Oct 23 1979
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(New page: MSFC reported the launch at 7:40 a.m. CDT October 17 from White Sands Missile Range, N.M., of the sixth in a series of space-processing applications ro...)
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MSFC reported the launch at 7:40 a.m. CDT October 17 from White Sands Missile Range, N.M., of the sixth in a series of space-processing applications rockets (SPAR) carrying four experiments to be performed during five minutes of near weightlessness in the coast phase of the suborbital trajectory. The payload landed at 6,000 feet in mountains 50 miles downrange from the launch site; on impact the package tumbled and landed on a rock, knocking a hole in the side of the container and damaging one of the experiments. The payload would be returned to MSFC for disassembly and inspection; two of the experiments would be refurbished and reflown. Investigators should begin forwarding results of SPAR 6 experiments to MSFC within two weeks. (MSFC Release 79-113)
NASA reported delivery of a second experimental turbofan engine produced by AVCO Corporation for a program called QCGAT (quiet clean general aviation turbofan) to LeRC for testing. The program aimed at decreasing noise and exhaust emissions while maintaining or reducing fuel consumption, compared with present general-aviation turbofans. The first engine in the program arrived at LeRC last winter from its designer/builder Garrett AiResearch; results of tests on that engine showed noise reduction of about 10 decibels and emission reduction of 54% for carbon monoxide and 76% for unburned hydrocarbons.
Preliminary AVCO results showed noise-level reduction of at least 14 decibels compared to the quietest business jet now in service, and emission levels even lower than those of the first engine. Noise reduction in the AVCO engine resulted from improved design of internal engine parts (using sound absorbing materials to muffle noise from fan, compressor, and turbine) and reduced engine-exhaust velocity. LeRC project manager G. Kenneth Sievers said test results from both engines showed "noise need not be a major constraint" on use of turbofan-powered aircraft for general aviation. (NASA Release 79-137)
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