NASA's third New Frontiers-class mission, the asteroid-sample-return probe known by the acronym Osiris-Rex (Origins-Spectral Interpretation Resources Identification Security Regolith Explorer) cleared a crucial decision point for development May 15, and will move toward launch to the asteroid Bennu in September 2016. Osiris-Rex would then return samples of the asteroid to Earth in 2023.
I receive a paper copy of the magazine every week, but almost always read my electronic copy first. An electronic-only subscription would allow you to skip the cost of printing and mailing a paper copy, and save me the work of throwing out an unread magazine. It could be a win/win situation for publisher and subscriber. I love the content and the form of the electronic version. Peterborough, Ontario
Michael Scheeringa, president/CEO of BBA Aviation's Flight Support has been elected chairman of the Alexandria, Va.-based National Air Transportation Association (NATA) board of directors. Elected vice chairman was Gary Dempsey, president of Flight Service-The Americas of Jet Aviation Holdings. New members elected to the board are: Clara Bennett, manager of the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Executive Airport; Andy Priester, president/CEO of Priester Aviation; and Gregory J. Schmidt, president/CEO of Pentastar Aviation. In addition, NATA has named James P.
For the first time in a long time, general aviation planemakers have good news to report, as one of their standouts had been staggering not all that long ago. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), 458 aircraft were delivered during the first three months of the year, representing total billings of $4.6 billion. Compared to the same quarter in 2012, those represent increases of nearly 10% and 32%, respectively.
Raytheon's SM-3 IB ballistic missile killer achieved its third successful intercept during a May 16 trial in the Pacific, clearing the way for a full-rate production decision by year-end. The interceptor, which incorporates a new two-color infrared seeker and throttleable divert-and-attitude-control system lacking on the SM-3 IA, destroyed the separating warhead of a short-range ballistic missile target.
Air China remains in negotiations with Airbus for an order for 100 aircraft, despite the carrier's board having approved the deal, says a manufacturing industry official. Announcing the board's decision, Air China has also told the Shanghai Stock Exchange that it will dispose of six A340s. Affiliate Shenzhen Airlines is part of the discussions for buying the aircraft, which will be mainly A320s, the company secretary says.
With a record flight of two days on fuel-cell power under its belt, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is looking at how to transition its Ion Tiger unmanned aircraft from an experimental vehicle to a tactical system. The 35-lb. Ion Tiger has completed a 48-hr., 1-min. flight with an electric fuel-cell propulsion system using liquid hydrogen stored in a cryogenic tank.
Northrop Grumman has made unsolicited fixed-price proposals to reduce the Global Hawk unmanned aircraft's operating cost and improve the range and resolution of its electro-optical/infrared imaging sensor, in a bid to reverse the U.S. Air Force's plan to retire its multi-sensor RQ-4B Block 30s in favor of keeping aging Lockheed U-2s in service.
Even though I'm an engineer, I am interested in the gamut of subjects you cover, including manufacturing, management, economics, politics and general aviation, with the possible exception of the CEO interviews. Your your recent dual editorials—“The High Cost of Washington Inertia” and “Fuel Is Essential” were particularly spot on. Perkasie, Pa.
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Gordon Johndroe has been appointed vice president-media relations and international communications/chief spokesman for the Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md. He was a vice president at APCO Worldwide in Washington and had been spokesman for the National Security Council and a White House deputy press secretary.
Australia will buy 12 Boeing EA-18G Growlers instead of converting some of its current 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets to the electronic-attack configuration, the government says in its 2013 defense white paper. The government remains committed to “three operational squadrons” of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightnings entering service starting around 2020, according to the white paper. Triton Interests Australia
Andrew Tyler has been named London-based chief executive for the U.K. and Europe for the Northrop Grumman Corp., effective July 1. He has been CEO of Siemens's Marine Current Turbines and was chief operating officer of the Defense Equipment & Support organization within the U.K. Ministry of Defense.
Cuba's national carrier Cubana has a serious problem: It needs more aircraft to respond to the growing tourist industry in its homeland, but the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba makes it impossible for the airline to buy aircraft that contain more than 10% U.S.-made components.
The Pentagon's ad hoc review of roles, missions and spending, due this month, will propose significant savings outside of the armed services, while tackling health care costs and services held dear by the active-duty personnel and veterans. But the review will deepen the ongoing weapons program alignment around the U.S. military's pivot to the Asia-Pacific region.
A new study to enable U.S. air dominance over a peer adversary in the 2040-50 timeframe is a test of Darpa's belief that layered solutions, not single answers, hold the key. The study grew out of discussions between new Darpa director Arati Prabhakar, Defense acquisition undersecretary Frank Kendall and service leaders. “I sensed a concern about growing capabilities around the world, and that we haven't faced a peer adversary for a long time, but have to be ready when that moment comes,” she says.
There was a full demonstration of unmanned, autonomous takeoff, landing and deck movement on the USS George Bush on May 14, courtesy of a sleek, well-fed urban pigeon. The white-jacketed safety crew caused a flurry on the deck as they tried to surround it. Standard operating procedure, I suspect, would have involved termination with extreme prejudice (which, as Tom Lehrer informed us, is not against any religion) but media presence complicated matters, as it usually does.
“Small Disrupters” (AW&ST May 6/13, p. 55) made me smile when I read that Pumpkin uses hardware-store retractable tape measures for their antennas. There was a model of Pioneer 1 in the lobby of Northrop Grumman's E2 building. When the Ramo-Wooldridge (later TRW) scientists/engineers built Pioneer 1—the first satellite built by the private sector—they too used a hardware-store retractable tape measure for the spacecraft antenna. Sometimes practical versus gold-plated solutions are the right answer. Looks like we have come full circle.
China appears to be lifting its six-year ban on new private airlines, provisionally approving the establishment of a carrier in the southwestern province of Yunnan that will have no direct government links.
Republicans, who control the U.S. House of Representatives, and other supporters of Taiwan here have mounted a fresh push to persuade the White House to allow sales of advanced fighters to the island.
Jalil Jatip (see photo) has been named director of quality assurance for Superior Air Parts Inc., Coppell, Texas. He was quality fabrication department manager for Lockheed Martin for the F-16, F-22 and F-35 programs.
