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Aviation History
1954
1954 - 0751.PDF
FLIGHT, 19 March 1954 337 AIRCRAFT INTELLIGENCE THUNDERFLASH is the new name of the Republic F-8AF, formerly dubbed Thunderstreak. This picture shows the first production version of the RF-84F photographic reconnaissance variant which carries cameras, radar and "top secret electronic detection devices" in addition to four O.Sin guns. The form of the "P.R." nose, cockpit enclosure and wing-root intakes, and the shape and positioning of the boundary-layer fences, are points to notice. When launched from a 8-36 the Thunderflash is claimed to have "an effective fighting radius of more than 5,000 miles." Great Britain D.H. Heron for Vickers. The March issue of the A.R.B.'s Register of British Civil Aircraft reveals that Vickers- Armstrongs, Ltd., of Weybridge, are acquiring a de Havilland Heron. Regis tered G-ANNO, it is expected to be delivered within the next few weeks. The Heron will replace the company's Dove, and will be used mainly for carrying visitors and Vickers executives. United States Boeing B-52. Although the first prototype of this eight-jet bomber did not fly until April 15th, 1952, the first production machine is due to emerge this month. Power plants are Pratt and Whitney J57s. North American F-100. This fine fighter (described in our issue of November 6th last) is now under development as a fighter/bomber. In this role the machine looks so promising that the U.S.A.F. is buying it instead of 33 Martin B-57As and several hundred General Motors-built Republic F-84Fs. These cut-backs adversely affect Curtiss-Buick production of the J65 Sapphire. The number of F-lOOAs on U.S.A.F. strength is mount ing steadily and it is hoped to form the first fighter wings this year, from the hun dreds which should become available. With the exception of the F-86D, F-86H, and FJ-3, Sabre production is now being tapered off. Piasecki YH-16A. This gas-turbine- powered development of the massive YH-16 twin-engined, twin-rotor helicopter (which, incidentally, has already flown at over 100 m.p.h.) is nearing completion at Morton, Pennsylvania. France Marcel Dassault Production. A total of 350 M.D.-450 Ouragans will be built, of which 71 have been acquired by the Indian Government. Present output is one per day and the contract should be complete in May. There is a possibility of further orders from India. Following the Ouragans, 150 M.D.-452 Mystere lis will be built and then 225 M.D.-454 Mystere IVs, the latter all "offshore" orders. The French Government has not ordered any Mystere IVs. The Mystere II is powered by the S.N.E.C.M.A. Atar 101 D, while the Mystere IV has the Hispano- Suiza Tay. The Mystere IV B, at present under going flight tests, is powered by the R-R. Avon RA 7. Morane M. 5.760. In the light of ex perience with the M.S.755 Fleuret light jet trainer, Morane Saulnier are developing a four-seater liaison machine under the fore going designation. Wings, empennage and main fuselage are identical with those of the Fleuret, though the fuselage is 13in longer overall. With two Turbomeca Marbore turbojets this intriguing new machine should have a range of 620 miles. The first flight should take place in June. Leduc 0.21. The second prototype of this ramjet research aircraft left the shops on February 12th and was subsequently flown from Bretigny to Istres on the back of a Languedoc. The first air separation took place on March 1st.
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