Jun 16 1971
From The Space Library
NASA interest in "phased approach" to development of reusable space shuttle system was announced by Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator. Contractor studies near completion indicated "preferred configuration" was "two-stage delta-wing reusable system in which the orbiter has external propellant tanks that can be jettisoned." While studies to date had favored "concurrent approach" in which development and testing of orbiter and booster stages would proceed simultaneously, NASA also had studied feasibility of sequencing development, test, and verification of system's features. "We now believe that a `phased approach' is feasible and may offer significant advantages." Additional studies in progress, plus those nearing completion, would enable NASA "to make a decision this fall on the technical and programmatic approach to be followed in the space shuttle program." (NASA Release 71-107)
NASA and USAF signed agreement to conduct jomt Transonic Aircraft Technology (TACT) Program to explore application of supercritical wing technology to highly maneuverable advanced aircraft. F-111 was selected as test bed aircraft. NASA's LaRC, USAF, and General Dynamics Corp. had completed more than 1600 hrs of wind-tunnel tests to develop supercritical airfoil for TACT program. Final configuration development and wind-tunnel tests for low-speed high-lift devices and transonic and supersonic conditions would be conducted at ARC. (AFSC Release 188.71; NASA Release 71-124)
House considering H.R. 8687, FY 1972 military procurement authorization bill agreed to amendment cutting $806 million for procurement of F-14A jet fighter aircraft. (CR, 6/16/71, H5266- 303)
Thirtieth anniversary of opening of Washington National Airport. Number of passengers using facility annually had grown from fewer than 400 000 in 1941 to nearly 10 million in 1970. At commemorative ceremonies FAA award for extraordinary service was presented to Edward V. Rickenbacker, veteran pilot and retired Eastern Airlines Chairman. Airport received commemorative plaque from Arlington County (Va.) Board. (FAA Release 71-89; Bernstein, W News, 6/16/71, 35; Eisen, W Post, 6/17/71, D3)
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