Business & Commercial Aviation News from October 1965

Jessica A. Salerno

Grumman Gulfstreams, from October 1965 issue of Business & Commercial Aviation

Four NASA Grumman Gulfstreams are used at space centers in Texas, Alabama and Florida, and are based at Air Force facilities in those areas. The U.S. corporate fleet is the largest and most varied of "business" flight operations. The 350 airplanes that make up the government's list of aircraft fight fires and carry presidents — all in a day's work.

Comanche 400 test bed for Garrett AiResearch TPE 331, from October 1965 issue of Business & Commercial Aviation

The Comanche 400 test bed for AiResearch TPE 331 turboprop engine is now in early phase of extended flight test program. Powered by 605 eshp engine, the airplane, which is unmodified aft of the firewall, hits 275 mph at cruise power at 20,000 ft.

Piper Navajo, from October 1965 issue of Business & Commercial Aviation

Piper's Navajo, the 6-8 place PA-31, will cost "well under $100,000" and is undergoing accelerated flight tests. Deliveries should start in mid-1966. Production models will have more streamlined nacelles and 10 windows.

Hansa Jet production line, from October 1965 issue of Business & Commercial Aviation

In viewing that Hansa jet production line, we noted a single row of vortex generators on the upper wing in front of each aileron. First cerfitication tests are well underway, with fatigue life proved to meet FAA standards (20,000 flights, 7-8 years operation), but with Hansa water testing components to five times that amount.

Cover of the October 1965 issue of Business & Commercial Aviation

"More than any other airplane, Grumman's Gulfstream symbolizes modern corporate aviation," BCA said. "Unlike her many military surplus piston-powered predecessors, the G159 was built specifically as a business transport. Likewise, in contrast to the glamorous "biz jets," the Gulfstream can boast six years and millions of miles of operating experience as well as walk-around room and short field performance, two items the jets traded off for speed."

Fan Jet Falcon advertisement, from October 1965 issue of Business & Commercial Aviation

VFCR: Very Fast Conference Room. "The Fan Jet Falcon can fly as many as 10 of your key men wherever you want, whenever you want. And they can work or confer in first class silence and comfort all the way," the ad reads.

The October 1965 issue of Business & Commercial Aviation included these news items as well as the aircraft in the image gallery:

  • "NBAA indeed has come a long way since that pioneering meeting in May of 1946. It still has a long way to go." – B&CA Editorial
  • Originally, NBAA was started by a group of 13 corporations for self-protection. Today it has grown to 398 regular members and 185 associate members and accounts for four-fifths of GA's heavy and medium multi-engine aircraft.
  • The first DH 125 with Viper 552 engines will be delivered to Socony-Mobil Co., late this year. The new Bristol-Siddeley power plant has 3,360-lb.-thrust at ISA.
Jessica A. Salerno

Jessica is Executive Editor of Business & Commercial Aviation magazine. She started as Editor of ShowNews Online, Aviation Week's on-site trade show daily published at the Paris Air Show, NBAA Annual Convention, Singapore Air Show and at other significant aerospace gatherings.

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