The Air Force launched two advanced communications satellites on May 10 that are to provide secure communications between the White House and military commanders worldwide. Launch of the stacked pair of third-generation Defense Communications Agency/General Electric Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS-3) spacecraft was made by a USAF Martin Marietta Titan 34D from Pad 40 here.

By EDWARD H. KOLCUM4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Atwood Eyes Tighter Scrutiny of Weapons Development

WASHINGTON Weapons programs will face more scrutiny in the acquisition phases between concept and full-scale development under the Pentagon’s new leadership. Deputy Defense Secretary Donald J. Atwood, Jr., said the Pentagon needs to tighten the process under which major weapons programs move through systems acquisition.

HEADLINE NEWS

Magellan Prepared for Course Correction as Astronauts Land Atlantis in Crosswind

WASHINGTON The Magellan Venus radar mapper spacecraft is approaching the 2-million-mi. point in its journey to Venus as ground controllers complete preparations for the vehicle’s first course correction maneuver May 21. While Magellan operated normally, the space shuttle Mission 30 astronauts who deployed the spacecraft piloted the orbiter Atlantis through a crosswind landing at Edwards AFB, Calif., May 8, following four days in orbit.

By CRAIG COVAULT3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

F-15 S/mtd Makes First Flight with 2d Exhaust Nozzles

NEW YORK A highly modified F-15B technology demonstrator has completed its first flight equipped with a pair of two-dimensional, thrust vectoring and reversing exhaust nozzles. The flight marks the first time that a fighter aircraft has flown with this type of 2D nozzle, a technology that is scheduled to be incorporated in some form into the engines under development for the U. S. Air Force’s advanced tactical fighter.

By STANLEY W. KANDEBO2 min

HEADLINE NEWS

British Labor Party Modifies Stance on Nuclear Disarmament

LONDON The British Labor Party, long committed to banning nuclear weapons in Britain—including those that equip U. S. aircraft—has taken a first step in reversing its unilateral nuclear disarmament policy. The party’s executive committee voted last week to change the party’s commitment to one of linking British nuclear weapons—and bases for U. S. nuclear forces assigned to NATO—to ongoing negotiations with the Soviet Union.

May 81989

May 221989

May 15, 1989

May 15, 1989