Satellite Communication Systems: Design Principles by M. Richharia focuses on the fundamentals rather than examining specific systems. It provides an in-depth treatment of the components of satellite communication systems, including the geosynchronous satellites used in global mobile communications. The book includes step-by-step explanations of the principles and methods of system design, focusing on concepts, guidelines and models. Radio link design, the basics of satellite orbits and data transmissions techniques are covered.
ILYUSHIN DESIGN BUREAU is using EDS Unigraphics' CAD/CAM software for the production of its new Il-96 transport. The Moscow-based manufacturer also is using the software for the body and interior design of its other aircraft including the Il-76 transport, Il-112 and Il-103.
AEROSPACE CONTRACTORS jockeying for the U.S. Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) also are eyeing foreign customers to make the first four years of the production program economical. Potential early customers are Israel (up to 75 aircraft), Mexico (about 40 aircraft) and NATO (around 60 based at Sheppard AFB, Tex.). These likely would be followed by Greece, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand and South Korea. JPATS would fit the requirement for the Korean KTX-1 primary trainer if that indigenous program falls through.
Jerry Nickelsburg (see photo) has been named director of airline marketing for FlightSafety International, based at its Long Beach, Calif., training center. He was deputy regional vice president-Asian sales for Douglas Aircraft Co.
The Model FE-5660A and FE-5650A are commercial rubidium frequency standards that offer accuracy that is an order of magnitude better than quartz crystal clocks. Applications for these rubidium atomic standards include airborne GPS receivers and other navigational or computer equipment. The smaller FE-5650A measures 3 X 3 X 1.4 in. Both offer warm-up times of less than 4 min., outstanding accuracy, resolution of 2 X 10-12, low phase noise and frequency setting of 10 KHz.-20 MHz. Frequency Electronics, Inc., 55 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Mitchel Field, N.Y. 11553.
The European Union's transport ministers are scheduled to meet on June 19 to determine a common external policy that could lead to a multilateral accord with the U.S. Late last week, the European Commission approved a draft mandate to open negotiations with the U.S. Transportation Dept. on behalf of the 15 EU member states.
Contracts to build components for Boeing's new 737-600/700/800 short-medium range transport family will help Japan's three largest aerospace manufacturers offset declining orders. Mitsubishi, Kawasaki and Fuji are to be sole providers for the parts. The contracts are the first of their kind signed by Boeing in Asia on the new 737 program. They were negotiated last year but not announced. By themselves, they are unremarkable. Japanese manufacturers have a long history of subcontract work with Boeing and other airframe makers.
The BU-65539M2-300 is a Mil-Std-1553 IBM-AT compatible card for users who want the full capabilities of ILC Data's Advanced Communications Engine terminals. The half-slot card accomplishes fast data transfers via a 16-bit shared random access memory interface, making it ideal for 1553 communications in test, simulation and ACE terminal software development. The card can be configured as a bus controller, remote terminal or bus monitor. ILC Data Device Corp., 105 Wilbur Place, Bohemia, N.Y. 11716.
Boeing has combined a fly-by-wire system with traditional cockpit controls in the 777 to create a large, twin-engine transport that represents an evolution rather than a revolution in its product line.
BANKRUPT ALASKA-BASED AIRLINE MARKAIR plans to move its base of operations from Anchorage to Denver, but will continue to operate its MarkAir Express regional operation within Alaska, an airline official said. MarkAir filed for protection under Chapter 11 last month after the State of Alaska failed to provide loans to keep the airline solvent. Although MarkAir is terminating service between Reno and Oakland, Calif., and Dallas/Ft. Worth and Atlanta, the carrier is scheduled to initiate new service from DFW to Las Vegas on May 18.
AN INDUSTRY CONSORTIUM WILL ATTEMPT to develop an ultraviolet differential absorption laser radar (lidar) system to provide a remote capability to detect chemical agents for a number of Defense Dept. missions. It also might be able to distinguish vehicles of friends from foes by analyzing exhaust emissions. The state of California and consortium members--OCA Applied Optics of Garden Grove, Calif., and Los Alamos Science, Inc., of Los Alamos, N.M.--will provide $1 million toward costs, and the federal government will provide a $1-million grant.
Former astronaut Robert L. Crippen has been appointed head of automation systems for the Lockheed Martin Corp. Information Systems Div., Orlando, Fla. He was director of the Kennedy Space Center.
The 1995 Paris air show is expected to be the focus of the aerospace industry's effort to restore prosperity, form new alliances and take more initiatives that will be paving the way for additional consolidation moves. About 1,550 exhibitors from 37 countries will take part in the June 11-18 show. Two hundred aircraft will be on static display or demonstrated in flight.
THE BRITISH MINISTRY of Defense has selected a Northrop Grumman team to develop its Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system to protect against infrared guided missiles (AW&ST Oct. 10, 1994, p. 39). The system is functionally similar to the Advanced Tactical IR Countermeasures (ATIRCM) system, which the Army is developing. The Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) used in ATIRCM--designed to detect incoming infrared-guided missiles and aim disruptive infrared energy at the missile--is also slated for use on USAF/Navy tactical aircraft.
Steven G. Johnson has been named senior product line manager for space systems for ITT Aerospace/Communications Div., Ft. Wayne, Ind. He returned to ITT from Hughes Danbury Optical Systems.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC HAS BECOME THE FIRST U.K.-BASED airline to offer flight schedule, fares and frequent-flier program information on the Internet. The airline plans to add data on in-flight entertainment and duty-free merchandise and is hopeful that, at a later date, subscribers can make reservations using the system. Virgin's pages were developed by Windsor-based aeronet, which specializes in providing Internet services for aviation businesses.
The Model 215 optically coupled, dual-axis joystick uses infrared light beams and solid-state electronics that eliminate position-sensitive mechanical switches. The optical coupling also reduces the effects of electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. The electronics are encapsulated in a weather-resistant housing. The joystick is available with a fused, solid-state, switched-output board. Current consumption is 25 milliamps at 5 v. d.c. The Model 215 will operate on 5-15 v. d.c.P-Q Controls, 95 Dolphin Road, Bristol, Conn. 06010.
KAMAN ELECTROMAGNETICS CORP. is preparing to demonstrate a full-scale development version of its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) at its Hudson, Mass., facility. The U.S. Navy is funding the critical component demonstration of the system, designed to replace steam-powered catapults on aircraft carriers. EMALS weighs 224 tons less than steam catapults and would generate 28% more thrust to allow the launch of aircraft weighing up to 100,000 lb. The increased control provided by the use of linear motor technology also will extend airframe life by up to 30%.
A castable beryllium-aluminum alloy developed by a Massachusetts company is being used to make parts for the Boeing/Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche heli- copter's electro-optical system.
Fieldview, an interactive data visualization package designed to help engineers investigate features of complex, three-dimensional fluid dynamic data sets, is now available from a number of companies in the Fluid Dynamics marketplace. Fieldview Version 4.1.1 is compatible with Fluent, Rampant, Fidap, Star-CD, Phoenics, Flow-3D, Vivisun and other computerized fluid dynamics solvers. The visualization program eases interpretation with tools such as cutting planes, contouring, streamlines, isosurfaces, line plots, data probes and animation.
The 1777-1 current harmonic filter was designed for use on the Boeing 747 to maintain compliance with total harmonic distortion power quality. The device uses inverse harmonic cancellation to remove distortion created by equipment on power buses. It senses harmonic currents at multiples of the 747's fundamental frequency of 400 Hz. and injects an equal and opposite current so the two cancel each other out. Avtech Corp., 3400 Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle, Wash. 98103-9095.
Underscoring the need for a logical timetable and cost restraints, U.S. airlines are cautioning the FAA to move slowly in adopting proposals by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board pertaining to upgraded flight data recorders. The industry's concern stems chiefly from the FAA's decision to mandate improved digital flight data recorders (DFDR) based upon the NTSB's recommendations. Until a ruling is developed, however, senior agency officials are advising the airlines to commence voluntary installation of the new equipment.
Michael E. Hurlston has been appointed manager of product strategy and applic-ations of IC Works, Inc., San Jose, Calif. He was business development manager for Micro Power Systems.
THE EUROPEAN SPACE Agency/DASA-Dornier ERS-2 radar remote sensing spacecraft is undergoing initial checkout in polar orbit following its successful launch from Kourou, French Guiana, Apr. 20 on board an Arianespace Ariane 4 booster. In another major activity at Kourou, the first full-scale Ariane 5 oxygen/hydrogen stage test vehicle could begin launch pad static firing tests by late this week.
