MARIETTA, GA. Lockheed is forging ahead with its C-130J upgrade program despite any firm orders, aiming for first flight of the new version of the Hercules military transport in September, 1995. The program is now in the production design phase, following a preliminary design review last December.

WASHINGTON The Pentagon has temporarily lost its mediumand low-altitude airborne reconnaissance programs with the death of ATARS, but an often overlooked longrange system is on schedule and will soon be ready for testing on board a variety of aircraft.

WASHINGTON The Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle has successfully made its conversion from battleships to amphibious transports and is being prepared for its first deployment on board the new class of U. S. Navy ship. Nine takeoffs and landings have been conducted on board the West Coast-based amphibious transport dock (LPD) U. S. S. Denver, and flight operations there are continuing.