What of British turboprops? It has frequently been said in the past that the turboprop more than merits its place in the hierarchy of prime movement, and that to disregard the type in favour of concentration wholly on the turbojet is wrong. Let us repeat at once that we whole-heartedly support this contention: there is room for the turboprop, room which cannot as effectively be filled by any other means.
To Break a Bottleneck
A new process of gas-turbine-blade production, characterized as "advanced and unique", but not described in any greater detail, underlies the formation of a new company in the Midlands. Known as Blade Research Development, the concern has been formed jointly by Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds, and Clifford Motor Components, a firm which numbers fork-lift trucks among its products. The blades will be forged by a G.K.N subsidiary, Garringtons, Ltd., of Bromsgrove, who, with another factory at Darlaston, are started to produce about one-fifth of this country's total output of drop forgings. The blades will be finished by the new company.
Bigger Parasites
The U.S.A.F announced last week that Convair at Fort Worth had been conducting experiments involving the air-launching of Republic F-84 Thunderjets from B-36 bombers. The statement made no mention of recapture of the fighter by the B-36, which - according to the Fort Worth Star Bulletin - an "accidental observer" claims to have seen. The newspaper said that "a small object" was dropped from the bomb bay of the B-36. It then "seemed to grow wings" and flew around the bomber before being "recaptured".
Called off
Charges against a pilot and bombardier at Randolph A.F.B. Texas, who were to be court-martialled for refusing to fly, have been dropped after medical and psychiatric evaluations. A number of other pending courts-martial have been called off.
Source: Flight International