November 1970
From The Space Library
USAF total-force concept for 1970s was described in Air Force and Space Digest by Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Secretary of the Air Force: Increased numbers and total payload of Soviet ICBMs and Soviet deployment of ABM system could reduce effectiveness of U.S. land- and sea-based missiles. "We are deploying ABM protection for our missile fields and strengthening the penetration capability of our missiles with the deployment of MIRV. But . . .effectiveness of our missile forces will tend to vary, depending upon the length of time it takes us to respond to new Soviet capabilities." Dispersed manned bomber force with quick reaction would provide stability. "It might be possible to undermine the effectiveness of either missiles or bombers alone, but to counter both at the same time 'would be a vastly more difficult problem." B-1 bomber represented most economically feasible means to retain stabilizing capability. "Given the decade of lead time involved, we must expedite the development of this aircraft." With Soviet fighters "becoming superior to our own," air-to-air combat was "primary concern in our development of the F-15, which will have superior capability for close-in, highly maneuverable combat" and "provide the effective weapon system necessary to defeat any enemy fighter. . . we are convinced that effective close air support will continue to be a vital mission... and that an aircraft especially tailored for that role is required. . . we are proceeding with the development of the A-X. To modernize our airlift capability, we are relying heavily on the C5, which will produce a revolution in air mobility." In 1973, "with the C-5 in the inventory, projections indicate that we will be able to move an Army division with equipment and six fighter squadrons with support units to Europe in less than one week." (AF/SD, 11/70,68-71)
Atlas of the Universe by Patrick Moore was published by Rand McNally & Co. Volume contained almost 1500 maps, drawings, and charts, many provided through cooperation of NASA and U.S. Geo logical Survey. Book had foreword by Sir Bernard Lovell, Director of U.K.'s Jodrell Bank Experimental Station, and epilogue by Dr. Thomas O. Paine, former NASA Administrator. (Gordon, W News; 11/16/70)
Three engine control assemblies were removed from XB-70 research aircraft on exhibition at Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, to be used for F-15 engine/inlet compatibility tests in 5-m (16-ft) wind tunnels at Arnold Engineering Development Center at Tullahoma, Tenn. Equipment would be on loan through June 1972. (AFSC Release 333.70)
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