PARIS The Russian Satellite Communications Co. has awarded Alcatel Space a contract for three new telecom payloads and concluded an agreement with Eutelsat to help finance a fourth, as it continues a fleet-wide replacement program.

WASHINGTON The Joint Strike Fighter competition between Boeing and Lockheed Martin may come down to a classic replay of performance versus cost. With low observables, on-board processing and aerodynamic performance roughly at parity (although short takeoff and vertical landing propulsion systems are yet to be tested), the choice of a winning design may be determined in other areas such as the radar and electro-optical sensors, according to aerospace industry officials here for the International Powered Lift Conference 2000.

WASHINGTON The U.S. Navy is juggling many technical and operational options for unmanned aircraft, but it contends that this reflects a broad interest in such aircraft that is tempered by slim budgets. However, there is no confusion about the basic need for such vehicles.