Dec 25 1963
From The Space Library
FAA Administrator Najeeb E. Halaby, just returned from discussions in Moscow on technical aspects of a Moscow-New York air agreement, reported that U.S.S.R. plans to develop a supersonic transport appeared "very similar" to the U.S. SST program in scope and progress. What he learned of Soviet SST plans gave him neither cause for panic nor "any sense of confidence." Halaby stated : "They could have spoofed me but I have the impression their progress is about the same as ours." Halaby said that the Soviets planned to develop a new engine and were persuaded that aluminum would not be a suitable airframe metal. Soviet target date for commercial flight, Halaby said, is in the 1970-73 time-period, paralleling U.S. estimates. The SST appeals to the Soviets because of long distance runs from Moscow to domestic points as well as New York, New Delhi, and Djakarta. (MacKenzie, Wash. Post, 12/26/63, 1)
Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara was considering USAF proposals for initiating research on a new manned bomber, New York Times reported, apparently favoring a low-altitude manned penetrator aircraft. (Raymond, NYT, 12/26/63, 1)
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