Yesteryear

• Boeing is looking at a stretched version of the 737 powered by the RJ-500 which is a British/Japanese development of the RB432 20,000lbst turbofan. The new variant would be called the 737-300 and would be stretched by two frames amounting to about 40 inches, enabling a 12 seat passenger increase. The advanced technology engines would decrease seat costs by up to 20% compared with the 737-200.

• Beech Aircraft has returned to the commuter aircraft field with the first flight of the Beechcraft Commuter C99 (registered N4199C) on 20 June.

• British Aerospace’s Manchester Division is investigating a stretched version of the HS. 748 to take advantage of the revival of interest in turboprop powered aircraft arising from escalating fuel costs. Although no decision has been made, interest has centred on a fuselage stretch to lift passenger capacity from the present 48-52 to 60. The 748 celebrated the 20th anniversary of its first flight on 24 June and sales now total 349 to 75 operators in 48 countries. Increased sales of the new Series 2B, which amongst many detailed improvements, features a ‘wide body’ interior look based on the Con- corde (which is only one inch wider than the 748), are expected to result in yearly production being increased from the present 9 to 12-18.

• Spantax is advertising the sale of its 12 aircraft Convair 990A fleet, together with full spares package and simulator. It is believed that the decision arises from mounting fuel costs and the announcement of a replacement is expected shortly.

• A change of livery has been applied by British Airways to its aircraft and other items. A larger single word ‘British’ replaces the previous ‘British Airways’ and the overall colour scheme is unaltered.

20 Years Ago

• American Airlines announced on 30 June that services into Australia would commence on 3 August with three flights a week. Under the new USA/Australia Air Agreement, Pan American will increase services to ten a week, including some with 7478, whilst Qantas will be entitled to 13 flights a week to the USA.

• The first production Lockheed C-5A to enter operational service has been delivered to Military Airlift Command at Scott AFB, Charleston, Virginia.

A DC-9 fitted with a smokeless engine was demonstrated by Ansett Airlines to authorities in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane on 24 June. The modified engine was fitted with air scoops to direct additional air to improve combustion by ensuring a leaner mixture and preventing the formation of carbon particles.

• The US Department of Defence has said that the number of US aircraft lost by their forces in South-East Asia since fighting began in 1961 had exceeded 7,000 by 23 June. Previous statements revealed losses of 2,039 by 31 March 1967 and 4,353 by 10 September 1968. Combat losses include 926 aircraft and 10 helicopters shot down over North Vietnam, 417 aircraft and 1,692 helicopters over South Vietnam and 32 aircraft and 2 helicopters over Laos. Other causes such as accidents, guerilla attacks on the ground, etc accounted for 12 aircraft in Laos and 1,783 aircraft and 2,146 helicopters in the remainder of South-East Asia.

• Japan Air Lines has ordered an additional two Boeing 7478, taking their total orders to 11. Alitalia received their first 747 on 13 May and subject to Italian Government approval has placed an order for their fifth aircraft, a 7478. Total Boeing 747 sales now stand at

200.

• The Australian Government announced on 22 June that they would lease 24 McDon- nell Douglas F-4E Phantoms until the situation regarding the F-IIIC order is resolved. The lease cost will be about $30. 5m for the first two years and about $10. 8m per year thereafter. The first Phantoms will be ferried to Amberley by RAAF aircrew in September and the final aircraft should be received by late December or early January 1971. The plans to acquire tanker aircraft to augment the Phantom’s range will not proceed, as it is hoped that the lease period will be short.

• The Iranian Government has ordered 16 Boeing Vertol CH-47C Chinooks for the Imperial Iranian Air Force from Agusta.

• The Minister for the Navy announced in Canberra on 2 June that the aircraft carrier HMAS ‘Melbourne’ was expected to continue in service until 1980.

• The Hawker Sea Fury FB. 11, ex RAN WH589, left Bankstown by road on 14 June for Garden Island to be placed on board USS “Coral Sea’ on the first leg of its journey to a museum in California.

30 Years Ago

• The Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator Paltridge, announced on 9 June that a record 2,500,500 internal passengers were carried last year while the 1959 total for Qantas was 104,700 passengers.

• The last production SAAB Lansen. a J 32B, has been handed over to the Swedish Air Force. The Lansen, which entered pro- duction during 1953, now equips 20 squad-

rons.

• Trans-Canada Air Lines launched its North Atlantic turbojet passenger service on 1 June when Douglas DC-8CF-TJC flew from London to Montreal.

• Two airliners having their maiden flights this month were the Boeing 707-1208 powered by JT-3D turbofan engines on 22 June and the Avro 748 on 24 June.

A ceremony was held at Bankstown on 4 June to mark the delivery of VH-FDA ‘The Islander’, the first re-engined de Havilland Australia Drover for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The modified version is designated the Drover Mk. 3 powered by the 180hp Lycoming 0-360A1A fitted with Hartzell constant speed and feathering propellers. The 40% increase in power gives a maximum climb rate of 1,040ft/min and a 140mph cruising speed.

• BOAC has ordered 10 Vickers Super VC10 airliners and the first aircraft is due to fly in 1964 with deliveries commencing in early 1965. This development of the standard VC10 will have a 28ft fuselage extension which will lift passenger capacity by 62 to

212.

• An order for two Canadair CL-448 has been placed by Slick Airways for September delivery and options on another four aircraft have been placed for 1962 delivery.

• An FAA Convair C-131 fitted with a belly hook has become the first transport aircraft to make arrested landings. Designed by the All American Engineering Co, the hook was installed in the lower rear fuselage. After engaging a line across a runway the C-131 was brought to a halt in a 1,350 yard distance.

• The McDonnell F4H-1 Phantom II Mach 2-plus shipboard fighter is now undergoing a second series of carrier trials. It is expected to enter fleet service with the USN in October.

• The first flight has taken place of a Boeing B-52G powered by TF33-P-1-turbofan engines. This engine will power production models of the B-52H due for delivery later this year.

• The first production Northrop T-38A Talon advanced trainer is being evaluated by the USAF at Edwards AFB.

• Lockheed has rolled out its first production model of the Jetstar, powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT12 jet engines, at the com- pany’s Georgia Division at Marietta.