May 20, 1996

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HEADLINE NEWS

Missile Pact Ignites European Merger Moves

PARIS The breakthrough decision by Matra Defense and British Aerospace to merge their missile businesses in a new $1.5-billion company will help clear the damaging logjam that has blocked consolidation of European aerospace. The formation of Matra BAe Dynamics also signals the potential for quickly moving Europe and the U.K. closer together in future weapons collaborations, notably at the expense of the U.S.

By CRAIG COVAULT5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Nro Lost Track of $4 Billion

CHANTILLY, VA. The amount of unspent money that piled up in the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO) accounts approached a stunning $4 billion last year, but a senior official says the agency didn’t even know the money was there because of arcane accounting practices.

By JOSEPH C. ANSELMO5 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Israeli, Asian Payloads Orbited

PARIS Israel is on the verge this week of becoming a major new force in international telecommunications with the launch and initial checkout of Amos 1, the country’s first geosynchronous-orbit communications satellite. The 2,191-lb. (996-kg.) spacecraft built by Israel Aircraft Industries was launched May 15 on an Ariane 44L from Kourou, French Guiana.

By CRAIG COVAULT3 min

HEADLINE NEWS

Clamp Problem Prompts B-2 Bomber Standdown

New York The U.S Air Force expected to return its B-2 bombers to operational status late last week following a standdown prompted by a cracked engine exhaust clamp. The standdown order came into effect on May 10, after maintenance staff discovered a cracked titanium swing arm clamp in a single B-2 during a routine post-flight inspection.

By Stanley W. Kandebo2 min

SHOCK WAVES IN U.S. AVIATION

Cargo Hazards Alarm Valujet Crash Probers

MIAMI Safety investigators are looking closely at whether cargo in a ValuJet DC-9-32 could have set off a flashfire and led to the aircraft’s plunge of more than 7,000 ft. into the Everglades swamp. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators are searching for wreckage that could help them determine whether three aircraft wheels and scores of oxygen generators in the forward cargo hold together could have set off a fire.

By JAMES T. McKENNA9 min

REGIONAL AIRLINES SPECIAL REPORT

New Aircraft Orders Lag Brisk Pace of Traffic Growth

WASHINGTON Regional aircraft manufacturers are hoping that solid traffic growth and a stable pricing environment in the U.S. will translate into substantial new orders this year. Although there were some important new orders in the first months of 1996, there is a seeming lull now.

By CAROLE A. SHIFRIN6 min

May 131996

May 271996

May 20, 1996

May 20, 1996

France Plans More Cuts in Military Procurement

By PIERRE SPARACO5 min