Sep 4 1967
From The Space Library
NASA-sponsored research on equipment used for surviving hard landing on the moon and planets had been conducted by Cal Tech-JPL engineers in simulated operations. Split-second JPL impact tests, which used powerful compressed air guns and a giant slingshot, hurtled equipment against solid backstops at speeds up to 500 feet per second (340 mph) . JPL's engineer, Stan Taylor, explained : "During the brief instant that the test specimen is experiencing the 10,000 g shock, every part of it behaves as though it weighed 10,000 times its normal weight. The bolts supporting a one pound test item have to be good for about five tons." The experiments had proved that intricate, delicate components required in sophisticated unmanned spacecraft of today and tomorrow could be protected to withstand shocks of 10,000 g. (JPL Release)
NASA's work on advanced air-breathing engines was aimed at development of significantly improved propulsion systems, primarily for second-generation supersonic transports, Aviation Week and Space Technology reported. Based mainly at LeRC, advanced engine component research program was designed to improve overall performance by improving efficiencies of individual components such as the compressor, combustor, turbine, and nozzle. Although program was directed primarily to supersonic powerplants, most anticipated improvements were expected to be applicable to future subsonic jet engines. (Av Wk, 9:4/67, 64-71)
The House Committee on Government Operations in H.R. 613 urged DOD to proceed with plans for an advanced communications satellite system that would eventually replace the present Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP). The Committee said it "would be a mistake" to lean too heavily on the IDCSP because its limited channel capacity was already strained. Several possible system configurations were under study by DOD. (Av Wk, 9/4/67, 18)
Current attacks on the SST project appeared to stem from ignorance of the plan and a failure to appreciate what it would contribute to the economy and security of this country, reported columnist L/G Ira C. Eaker (USAF, Ret.). He had presented estimates of the sales volume and financial aspect of the SST programs which had been developed, checked, and rechecked by civil advisory groups, the airlines, and individual experts in transportation, industry, and finance. He said no Federal program since World War II had had the thorough analysis, careful examination, and close scrutiny accorded the present SST plan. He emphasized that the SST was not competitive in any way with social reform programs. On the other hand, it would stimulate continued growth of the economy, create employment, and provide a higher standard of living for thousands. (Eaker, Detroit News, 9/4/67)
Michael E. Gluhareff, Russian-born engineer and associate of helicopter pioneer Igor I. Sikorsky, died in Bridgeport, Conn., at 74. Gluhareff was engineering manager of Sikorsky Aircraft, a division of United Aircraft. His many patents had included a dart-shaped plane, sailplane (glider) , tail-less airplane with rear-mounted propeller, and device to use exhaust gases of engines to increase the speed and load of the plane (co-inventor) . (AP, W Post, 9/6/67, B8)
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