Dec 2 1976
From The Space Library
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced that the Ford administration had decided to authorize construction of the controversial B-1 bomber, under a contract arrangement that would allow the incoming Carter administration 5 mo to review the $22.8-billion program. Rumsfeld's announcement said that B-1 testing was complete and that it was "in the national interest" to proceed with production. During the campaign, candidate Carter had said he was opposed to immediate production but held out the possibility of further research on the bomber, which the Pentagon now declared completed. The unusual contract arrangement of month-by-month funding until the end of June was an extension of the 1 Feb. deadline set by Congress for commitment of funds for the program; the Air Force awarded contracts totaling $704.9 million to Rockwell Intl., General Electric, and the Boeing Company for the first three production models of the bomber, plus procurement to make eight more. The contracts, however, limited government liability to a monthly total of $87 million through June. Air Force Secretary Thomas C. Reed said at a news conference that keeping the B-1 in the research state was unnecessary and wasteful, and that "it would be irresponsible not to initiate B-1 production at this time" in view of the expansion of Soviet strategic forces. A manned bomber, he said, was the third part of a triad-including land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and missile-bearing submarines-that would present "an insoluble problem" to the USSR and make it a losing proposition to attack the U.S. because of retaliation that would follow. The swing-wing B-1, although only two thirds the size of the B-52, could carry twice the payload, was faster in takeoff and flight, and carried electronic systems more difficult to jam than those of the B-52. Opponents claimed that $100 million apiece was too high a price to pay for a bomber in the age of antiaircraft missiles, and suggested alternatives such as loading a commercial Boeing 747 with cruise missiles that could be fired while the plane was a safe distance from enemy defenses. (NYT, 3 Dec 76, A18; W Post, 3 Dec 76, A-1)
The Natl. Science Foundation announced that employment of academic scientists and engineers had increased 3% in 1976; the increase had cut across all major fields of study, from 1% in life sciences and engineering to nearly 7% in social and environmental sciences. The number of full-time scientists and engineers at academic institutions went from 224 800 to 230 500, or 3%, and the number of those employed part time went from 55 900 to 58 700 (5%). Over the period 1965 to 1976, there was a significant shift to teaching. Scientists and engineers employed primarily as teachers increased 223 200 from 1975 to 1976 (3%); those working primarily in research and development increased 51 000 (2%). The number of women employed full time as scientists and engineers increased 5% from 1975 to 1976, a rate more than double that for men. (NSF Highlights, 2 Dec. 76, 1)
A solar-powered microwave station, first of its type in commercial use, had been installed on the Navajo settlement of Medicine Hat, Utah, the Chicago Tribune announced. The microwave relay tower, working in the hot climate without the need for air conditioning controls, would bring dial telephone service to the Indian community. (C Trib, 2 Dec 76, 4-9)
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