October 29, 1990

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HEADLINE NEWS

U.S. Opposes Formal U. N. Command Role in Middle East

WASHINGTON The Bush Administration is considering a broader role for the United Nations in coordinating military activities against Iraq but opposes the idea of a formal U. N. operational command structure for the multinational force now assembled in the Persian Gulf.

By JOHN D. MORROCCO

HEADLINE NEWS

GE Completes Ground Tests Of Axisymmetric Vectoring Nozzle

NEW YORK General Electric has completed ground tests of a prototype axisymmetric, vectoring, engine exhaust nozzle and is developing plans to test a fully articulated version of the nozzle in early 1992. The privately funded program, as well as a similar effort at Pratt & Whitney, is aimed at developing a thrust-vectoring, axisymmetric afterburning nozzle for use on both future and existing fighter aircraft (AW&ST Aug. 13, p. 31).

HEADLINE NEWS

Defense Authorization Bill Silent on Future B-2 Production

WASHINGTON The House/Senate conference committee’s final version of the Fiscal 1991 defense authorization bill left open the issue of continued production of the B-2 bomber and softened other provisions to avert a presidential veto.

By PATRICIA A. GILMARTIN

HEADLINE NEWS

B-2 Starts Stealth Test Series; Second Bomber Makes First Flight

PALMDALE, CALIF. The second Air Force/Northrop B-2 bomber completed its initial flight four days before the No. 1 B-2 also returned to flight status, clearing the way for the next phase of active testing. With two aircraft now available, specialized flight tests over the next few months will enable detailed assessments of the B-2’s ability to penetrate defined threat air defenses and survive.

HEADLINE NEWS

Apache Readiness Problems Emerge As Threat to Longbow Development

WASHINGTON Continued development of the Longbow radar targeting system will depend heavily on whether the intended platform, the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, can be made reliable enough to justify such a sophisticated upgrade, according to Pentagon and industry officials.

By DAVID F. BOND

HEADLINE NEWS

European Participants in NH-90 Await Italian Funding Decision

European companies are examining alternative development plans for the NH-90 helicopter as concerns grow over Italy’s ability to fund its share. Italy is one of four countries in the NH90 program, holding a 36.3% share with a value of 552 million European accounting units (about $424 million at current exchange rates).

By LE BOURGET

VIEWPOINT

NATO Remains Indispensable

Security today is less than ever a purely military concept. In addition to its military components, it has a political and economic dimension. It incorporates disarmament questions and, increasingly, the challenges of weapons proliferation and terrorism.

INDUSTRY ODSERVER

LIGHTWEIGHT DESERT CAMOUFLAGE netting with an improved ability to hide objects from radar and infrared seekers will be delivered to the U.S. Army by Brunswick Defense during the next few weeks. Included in the order are 500 “Saudi Tan” ultra lightweight covers for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.

October 221990

November 51990

October 29, 1990

October 29, 1990