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Aviation History
1988
1988 - 1777.PDF
USA orders Rapier trainer domes The United States Air Force has ordered two Microdome low- level air-defence combat train ers from British Aerospace. The two domes will be used in Turkey for training personnel on the BAe Rapier air-defence missile system. Microdome is a 5m-radius glass-reinforced plastic hemi sphere with a landscape projected on to its inside surface. A laser projects computer-generated images on this surface to simulate targets and the operator's own missile. The system can therefore simu late a complete engagement from detection of the target through to its destruction. Microdome is capable of providing up to eight indepen dent aircraft targets simulta neously and can provide sound effects of aircraft, missiles, and the battlefield to represent actual conditions. Rapier systems were ordered by the US Government in 1985 to protect USAF bases in Turkey. US bases in the UK are also defended by Rapier The British Aerospace Microdome is a low-level air-defence combat trainer GBU-15 launched from F-15E Rockwell's GBU-15 glide bomb has been successfully launched from a US Air Force F-15E for the first time. Fitted with an optical guidance system, the GBU-15 was launched from 3,000ft. Tests will be completed in 1990. The GBU-15 is already operational on the F-4E and F-111F, and integration work continues on the F-16. Devel opment is also continuing of the AGM-130 rocket-powered, extended-range version of the GBU-15. A first test flight is scheduled for the end of July. The future of this weapon is in doubt, however. Available with either tele vision or imaging-infrared guid ance, the GBU-15 warhead is either the Mk84 bomb, which would be used against fixed high-value targets, or the SUU- 54 bomblet dispenser which would be employed against dispersed targets. China selects Collins for L-8 A Rockwell-Collins electronic flight instrument system (Efis) has been chosen for China's L-8 jet trainer. An agreement has been signed by Collins and China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation to provide Efis-86 systems for the first 100 aircraft. The L-8 military trainer is being devel oped jointly by China and Pakistan. The system includes cathode- ray-tube primary-flight and navigation displays for each pilot, with dual display processing units and display select panels. The L-8 primary flight display will present all basic flight information. The Garrett TFE731- powered L-8 is being developed at Nanchang, with first flight scheduled for February 1990. The Chinese and Pakistani air forces have yet to purchase the trainer, however. CAAC becomes Air China China has announced yet another restructuring of its aviation sector, to take effect from July 1. A new carrier, Air China, is to replace CAAC as the international and domestic airline. Air China will be responsible for its own profits and losses, and will operate with its own management, officials say. Existing CAAC aircraft will be repainted in the Air China livery, featuring a phoenix (the mythical bird that arose from the ashes—seen by outsiders as highly appropriate). Under the reorganisation, CAAC will be limited to super vising China's various "inde pendent" airlines, say officials. It is not clear whether CAAC will retain responsibility for general regulation, landing rights, and airports. "There is no doubt that our service will be much better than CAAC's," said an Air China official. "We must improve it." He will win loud support from myriad terrified or frustrated travellers, who frequently rail against CAAC's cavalier atti tude towards safety and total lack of interest in timetables. Macabre jokes abound, includ ing the usual play on its initials—China Airways Always Cancelled, Crash All Around China, or Cancel At Any Cost. Japan studies small turbofan Three Japanese aero-engine manufacturers are to study the feasibility of developing a 10,0001b-thrust-class turbofan to power new 75/100-seat airliners. Japan hopes to build on the experience gained during development of the FJR710 experimental engine for the Asuka Stol transport, the F3 powerplant for the T-4 military trainer, and the five- nation V.2500 turbofan. The feasibility study would last between two and three years, after which a decision will be made as to whether to proceed with full-scale develop ment. The study will be carried out under the guidance of Japan's Ministry of Inter national Trade and Industry. FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL, 9 July 1988 15
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