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.
The Micro Palm PC/3040V is a rugged, hand-held MS-DOS computer with two PCMCIA slots. It features a 25-X-40-character, easy-to-read backlit liquid crystal display. A swap function allow the user to view an 80-character-wide screen, and a separate zoom function allows a single area to be enlarged. The hand-held PC features CGA graphics capability, a 16-MHz. processor and 100% PC functionality. The PC/3040V's built-in software allows communications with a host computer via two RS-232 serial ports or an optional data docking/recharging station.
This aviation flashlight comes with both a white lens for preflight inspection and a red lens for use in flight. An extra krypton bulb is stored inside the light. The black machined aluminum housing is water tight and resistant to corrosion. The positive click on/off switch prevents the light from being turned on accidentally. The beam can be adjusted for spot or flood use. Two AA batteries are included. Aviation Supplies&Academics, Inc., 7005 132nd Place S.E., Newcastle, Wash. 98059-3153.
FiberSwitch utilizes a single optical fiber strand to control electrical devices. These switches are ideal in wet and hazardous environments because there is no danger of shock or electrocution from the switch. The flat switch and thin fiber make installation simple. They also weigh less than conventional switches, cause no electromagnetic interference, are not subject to corrosion and do not require a switch box. Wireless Control Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 2558, Rapid City, S.D. 57709.
Bombardier has selected the Pratt&Whitney Canada PW150 to power the proposed 70-seat, high-speed Dash 8 Series 400 transport. PW100 series engines already power Dash 8-100, -200 and -300 aircraft, and the PW150 will keep the major installation characteristics of these powerplants. The PW150 also will share common maintenance and operational characteristics with other PW100 series engines, according to Keyvan Fard, director of airline engines marketing at Pratt&Whitney Canada.
Dave Alderman has been appointed director of sales and product support for DPI Labs, La Verne, Calif. He was senior completion center salesman for Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah, Ga.
COMMON GROUND --The Institute of Space Technology at Brevard Community College near Cape Canaveral is working with the Spaceport Florida Authority and Lockheed Martin to develop standards for training space systems technicians. For decades, aviation has drawn from a pool of technical and operational personnel trained to FAA standards. But companies that build and process launch vehicles set their own standards and foot the bill for training.
U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY William Perry told the House Budget Committee he has made some changes to the bomber requirements study conducted by the Institute for Defense Analysis and confirmed that it was sent back for revisions (AW&ST Apr. 24, p. 19). Rep. Rick A. Lazio (R.-N.Y.) said he understood the original version recommended procuring no additional B-2 bombers, but the recommendation would no longer be a part of the report and the Pentagon would ``punt to Congress'' on the issue.
The AE173 FPA 256-X-256 pixel indium-antimony snapshot-mode focal-plane array combines high sensitivity, simultaneous pixel integration, windowing and dilution mode operation to provide superior image quality, flexibility and performance. The detector is sensitive in the 2-5 mm. range and features operability of greater than 99%, quantum efficiency of more than 80% and uncorrected uniformity of better than 5%. The device utilizes a complementary metal oxide or CMOS readout integrated circuit.
The Model FRJ4963 and FRJ4963-1 waveguide rotary joints are designed to operate for a long life at 960 rpm. due to their noncontacting choke couplings. The FRJ4963 covers the 4.9-5.1-GHz. range with less than 1.2:1 VSWR and less than 0.15 dB. insertion loss. Peak power is 1.5 mw., while 3 kw. is average at 15 psig. The FRJ4963-1 covers 2.9-3.1 GHz. Its power rating is 1 mw. peak and 5 kw. average. Sage Laboratories, Inc., 11 Huron Drive, Natick, Mass. 01760-1338.
