July 18, 1994

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HEADLINE NEWS

Fratricide Investigation Spurs U.s. Training Review

WASHINGTON Defense Secretary William J. Perry has approved a sweeping review of command and control procedures for joint air operations, as well as a review of U.S. Air Force AWACS operational readiness and training, following the conclusion of an investigation into the accidental shootdown of two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters by USAF F-l5s over northern Iraq last April.

By JOHN D. MORROCCO6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

U.s. Seeks Reliability Data on Key Mir Port

COCOA BEACH, FLA. Rockwell and NPO Energia are negotiating the means and cost of resolving safety concerns over explosive bolts on the Mir docking port that a U.S. shuttle will use during a rendezvous next spring. Rockwell and NASA officials want NPO Energia to perform a series of tests on the type of bolts rigged as emergency release devices on the Russian space station's port.

By JAMES T. MCKENNA5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Ariane Proves Reliability; Launch Pace Accelerated

KOUROU, FRENCH GUIANA An Ariane 44L on July 8 successfully launched two telecommunications satellites into geostationary orbit, setting the stage for a reduced cycle time and an increased number of flights, one every three weeks. Thirty Ariane launches are scheduled for the 1994-96 time period, including the first increased-lift Ariane 5 commercial flight planned for Oct. 1, 1996.

By PIERRE SPARACO4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Mission Tests Techniques for Space Station Science Work

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER HEADLINE NEWS Scientists in the U.S. and Germany used the shuttle Columbia as a testbed for techniques that could be employed to remotely control experiments on the planned international space station as the orbiter's crew worked to keep their mission's research on track.

By JAMES T. MCKENNA4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Southwest to Raise Ante in United Markets

COCOA BEACH, FLA. Southwest Airlines will hone its combined operations with Morris Air to intensify competition with United Airlines in direct proportion to United's efforts to build a low-cost, no-frills service in western U.S. markets.

By JAMES T. MCKENNA4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Readiness Concerns Dominate 1996 Budget

WASHINGTON Readiness will continue to be the number one priority as the Pentagon begins crafting its budget plans for Fiscal 1996, according to Defense Secretary William Perry who cited the emergence of disturbing negative trends. In testimony before the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee, Perry also said the Pentagon now supports a larger bomber force than currently planned.

HEADLINE NEWS

Singapore Weighs F/A-18 Buy, Chooses F-l6$ for Upgrade

WASHINGTON HONG HONG Although it had second thoughts, Singapore will remain with plans it made two years ago to upgrade its fighter fleet with Lockheed F-l6C/Ds. Defense Minister Lee Boon Yang said last week that the city-state will buy 18 F-16s because they are the most cost-effective aircraft for Singapore's defense and security needs.

By MICHAEL MECHAM,JOHN MORROCCO3 min

July 111994

July 251994

July 18, 1994

July 18, 1994