Jul 15 1987
From The Space Library
NASA announced that it would showcase exhibits and models of its advanced fuel-saving propeller system called "propfan" at the 35th Annual Experiment Aircraft Association International Fly-In Convention and Sport Aviation Exhibition, July 31-August 7, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Propfan engines have revolutionary propellers with thin, highly swept blades. They burn 30 percent less fuel than advanced turbofan engines under the same conditions. NASA also was expected to exhibit its "Cockpit of the Future," in which pilots would use color-coded graphic displays and computers to monitor flight path and speed, wind and weather conditions, time-critical alerts, and traffic conditions and obstacles. Other displays would feature innovations in wing design; new composite materials to make lighter aircraft; new de-icing techniques and other safety improvements; a video presentation of NASA's Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) supercomputer system; and models of Langley's National Transonic Facility, the largest cryogenic wind tunnel in the world, and the Ames Vertical Motion Simulator used to investigate landing, takeoff and other handling qualities, and to develop controls for short takeoff and vertical-landing aircraft. (NASA Release 87-111)
NASA named a board to investigate the July 13, 1987, Atlas Centaur 68 accident which resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle. James B. Odom, Director of the Science and Engineering Directorate, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, was appointed Chairman of the Board. The Board was expected to report the results of its investigation to Rear Admiral Richard H. Truly, Associate Administrator for Space Flight, by August 14, 1987. (NASA Release 87-112; LA Times, July 14/87; NY Times, July 16/87)
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