The White Falcon - 18.03.1961, Blaðsíða 2

2
WHITE FALCON
Saturday, March 18, 1961
Target Date On Schedule
USAF does not anticipate any substantial change in meeting
the target dates set last September for the operational status of
the Atlas and Titan missiles.
Making the statement, Air Force Secretary Eugene Zuckert
said there had been some slippage in the early sites but that the
later ones should be on schedule.
“The billion dollar program to bring the Atlas and Titan
missiles to operational readiness is one of the real accomplishments
on the part of the Air Force and the Army Corps of Engineers,
our construction agent,” said Mr. Zuckert.
The Air Force Secretary said that by today’s estimates the
total cost of the Atlas and Titan missile program would amount
to about 4% per cent more than the funds appropriated. “The
difference is being made up by a authorized transfer of additional
funds from other construction projects running below estimates,”
Mr. Zuckert explained.
Mr. Zuckert noted that “since the program was started, we
have expanded the Atlas program by 72 per cent without additional
appropriations,” while the survivability of such forces has increased
five-fold.
The cost problem stems from a conflict between meeting tight
construction deadlines and the operational need for constantly im-
proving missiles, Mr. Zuckert indicated. He said that “continuing
progress by missile makers has resulted in many order changes.”
Mr. Zuckert said most contractors have performed well in
meeting these challenges but a few have not responded adequately.
“We do not intend to subsidize inefficiency nor other manage-
ment shortcomings, but we will cooperate in every way with the
Corps of Engineers and the contractors to see that valid claims
are promptly and fairly settled.”
★ ★ ★
Power By Nuclear Rocket
USAF told Congress that it has increased confidence in nuclear
rocket engines and that Air Research and Development Command
has under study now the requirements for an atomic power plant
for space travel and missile uses.
Making a statement before the House Committee on Science
and Astronautics, Brig. Gen. I. L. Branch, Assistant Deputy Chief
of Staff, Development for Nuclear Systems, said that “we are
interested in exploiting the nuclear rocket for military application
as an upper-stage, as an in-space propulsion device, and possibly
as a single stage launch system.”
Specific requirements for a nuclear engine have yet to be out-
lined. But General Branch told congressmen that “the initial specific
impulses, the heavy pay-load, high velocity characteristics of nuclear
rockets indicate a capability which is currently unachievable with
chemical systems.”
General Branch said development of nuclear rocket propulsion,
“Project Rover,” began in 1955 as a joint Air Force-Atomic Energy
Commission effort. He noted that in 1958 National Aeronautics and
Space Administration took over the non-nuclear aspects of the
program, saying that USAF has been following with close interest
the progress of the NASA/AEC project to produce a nuclear power
plant.
Commenting on recent NASA and AEC development work,
General Branch told the house committee that “the continued suc-
cess of the program has further increased our confidence.”
★ ★ ★
Mounted On Railroad Cars
“Oil Burner,” the Strategic Air Command code name for low
level navigation and bombing training operations, is literally be-
coming just that, with vital radar bomb scoring equipment (RBS)
being mounted on railroad cars.
The first RBS train goes into operation near Milan, Tenn.,
and two more trains will be in operation by September.
The trains are designed to inject more realism into training
as the mobile scorers can be moved by rail to unfamiliar targets
and routes.
Both the Federal Aviation Agency and USAF designated a
large area around Milan, Tenn. away from populated regions and
heavy air traffic, as a practice target area. SAC bombers, using
this area, generally approach at high altitudes—up to 40,000 feet
—and descend to 1,000 feet on their bomber runs. The radar train
simulates actuality by attempting to jam electronic gear on the
bomber during the training mission and the bomber uses its equip-
ment to offset the jamming.
Radar bombing training has been in progress since November
1959, but this is the first time it has been made mobile to give
changing conditions that a static, non-portable radar target can-
not give.
THE WHITE FALCON
Col. Benjamin G. Willis, USAF
Commander, Air Forces Iceland
The WHITE FALCON 4* an official Class II Armed Forces newspaper published weekly at
Keflavik Airport, Iceland by Air Forces Iceland of the Military Air Transport Service for
all contingents stationed at Keflavik Airport. The WHITE FALCON receives AFPS and
AFNB materials. Views and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the
Department of Defense.
Information Officer.........Capt. Warren J. Papin, USAF
Editor. ...................... TSgt Wylie Mason, USAF
Isafoldarprentsmlfija h.f.
Aerospace Power for
The
Commander
Calls
“Seconds for Survival,” a new
Commander’s Call film, has been
selected to help explain the Unit-
ed States Air Force Alert System
for launching Air Force defensive,
and offensive weapon systems in
the event of enemy attack. Com-
manders will be notified as soon
as the film arrives at K. A.
(Commanders should introduce
the film and emphasize this key
point before and after showings:)
“The United States Air Force
maintains a constant state of
combat readiness in all theaters
on a round-the-clock basis. This
operational readiness is respons-
ive to the NORAD-ADC-SAC
Alert System using the Dew Line,
BMEWS, and separate radar and
aircraft control and warning
systems located throughout the
world. The entire strike force and
alert system is under direct con-
trol of the USAF command post
setup tied together through a
world-wide Air Force communica-
tions network.”
The film covers the develop-
ment of the communication syst-
em in the United States and its
utilization by the Department of
Defense for air defense missions.
Raymond Massey discusses Un-
ited States defense requirements
for protection against potential
enemy aircraft attack during the
period following World War II
and military programs resulting
in the establishment of the Dew
Line radar system. He follows
the progress of weapon systems
development leading to the con-
struction of the Ballistic Missile
Early Warning System (BME-
WS) for alerting the North Am-
erican Air Defense Command and
United States Air Force strategic
forces.
The final scene shows United
States Air Force reactions to a
mock attack and describes how
these defensive and offensive
forces could be launched with
minimum warning in the event of
actual attack.
Here are the points stressed:
Constant surveillance is main-
tained for detecting a possible
enemy attack by either aircraft
or ballistic missiles.
In the event of attack the North
American Air Defense Command
supported by the USAF Air De-
fense Command is on continuous
alert for launching intercept wea-
pons against any enemy attack.
The Strategic Air Command is
maintained in constant readiness
for launching a major attack
against any enemy’s military
forces and targets.
The entire USAF defensive and
offensive weapon systems are re-
sponsive to the “Alert System.”
A potential enemy’s knowledge
of the USAF air alert system and
defensive and offensive weapon
systems capability is a major fact-
or in deterring an attack on the
United States and the Free World.
The Academy Is Tops
USAF in the Aerospace Age demands officers who can combine
a solid academic foundation with professional and technical know-
ledge. They will need this combination to meet and conquer chal-
lenges arising as this country pushes beyond the space frontiers.
The Academy has flatly stated its mission; “To provide in-
struction, experience and motivation to each cadet so that he will
graduate with knowledge, character and qualities of leadership es-
sential to his progressive development as a career officer in the
United States Air Force.”
The Academy, in its sixth year, is a dramatic memorial to the
visions and determined dreams of a few American air pioneers,
including Gen. Billy Mitchell who saw a need for such a school.
Finally, in 1949, Secretary of Defense Forrestal appointed a board
of military and civilian educators to recommend a general system
of education for all the services.
Chairman of the board was then University of Colorado Presi-
dent Dr. R. L. Stearns. Dwight D. Eisenhower, then president of
Columbia University, was vice-chairman. In 1950 the board con-
cluded that an institution similar to West Point and Annapolis
should be established for the Air Force.
President Eisenhower signed the Congressional legislation estab-
lishing the Academy on Apr. 1, 1954. Later, then Secretary of the
Air Force Talbott’s selection committee picked the Academy’s loca-
tion near Colorado Springs, Colo., from 400 suggested sites. It
glitters at the foot of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains,
10 miles north of Colorado Springs.
While facilities at the permanent site were being built, the
Academy began life on Lowry AFB, near Denver. Lt. Gen. H. R.
Harmon was the first superintendent.
The classes of 1955-56-57 numbered only about 300 each. In
1958 the number rose to 454. Then, in August 1958, the Cadet
Wing moved to its permanent site. Since then two full sized classes,
with over 750 each, have been admitted. By 1962 the Wing will
reach full authorized strength, of over 2,500 cadets.
The Air Force Academy is counted as one of USAF’s 18 major
air commands. It is commanded by Maj. Gen. W. S. Stone. Maj.
Gen. H. R. Sullivan is commandant of cadets and Brig. Gen. R. F.
McDermott is dean of faculty.
Academy cadets do not get exclusively military training nor
training for specific technical jobs. Instead they are provided a
combination of these things in an environment that will motivate
them to devote their lifetime careers to the Air Force and the
Country. They graduate with Bachelor of Science degrees and
regular commissions as second lieutenants.
Planners believe the prescribed curriculum of 185 credit hours
provides a firm footing for graduate studies in career fields open
to Air Force officers. The required academic curriculum is 144%
semester hours, divided about evenly between basic applied sciences
and the humanities and social sciences.
Cadets devote 25% hours to airmanship which develops their
knowledge and experience in command and management. Nor is
the importance of athletics ignored. The athletic program’s 12%
hours includes two phases, physical education and both intramural
and intercollegiate sports.
Graduates of the first two Air Force Academy classes have
compiled enviable records as cadets. Additionally, graduates who
have gone on to pilot training or further study in professional and
technical fields prove that the solid foundation acquired at the
Academy has prepared them well for positions as Aerospace Age
leaders.
Each new class of Cadets entering the Academy is well aware
of the standards set by their predecessors. They know from the
beginning that the pattern is set by which they must measure up.
Most of them will.
★ ★ ★
Navy Delivers The Goods
MATS’ crews long have been used to the motto, “Anything,
Anyplace, Anytime” so MATSmen of the 1502d ATW Hickam AFB,
and a MATS Navy crew from McGuire AFB weren’t surprised at
an unusual request from the “bottom of the world.” They delivered
the goods.
Officials of “Operation Deep Freeze,” with headquarters at
Christchurch, New Zealand, sent along word that it needed 12 dozen
miniature American flags in a hurry. No explanation of the re-
quirement was offered, but it was assumed at Hickam that the
flags were to be air dropped over the Polar ice cap in some sort
of a ceremony.
The Navy people in New Zealand made it clear that the flags
must have 50 stars. What better spot to get them than in the
capital city of the 50th state? MATSmen quickly rounded up the
quantity needed in Honolulu.
By coincidence, the Navy MATS crew from Naval Squadron
VR-<3 at McGuire AFB was enroute to Hickam; their ultimate
destination—“Operation Deep Freeze” headquarters at Christchurch.
The 144 miniature flags were onloaded at Hickam, and delivered
to the Navy at Christchurch.
★ ★ ★
AEROSPACE EVENT
Feb. 1, 1943—Maj. Gen. N. F. Twining, Commanding General,
Thirteenth Air Force, and 14 companions were rescued by PBY’s
near New Hebrides Islands, after having ditched on a flight from
Guadalcanal to Espiritu Santo, and having spent six days in life
rafts.
Peace Through Deterrence