January 9, 1995

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HEADLINE NEWS

U.S. Military to Boost Tactical Recon in '95

After years of retiring reconnaissance aircraft and canceling expensive replacements, the first new systems are ready to deploy

By DAVID A. FULGHUM,JOHN D. MORROCCO6 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Programs Can Predict Aircraft Landing Damage

WASHINGTON To ensure it can deploy quickly in a crisis, the U.S. Air Force has developed a series of computer programs to predict an aircraft's ability to operate from any airfield in the world, particularly if the runway has been damaged and newly repaired.

By DAVID A. FULGHUM4 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Pyrovalves Suspect in Satellite Failures

LOS ANGELES A broadly based industry-government group is focusing on propulsion system pyrovalves as concerns grow that the relatively simple devices—used in a majority of satellites on orbit—may have been involved to some degree in recent satellite failures, according to industry officials.

By BRUCE A. SMITH3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

E-systems Acquires New Nondefense Unit

NEW YORK E-Systems, Inc., has purchased Westinghouse Corp.'s Transportation Management Systems business to help expand the company's nondefense revenues, but some financial analysts are skeptical about the move. The new property will be combined with E-Systems' existing transportation resources, including the recently acquired Auto-Trac and an alliance with Newcomb Communications—both mobile data communications suppliers.

By ANTHONY L. VELOCCI3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Japan Budget Allots for Fewer Aircraft

TOKYO and HONG KONG As part of its $710-billion fiscal 1995 budget, Japan has included a slight increase for defense spending despite a 2.9% cut in overall allocations. But the extra money will be eaten up by higher personnel costs; the procurement of weapons will actually be cut from 1994 levels.

WINTER OPERATIONS SPECIAL REPORT

Europe, Canada Improve Anti-icing Methods

PARIS and BOSTON European and Canadian civil aviation authorities are taking an aggressive approach to improve deicing procedures, and European states also are trying to standardize their winter operations. However, the European Joint Aviation Authorities' impetus to coordinate a wide-ranging technical and operational effort to further improve flight safety in icing conditions is developing slower than initially planned, Jean-Claude Albert acknowledged.

By PIERRE SPARACO,DAVID HUGHES8 min

SAFETY

Initial A320 Report Examines Crash Details, Not Causes

This document has been drawn up by the Commission of Inquiry on the basis of preliminary data and contains factual elements about the circumstances of the accident without trying to make an analysis, even provisional. It will only be possible to make a complete report on the circumstances and the causes of this accident when the work undertaken by the commission has been completed.

AVIONICS

Kaman Offers Airborne Mine Detection to Navy

WASHINGTON Kaman Corp. has made an unsolicited proposal to the U.S. Navy to develop and install four Magic Lantern LIDAR-based, antiship-mine detection systems on MH-53 Sea Dragons. The $25-million proposal, coupled with an additional $10-million proposal covering spares and logistics support, would give the Navy the capability for simultaneous deployment of at least two of the Magic Lantern-equipped helicopters in two separate theaters in wartime.

By STANLEY W. KANDEBO6 min

January 21995

January 161995

January 9, 1995

January 9, 1995

U.S. Military to Boost Tactical Recon in '95

By DAVID A. FULGHUM,JOHN D. MORROCCO6 min