May 29, 1989

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HEADLINE NEWS

Nasa Space Station Faces Scale-down as Budget, Technical Realities Emerge

WASHINGTON Unrelieved budget threats and doubts about whether the space shuttle could launch the station as currently designed are forcing NASA’s new management team to consider once again down scaling the system. NASA’s space station program has entered a crucial period in which its newly appointed senior management team must contend with budgetary and technical problems inherited from the previous administration.

By THERESA M. FOLEY7 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Future C-130 Version May Incorporate Stol Features and Autonomous Capability

PALMDALE, CALIF. New STOL-related performance and systems enhancements undergoing flight evaluations on a Lockheed C-130 testbed may be incorporated into a C-130J upgrade version now being formulated by the Air Force. A future version of the C-130 workhorse is expected to feature larger, more efficient engines, high-sink-rate landing gear, a head-up display and electronic flight instruments.

By WILLIAM B. SCOTT5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Usaf, Ltv Probe Wing Cracks That Grounded Air Guard A-7s

WASHINGTON The Air Force and LTV Corp. are investigating wing cracks that have grounded 122 A-7 attack aircraft flown by Air National Guard units. The grounded aircraft comprise more than 30% of the 361 A-7s currently in service with Guard squadrons.

By EDWARD H. PHILLIPS5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Brazil, China Form Space Launch Venture

COCOA BEACH, FLA. Brazil’s Avibras Aeroespacial and the China Great Wall Industry Corp. have formed a joint venture specializing in communications satellite launching, tracking and networking. Called INSCOM, for International Satellite Communication, Ltd., the new company will combine the satellite launch vehicle experience of the People’s Republic of China with Avibras’ space tracking, international marketing and management knowledge.

By EDWARD H. KOLCUM3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Rolls-royce Developing More Powerful Version of Pegasus Engine for Third-generation Harrier

BRISTOL, ENGLAND Rolls-Royce has begun initial development of a more powerful version of its Pegasus vectored-thrust engine to power a third-generation subsonic Harrier STOVL aircraft. The engine manufacturer believes the new Harrier will be required in the mid-1990s.

May 221989

June 51989

May 29, 1989

May 29, 1989