January 29, 2001

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WORLD NEWS & ANALYSIS

V-22 Support Fades Amid Accidents, Accusations, Probes

WASHINGTON The second largest customer for Bell, Boeing's V-22 tiltrotor, the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, is reconsidering its commitment to the system in the wake of technical problems and revelations about maintenance irregularities that have thrown the program into turmoil.

By ROBERT WALL

WORLD NEWS & ANALYSIS

Aerospace Majors Hit Performance Goals

NEW YORK Solid fourth-quarter and year 2000 earnings reports issued by major U.S. aerospace companies last week-including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon-testify to the industry's heavy emphasis on improving its operational performance.

By ANTHONY L. VELOCCI

WORLD NEWS & ANALYSIS

Launch Held for DMSP Weather Satellite

LOS ANGELES Launch of a $131-million military weather satellite—intended to replace a spacecraft which has already exceeded its operational design life-will be delayed at least until April, according to U.S. Air Force officials. Launch of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F16 spacecraft on a refurbished Titan II booster could be delayed as many as eight months, if a problem which halted launch plans turns out to be the result of a design error, Air Force officials said.

By BRUCE A. SMITH

WORLD NEWS & ANALYSIS

New Strategy Sought By SAirGroup

LONDON SAirGroup has jettisoned its strategy of investing in smaller carriers, to forge a strong European airline network and intends to focus on its improving profitability at its three main carriers—Swissair, Crossair and Sabena.

By JOHN D. MORROCCO

WORLD NEWS & ANALYSIS

Turkey Scraps Satellite Contract In Political Dispute With France

ANKARA Turkey's sudden decision to scrap a $249-million deal for surveillance satellites with Alcatel of France has reopened the door for Israeli and U.S. bidders. Turkey took the action in retaliation against a resolution passed by the French parliament that labeled the killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks more than 85 years ago as genocide.

By METEHAN DEMIR

January 222001

February 52001

January 29, 2001

January 29, 2001