Aug 9 1970
From The Space Library
LeRC was studying substitution of thermal reactor for standard exhaust manifold to reduce pollution of air from automobile exhaust, NASA announced. National Air Pollution Control Administration had asked LeRC to study reactor use to correct incomplete fuel combustion that led to emission of one quarter to one half ton of carbon-monoxide and hydrocarbons annually by each car. Industry tests had shown that thermal reactor, which also acted as afterburner, could reduce pollutants to within predicted 1980 Federal requirements. LeRC had been asked to develop technology for long life, inexpensive reactor. (NASA Release 70-133)
Next three months would be critical for Anglo-French Concorde supersonic transport, Don Cook said in Washington Post. Two prototypes would begin advance tests to determine whether aircraft could carry 11300 kg (25 000 lb)-125 passengers and baggage-from Paris to New York at 2250 km per hr (1400 mph). If tests were successful, airlines with options on 76 aircraft would be asked to supply funds for firm orders. British and French governments had put $1.5 billion into project in seven years and were "increasingly reluctant" to see Concorde spending spiral. Result might be "that everybody concerned (except the French and British manufacturers) will be content to see the program slow down." British prototype 002 had been fitted with more powerful Olympus 593 engines and was undergoing runway testing. French prototype 001 was undergoing engine refitting and was scheduled to fly again in September. Together, two prototypes had logged 225 hrs in 120 test flights. French model had logged 170 hrs in air, 30 at supersonic speeds. Neither had flown at mach 2 but this would become possible with engines now being fitted. Testing would be over 1290km (800-mi) "boom corridor" from Northwest Scotland to tip of Cornwall over Irish Sea. Flight plan called for 25 runs at mach 2 within 50 days. Measurements would be taken of sonic boom, noise level at takeoff, and smoke emission. (W Post, 8/9/70, El)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
