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Aviation History
1986
1986 - 1877.PDF
DEFENCE Boeing takes over Skyfox marketing WICHITA ~ The Boeing Military Airplane Company has started a market survey to ascertain the level of interest in the Skyfox modification of the T-33 trainer. A decision to proceed with the programme will be made after BMAC determines whether a sufficient customer order base is available. Skyfox, originally devel oped by Flight Concepts Inc, started flight-test in August 1983. The Skyfox is basically a T-33 re-engined with two Garrett TFE 731-3A turbo- fans, and with improved air frame structures and aero dynamics, modern avionics, and an updated cockpit. BMAC sees Skyfox applica tions in proficiency and lead- in fighter training, electronic warfare training, recon naissance, target towing, and maritime patrol. Light ground attack and forward air control are also suggested. In early 1985 BMAC began testing and evaluating the Skyfox, and Boeing holds an exclusive Flight Concepts licence to produce the aircraft. The marketing effort is aimed at current T-33 operators including the USA, Canada, Greece, Portugal, and South Korea. If BMAC decides to go ahead with Skyfox develop ment, two production options will be considered: installa tion of Boeing-supplied Skyfox kits by the user, or conversion by Boeing in the USA. USAF studies robots for NBC tin mounds WRIGHT-PATTERSON ~ The United States Air Force Aeronautical Systems Division has awarded the Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, a $278,000 contract to study the feasibility of robots to service aircraft in nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) contamina tion. Standard NBC protective clothing is bulky and hot to wear and hinders dexterity, agility, visibility, and verbal communications. Robotic flightline crews would not be affected by biological or chemical threats, and would be hardened against radio active contamination. The robots could be totally pre programmed autonomous, The radical Skyfox conversion of the 1940s Lockheed T-33 Britain buys Banshee Target Technology Limited's BTT-3 Banshee aerial target system has entered service with the British Army as an interim target for the Short's Blowpipe and Javelin shoulder- launched missile systems. The Banshee is now in operation with Canada, Egypt, Oman, and the UK, and has been used by Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The system is seen above providing a target for the Egyptian Army's Amoun system, which is the Skyguard radar, 35mm cannon and Sparrow Sam, combination. semi-autonomous, or tele- controlled. Most tele-operated robots are dumb (as opposed to smart robots with complex feedback systems, computer control, and artificial intelligence) but have good "eyesight" and strong "arms". Dumb robots are operated by humans using remote control equipment with vision and feel feed back. Such robots are already used in hazardous industrial environments, such as inside nuclear reactors. The two-year Battelle study will concentrate on using robots for rapid turnround of tactical aircraft, including such functions as post-flight inspection, minor repair and re-inspection, and refuelling and rearming. CASUALTIES • A United States Air Force McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Phantom crashed into the sea off RAF Brawdy, Wales, while participating in the coastal base's air show on July 24. Both crew were killed. • An Israeli Air Force General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed in early July while practising an aerobatic display for an IAF pilot graduation ceremony. • A United States Marine Corps Bell UH-1 Iroqouis crashed into the sea from USS Tarawa on July 10. The accident occurred 300 n.m. east of Japan's Hokkaido Island during a night take off. The three crew are missing. • A Belgian Air Force Fouga CM.170 Magister of 10 Wing crashed at Overijse on July 14. The pilot was killed. According to witnesses the aircraft was performing a tight turn. TRACER Lockheed Aircraft Service Company has received a one- year $20-8 million US Navy contract to convert two P-3E Orions into EP-3 Elint vari ants. The contract contains three one-year options on ten more aircraft. Boeing Military Airplane Company has been awarded a $152 million follow-on contract for KC-135R re- engining, covering 47 kits and including four for the French Air Force. BMAC has deliv ered 58 KC-135Rs to date, and is contracted for another 109. Ferranti is to supply 20 Airborne Link 11 Data Terminals for the German Navy's Sea King Mk41 update programme. FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 9 August 1986 11
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