Sept 3 1975
From The Space Library
Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists had released "Automobile Power Systems Evaluation Study," urging adoption of a billion-dollar program to mass-produce, by 1985, a fuel-saving pollution-free replacement for the standard internal combustion engine, Richard Witkin reported in the New York Times. Funded by a $500 000 grant from the Ford Motor Co. with the understanding that the study would be independent and unbiased, JPL's report recommended accelerated, parallel development of the Brayton gas turbine and Stirling external combustion engine until a clear choice could be made between them. The study found that either engine not only was virtually pollution-free and cut fuel consumption by 30 to 45% but also could be mass-produced at a cost differential small enough to be easily recovered through fuel savings by the first owner.
The JPL engineers defined the fuel economy, emissions, and costs of vehicles powered by nine other engines as well as by improved versions of the conventional internal combustion engine. Six sizes of cars were analyzed, covering the range of consumer' preferences. Electric and hybrid power systems were also evaluated.
Aside from development of the Brayton and :Stirling engines, the report recommended other programs to reduce fuel consumption 15 to 35% by improved vehicle packaging, weight reductions, and transmission improvements. The report also recommended that the U.S. work in the interim to improve the fuel economy and emissions level of conventional car engines. (JPL Laboratory, 1975/5, 21; Witkin, NYT, 4 Sept 75, 18)
Marshall Space Flight Center was requesting proposals-due 22 Sept.-from the aerospace industry for a study leading to design and development of an Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory (ACPL) as a payload aboard Spacelab, MSFC announced. ACPL experiments would give scientists a knowledge of weather processes important for longrange weather prediction and weather modification. After evaluating the proposals, MSFC would award two parallel 12-mo firm-fixed price contracts. (MSFC Release 75-192)
Dale D. Myers, president of Rockwell International Corp.'s North American Aircraft Operations, announced appointment of Bastian Hello as president of Rockwell's B-1 Bomber Div. Hello, who had been vice president of the division since 1973, was succeeding Robert E. Greer, who was retiring. Before joining the B-1 Div., Hello was vice president and general manager of Rockwell's Space Div.'s Apollo launch operations organization at Kennedy Space Center. (RI Release LA-2)
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