Yesteryear

• Lockheed has submitted final data to the USAF regarding the flight testing of the prototype YC-141B Starlifter which completed its trials in July. Discussions are under way to convert the USAF’s 271 C-141 As to B standard by increasing the fuselage length by 23′ 4′′. Addition of in-flight refuelling equipment and other aerodynamic changes.

•The name Black Hawk has been adopted by the US Army for the Sikorsky UH-60A.

• A total of 45 Lockheed P-3C Orions will be delivered to the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force between 1981 and 1987. These aircraft will be operated by four MSDF squadrons based at Hachinoe, Atsugi, Kanoya and Okinawa. It is expected that when the final P-3C is delivered in 1987, 36 P-2Js will still be in service and the last of these will be retired in 1992. A further order for 40-45 additional maritime surveillance aircraft will still need to be made and this decision is expected in 1980.

• The final phase of ski-jump trials by the Harrier has concluded at RAE Bedford. From an initial 6° ramp angle on 5 August, the angle was eventually increased to 90 and will gradually be increased to 20° by the middle of 1978. Used in over 70 launches were a Harrier GR Mk3 and a T Mk2 at ramp speeds up to 100 knots and with external loads up to 3x1000lb bombs.

• McDonnell Douglas F-4E and RF-4E deliveries to the Iranian Imperial Air Force are continuing and it is believed that at least 225 have been ordered by the Iranians.

The go-ahead for the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Super 80 was announced on 20 October. To date 36 orders and options are held from three airlines and deliveries will commence in early 1980 to Swissair with the first flight scheduled for May 1979.

• The delivery of the 400th Cessna Citation took place during September. Many orders have been received during the past few months and Cessna plans to deliver nearly 100 Citation I and 50 Citation Ils during the next year with a combined production rate of 12 a month.

20 Years Ago

• Further details have been released by the British Aircraft Corporation of their proposed Two-Eleven jet airliner powered by two Rolls- Royce RB. 211 engines. Capable of carrying up to 203 passengers in a tourist layout, the spacious fuselage would have six-abreast seating with a cross-section wider than the Super VC-10 and would have a maximum takeoff weight of 189,000lb. If the go-ahead is given, the first flight could be made by the summer of 1970.

• The Minister for Air, Mr Peter Howson has announced that the RAAF will take delivery of it’s first F-IIC in the US in July 1968 with the first six aircraft to be ferried to Australia in September while all 24 aircraft on order are to be here by December. The RAAF will send 24 crews to the US in March 1968 for a four month training course.

• The Cessna Aircraft Company has delivered its 75,000th aircraft, a Super Skymaster, to the State of Tennessee Beverage Commission and the aircraft will be used to detect illegal stills or ‘moonshine’ operations.

• The first Macchi MB-326H jet trainer was handed over to the RAAF at a ceremony at Avalon on 2 October and by March 1968 the Central Flying School at East Sale will have received 12 of the type.

• Construction of the first European A300 Airbus is expected to begin in the summer of 1968 and the first fight is scheduled for 1971. Market research has indicated that in Europe alone, there would be a requirement for 300 aircraft of this type by 1978 with a further 700 to 1000 in North America and a total estimated world market of 1000 to 1400 aircraft.

• MacRobertson Miller Airlines has ordered a Twin Otter to replace the Twin Pioneer which operates the Derby-Yampi Sound route. The Twin Otter will be delivered in January and will be used also on station runs in the Kimberleys in lieu of DC-38.

•The Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne compound helicopter under development for the US Army had its first flight on 21 September. With a 50′ diameter main rotor and wing span of 27″, the Cheyenne has a 250mph maximum speed, gross weight of 16995lb and ferry range of about 2900 miles.

• The North American X-15 research aircraft was flown by USAF Major William Knight on 4 October to reach a top speed of Mach 6. 72 at an altitude of 99,000. During the eight-minute fight the wing leading edges were blackened by heat.

• According to US reports, Russia is building her first aircraft carrier and it will probably be used for helicopter operations.

• The prototype variable geometry Dussault Mirage G made its first flight at Meiun- Villaroche on 18 October.

30 Years Ago

• Some of the interesting aircraft noted at the Eighteenth SBAC Display were the Avro Vulcan B. 2 XV777, English Electric P. 1B which flew at Mach 0. 98, the first Finnish contract Fol- land Gnat, the latest Gloster Javelin FAW7 XJ475, the prototype Bristol Britannia Srs. 100 G-ALBO, de Havilland Comet 3 G-ANLO, and a variety of Canberras including the Altitude Record breaking Napier Double-Scorpion rocket Canberra VK163 and the second prototype Canberra B. Mk1 with a ventral bulge housing the Spectre rocket housing.

•A Rolls-Royce-developed sound suppressor- thrust reverser unit will be fitted to all Boeing 707 jet Stratoliners fitted with Conway powerplants.

•When the Australian Budget for 1957-58 was announced by Treasurer Sir Arthur Fadden on 3 September, the Defence Budget amount of £190m was the same as the amount allocated last year. The Air Force portion of £58m is up just over £2m from last year. Of the £10,510,000 for new aircraft and equipment, most will be expended on Avon-Sabre and Vampire trainer orders although some may go towards the initial payment of the 12 Lockheed Hercules ordered by the RAAF.

•The first prototype Lockheed CL-329 Jetstar utility jet transport had its first flight on 4 September. The prototype was designed and constructed in 30 weeks.

• Production of the Douglas DC-8 is well advanced and the first aircraft which will be retained by Douglas for flight testing, is due to fly in March 1958.

• The first Australian built Mark 35 Vampire Trainer to be delivered to the RAAF, was handed over at a special ceremony at Bankstown on 13 September. The Vampire is the 123rd jet aircraft produced by de Havilland at Banks- town.

• The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation celebrated its 21st birthday on 17 October. Founded in 1936, many notable aircraft have been built in quantity over the years including the Wirraway, and Boomerang. Wackett Trainer and Mustang. Avon-Sabre production is well advanced and the 80th aircraft is almost ready for delivery to the RAAF. Another project under way is the Ceres, based on the Wirraway but sporting an improved wing of four feet increased span with a 2″ 4″ longer fuselage accommodating a 41 cu ft hopper which can hold a dry load of up to 2500lb.

•On 4 October, the first Avro CF-105 Arrow Mk 1 left the final assembly line at Malton, Ontario. Powered by two Pratt and Whitney J75 turbojets the Arrow is 77′ 9″ long with á span of 50 and height of 21′ 3″.

•In an effort to reduce weight and drag. Boeing are conducting tests on a B-52A with a fin d shorter than that fitted to the standard B-52.