SUPERCOMPUTERS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00065R000100140006-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 14, 2012
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: August 21, 1987
• Content Type: MISC

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For Official Use Only
Vol. 2, No. 12
21 August 1987
Science and Perspe
Technology
ctives
Supercomputers (Japan) Hitachi has developed a single processor for its new S/820-80
supercomputer that attains 3 billion floating-point operations per second.
This is significantly higher than the speeds of processors manufactured by
NEC and Fujitsu, which operate at 1.3 billion and 1.1 billion operations per
second respectively. Deliveries of the Hitachi processor will begin in January
1988 with monthly rental rates starting at 80 million yen. (Tokyo NIHON
KEIZAI SHIMBUN 1 Jul 87) Andy R. X2726
.......Continued on Page 1
FRANCE: Military Satellite Program .................................................................................................... Page 4
The French military has increased its cooperation with the civilian aerospace sector in the
development of an overhead reconnaissance system.
USSR: Laser Materials R&D-.Solid State Laser Crystals ................................................................ Page 6
Soviet chemists are researching lanthanide and metal oxide crystals for use in laser
miniaturization, nonlinear laser optics, and acoustic electronics.
USSR: Muon Tomography in Mining .................................................................................................... Page 8
The Soviets are using muon tomography as a means of detecting coal mine safety hazards.
JAPAN: "Multi-Joint Mobile Robot" ............:....................................................................................... Page 9
BULGARIA/UK: Biotechnology Joint Ventures .................................................................................. Page 10
PREVIEWS ................................................................................................................................................ Page 11
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PERSPECTIVES selections are based solely on foreign press,
books and journals, or radio and television broadcasts. Some
of the materials used in this publication will appear as
abstracts or translations in FBIS serial reports. Comments
and queries regarding this publication may be directed to the
Managing Editor (Craig M. or to individuals at
the numbers listed with items.
STAT
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DEVELOPMENTS highlights worldwide S&T events reported in the foreign media. Items
followed by an asterisk will be published by FBIS. The contributor s name and telephone number
are provided.
Agrotechnology (Bulgaria/USSR) The Agriya chemical combine of Plovdiv and the Soviet
Chemical Industry Association in Pervomaysk have signed an agreement in
the area of crop protection chemicals. According to the Sofia daily
RABOTNICHESKO DELO (17 Apr 87), this is the first direct agreement
signed in the agrochemical sector between Bulgaria and the USSR.
Government officials of the two countries have also met to discuss
cooperation in the production of fertilizer and pesticides. (Vienna EAST
EUROPEAN CHEMICAL MONITOR Data Base) Antwerp Unit/Sharon W.
X2519
Aerospace (West Europe) SEP's (European Propulsion Company) altitude-simulating
test stand at Vernon has been shut down, halting acceptance testing of
Ariane's HM7B third stage engine, designated as the flight unit for the V-19
launch. Cracks were detected in a boiler, which is part of the test stand
vacuum pump system. SEP suspects the failure was the result of extreme test
conditions for which the stand was not designed. The test stand is the only
one of its kind in Europe, and SEP is evaluating whether to repair or replace
it and how this will affect the launch schedule. Two short-duration ignition
tests at simulated altitude remain for acceptance of the HM7B, and a
decision is pending on the feasibility of these tests under ground-level
conditions. The week of 7 September has been announced as the tentative
date for the next Ariane launch. (Paris AIR & COSMOS 13 Jun 87) Sharon
W. X2519/Arlene A., Ruth H. X2617
(West Europe) The cost of ESA's (European Space Agency) revamped
Hermes program is now estimated at ECU4.534 billion through 1998-
double the initial estimate. This cost will include the construction of two
operational shuttles, Hermes O1 and 02, to be used for two initial technical
qualification flights (the first unmanned and the second manned) in late 1997
and mid-1998. ESA also plans a Hermes qualification flight in early 1999 to
demonstrate servicing of the. Man-Tended Free Flyer, Pallas. The 1999 flight
will cost an additional ECU474 million, bringing the program's total cost to
ECUS billion. (Paris AIR & COSMOS 13 Jun 87) Sharon W. X2519
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Propfan Aircraft (France) France's Aerospatiale has been studying the use of propfans in the
AS 100, a 100-seat transport with a nominal range of 1,500 nautical miles
and a speed of Mach .74 to .78 at 30,000 feet. Power plants under
consideration include GE's Unducted Fan (UDF) and the propfan currently
being developed by Pratt and Whitney, Allison, and Hamilton Standard.
Introduction into service is projected for 1995. (Paris AIR & COSMOS 20
Jun 87) Sharon W. X2519
(FRG/International) The FRG's MBB is doing feasibility studies with CATIC
(China Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation) of the PRC on the
60- to 85-seat MPC 75 propfan transport (scheduled for operation in the mid-
1990s), which will have a range of 1,000 to 1,500 nautical miles at Mach .70
to .75 at an altitude of 35,000 feet. MBB is also working with Indonesia's
IPTN, the Netherland's' Fokker, and Boeing on an 83 to 115-seat propfan
designated the ATRA-90 (Advanced Technology Regional Aircraft), which
will have a range of 1,500 to 2,100 nautical miles at Mach .8 at an altitude of
30,000 feet. The aircraft is slated for introduction between 1992 and 1995.
(Paris AIR & COSMOS 20 Jun 87) Sharon W. X2519
Biotechnology (Hungary) The Hungarian Government has expanded its direct financial
investment in the Biotechnika biotechnology venture, whose original partners
were the Szeged Biological Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the
State Development Institute, and the Innofinance General Innovation
Financial Institute. The Ministry of Industry, the National Technical
Development Committee, and the Technova Industrial Development Bank
have now joined the venture, bringing its operating capital to 244 million
forints. The additional funds will be used in construction of laboratory
facilities at Szeged. Biotechnika focuses on applied research and industrial
applications of biotechnology. (Vienna EAST EUROPEAN CHEMICAL
MONITOR Data Base Jun 87) Antwerp Unit/Sharon W. X2519
Computers (PRC) A remote computer network information retrieval system, the first of
its kind in China, has been developed by a research institute of the PLA
General Staff Department and certified by a committee chaired by noted
computer specialist and Chinese Academy of Sciences Technical Science
Department member Ci Yungui. It is an interactive system which gives
multiple users throughout the PLA the capability to create and query Chinese
character data bases and share information over the mini-computer
supported network. The network represents an important step in the
establishment of an automated command network. (Beijing KEJI RIBAO 7
May 87) Henry V. X2779
Microelectronics (France) At the recent Paris Air Show, Thomson-CSF exhibited its new
airborne attack radar, the RDY. The heart of the RDY is a programmable
signal processor (PSP) that has a processing capability of 100 million complex
operations per second, the equivalent of five Cray 1 supercomputers working
simultaneously. The PSP, however, will occupy a volume of only 1.34 cubic
feet in the series production radar because it uses special integrated circuits
developed in France's very high speed integrated circuits program (see
PERSPECTIVES Vol. 2, No. 5 p 13). Second-generation VHSICs will further
reduce the PSP's volume to .71 cubic feet. The second-generation version
would be used in the ACT and ACM fighter programs, follow-ons to the
Rafale. (Paris AIR & COSMOS 20 Jun 87)* Sharon W. X2519
Optical Materials (USSR) Chemists at the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the
Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (Kiev) have produced holograms by
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photopolymerizing acrylamide monomers in aqueous gelatin films with an
He-Ne laser. Formed on glass supports, the holograms have a maximum
diffractive effectiveness of 33 percent, and researchers found that diffractive
effectiveness varies with acrylamide concentration in the films. (Kiev
UKRAINSKIY KHIMICHESKIY ZHURNAL May 87) Kris P. X2898
(USSR) Soviet chemists are studying a number of organic compounds as
potential luminophores and scintillating compounds for application in optics
such as detectors in particle accelerators. L. Sh. Afanasiadi and others at the
All-Union NII of Monocrystals at the NPO "Monokristallreaktiv" in
Kharkov have synthesized 12 new hetarylethylene derivatives of 2,5-
diphenyloxazole and -oxadiazole-1,3,4, each containing a thiophene cycle. In
testing the luminescent and scintillating properties, researchers found that
the heavy sulfur atom in the thiophene cycle made the compounds less
effective than other oxazole derivatives. (Riga KHIMIYA
GETEROTSIKLICHESKIKH SOYEDINENIY Sep 86) Kris P. X2898
Rare Earth (France) French CNET (National Center for Telecommunications Studies)
Semiconductor researchers at Lannion reportedly are about to produce the first prototype
semiconductor devices using the rare earth compound lutetium
diphtalocyanine in place of silicon or gallium arsenide. Previous laboratory
research has shown that, without doping, a thin film or monocrystal of
lutetium diphtalocyanine exhibits conductivity similar to that of
conventional semiconductors after doping. The compound can also be
deposited by low-temperature sublimation over large surfaces as a
homogeneous 500- to 1000-Angstrom thin film. (Paris LA RECHERCHE Jul-
Aug 87) Antwerp Unit/Sharon W. X2519
Superconductivity (USSR) A.R. Kaul of Moscow State University's (MGU) Chemistry
Department recently revealed that MGU specialists are synthesizing new
high-temperature superconductors. They formed a ring out of a complex
superconducting oxide (not further identified) and activated circular current
in it that remained constant for several hours. This allowed the chemists to
measure the superconductor's specific resistance, which they found to be less
than 10-" Ohm?cm. (Moscow KHIMIYA I ZHIZN Jun 87) Kris P. X2898
(Greece) Using what was described as "modest" equipment, a researcher at
the Dimokritos Institute has conducted experiments on a superconducting
material (not further identified) resulting in a critical temperature of 90K.
The Greek Government announced that the researcher (Mr. Niarkhos) will be
placed in charge of a superconductivity research program to be funded from
cuts in other R&D projects. (Athens I KATHIMERINI 1 Jul 87)* Rosa M.
X2676
Telecommunications (Japan) In a joint venture, the Key Technology Center, the Tokyo Institute of
Technology, and several private firms (including Hitachi and Oki Electric),
have established the Satellite Communication System Application
Development Company. The company, which is to receive 70 percent of its
funding from the Key Technology Center, will specialize in the development
of software for communication satellites and in the design of VSAT (very
small aperture terminal) micro-earth stations. The company's first project
will be software R&D and VSAT design for the CS-3 satellite (slated for
launch in 1988), which will be equipped with 150 transponders. (Tokyo
NIHON KOGYO SHIMBUN 20 May 87) Akiko S. X2726
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FRANCE: MILITARY SATELLITE PROGRAM
Key Points: The French military has increased its cooperation with the civilian aerospace sector
in the design and development of the Helios reconnaissance satellite system. This cooperation is
geared to marshaling technical skills, streamlining management procedures, and reducing costs
for a program that will take French military overhead reconnaissance into the 21st century,
according to AIR & COSMOS (20 Jun).
Early this year, the DGA (General Delegation for Armament) and the CNES (National Center for
Space Studies) agreed to cooperate more fully in the ongoing development of the Helios and Spot
satellite programs. This is the latest in a series of cooperative efforts between the designers of French
military and civilian satellite systems. According to this agreement, the Helios program will be overseen
by a steering commmittee under the General Deputy for Armament, who has designated the DEN
(Missiles Directorate) as program director and the CNES as overall system manager. In addition to its
allocations for reconnaissance satellite research, the DGA has funded about 30 percent of CNES'
civilian Spot program.
In July 1986, at the request of the Ministry of Defense, the CNES proposed simplifications in the
Helios system, eliminating nonessential features (not further identified) and linking the Spot 4 and
Helios projects in an effort to reduce development costs. The proposals involved changes in satellite
design and development as well as adjustments in project management to enhance coordination between
the CNES and program contractors. Under these revised guidelines, work was initiated with a Helios
design review slated for mid-1987.
Artist's conception of Helios reconnaissance satellite
Helios will use a new platform designed by the French aerospace firm Matra for the Spot 4 and 5
satellites. The satellite will have increased reliability, power, and operating life (three years). It will be
equipped with a powerful CCD (charge coupled device) optical telescope with a 1-meter resolution, 10
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Artist s conception of Spot 4 Earth observation satellite
times better than that of Spot. The satellite, which will weigh 2.5 tons, will be launched into an 800- to
900-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Launch of the first Helios satellite is scheduled for July 1993
aboard an Ariane 4. The French Government plans to launch three or four satellites to assure
continuous service through the beginning of the next century.
The industrial manager for the Helios program will be Aerospatiale, which will be in charge of
running the mission operations center. The image exploitation center will be built by Matra and SEP
(European Propulsion Company). CNES will build the satellite control center in cooperation with Sat
Control, a joint subsidiary of CNES, Matra, and Aerospatiale. Matra will be the prime contractor for the
Helios satellites and, in conjunction with Alcatel-Espace, will build the telemetry and control systems.
Aerospatiale will provide the solar generator, inertia wheels, and thermal control. Aerospatiale will also
make the imaging equipment for the Helios satellites. The French firm Enertec will supply the magnetic
recorder.
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USSR: LASER MATERIALS R&D-SOLID STATE LASER CRYSTALS
Key Points: The Soviets are continually improving laser capabilities by upgrading component
materials. In this first article of a two-part series on the chemistry behind Soviet laser R&D,
advances in the synthesis and nonlinear wave propagation of lanthanide and metal oxide laser
crystals are discussed using information from a number of Soviet chemistry journals. The second
article, "Laser Materials R&D-Gas Laser Media, " will appear in the next issue of
PERSPECTIVES.
Chemists at four Soviet institutes have made important contributions to advances in lanthanide and
metal oxide laser crystals over the past three years. Soviet research indicates that lanthanide-metal-oxides
will have major applications in the miniaturization of lasers due to their ability to maintain the spacing of
active centers even in high concentration. However, Soviet research on more traditional metal oxide
crystals such as tellurium dioxides, alexandrites, pyrargyrite, and proustite will continue to play a
significant role in nonlinear laser optics and acoustics. The unique structural properties exhibited by
lanthanide-metal-oxides have made them particularly useful recently in the field of superconductivity.
Lanthanide Crystals
A team led by D. V. Bakin at the USSR Academy of Sciences' Institute of General and Inorganic
Chemistry imeni N. S. Kurnakov (Moscow) studied 100 lanthanide-metal-oxide compounds as
prospective nonlinear media for miniaturized solid state lasers. These neodymium phosphate, niobate,
tantalate, and titanate oxide compounds will be useful in miniaturization because they can be highly
concentrated without losing their luminescent or laser frequency-converting properties. In these new
anisotropic crystals, the "micro-particles" (clusters of optical electrons required for laser frequency
conversion) are localized in asymmetrically spaced metal-oxygen bonds, guaranteeing that the active
centers (rare earth element polyhedrons) are widely spaced and that the Nd3+ ions are free to luminesce
even in high concentrations. Lanthanum-neodymium titanotantalates and titanoniobates, especially
Lao.$Ndo.zTiTa06, exhibit the best laser and nonlinear optical properties, according to DOKLADY
AKADEMII NAUK SSSR (Jan 87).
At the same institute, a group under Zh. A. Yezhova researched reactions of polyphosphate with
rare earth element ions to synthesize new crystals for use in lasers, luminescent detectors,
microelectronics, and optics. By reacting sodium polyphosphate with rare earth element chlorides and
nitrates in aqueous solution, the chemists produced three groups of compounds and then studied their
physico-chemical properties. Group I consisted of La and Ce (III) nitrates and Pr, Nd, and Gd chlorides
where NaPOs - Ce(NOs)s-Hz0 had the best properties; group II contained only NaPOs-EuCls-HzO; and
group III consisted of Tb, Er, and Y chlorides. The authors assert that their success in synthesizing these
new crystals will enable them to investigate the crystals' luminescent properties during photo and
cathode excitation, according to ZHURNAL NEORGANICHESKOY KHIMII (Sep 86).
Metal Oxide Crystals
While studying tellurium dioxide-containing systems and phases as prospective materials for optics
and acoustic optics, a team led by O. V. Sorokina at the Moscow Institute of Fine Chemical Technology
imeni M. V. Lomonosov developed a new green crystal (LiCrTeOa), according to ZHURNAL
NEORGANICHESKOY KHIMII (Sep 86). They synthesized the crystal by slowly heating a carefully
blended mixture of lithium carbonate and chromium (III) and tellurium (IV) oxides in stoichiometric
amounts. At 370?C, lithium carbonate reacted with the tellurium dioxide, forming a material which
melted at 450-500?C and turned into a green glass after cooling. When the glass was annealed at 600?C,
CrzOs participated in the reaction, forming LiCrTeOa, a green polycrystalline powder. At 930?C,
LiCrTeOa returned to the solid phase.
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A research team under V. N. Matrosov at the USSR Academy of Sciences' Experimental-
Production Plant for Manufacturing Special Physics Instruments and Equipment NTO (Scientific-
Technical Association) produced a new low-temperature modification of alexandrite (beta-BeO?AlzOs)
while studying the BeO-AlzOs system as a prospective solid state laser crystal with a wavelength of 700-
820 nanometers. The scientists obtained beta-BeO?AlzOs, a transparent monocrystal, from a supercooled
alexandrite melt, but as soon as they removed the crystal from the melt it turned into chrysoberyl, an
opaque white form of alexandrite. The authors found that beta-BeO?AlzOs contains almost no
chromium while chrysoberyl contains large amounts of the compound, according to DOKLADY
AKADEMII NAUK BSSR (Oct 86).
Researchers at the Turkmenskiy Polytechnical Institute studied wave propagation in pyrargyrite
(AgzSbSs) and proustite (AgsAsSs) monocrystals to determine their suitability for nonlinear optics and
acoustic electronics. By inputting data on the piezoelectric and dielectric constants of pyrargyrite and
proustite into a computer, a team led by Ya. A. Agayev was able to calculate angular relationships in
phase velocity anisotropy, the coefficient of electromechanical connection, and elastic wave polarization
for both crystals. The authors state that knowing these values will enable them to cut the crystals
optimally for various applications, according to IZVESTIYA AKADEMII NAUK TURKMENSKOY
SSR: SERIYA FIZIKO-TEKHNICHESKIKH, KHIMICHESKIKH, I GEOLOGICHESKIKH NAUK
(Mar-Apr 87).
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USSR: MOON TOMOGRAPHY IN MINING
Key Points: Soviet scientists are focusing increased attention on the use of muon tomography in
mine safety. Recent evidence of this effort appeared in the article `Muon Tomography of a Rock
Massif, " in the Soviet geophysical journal FIZIKA ZEMLI (No. S, 1987) by V. M. Bondarenko.
Earlier Soviet work on the use of muons in engineering geology, hydrology, and mining was
published in V. M. Bondarenko's book NEW METHODS IN ENGINEERING GEOPHYSICS
(Novyye metody inzhenernoy geofiziki, 1983), which devoted a chapter to "The Muon Method of
Determining Rock Densities. "
The Soviets have begun using muon tomography in selected coal mines to locate subterranean
pockets of water that could pose a flood threat if intersected during mining operations. (For an
examination of Soviet research in neutrino tomography, see PERSPECTIVES Vol. 1, No. 10 p 9.)
The muons are detected by a stack of four multichannel, multiwire, gas-filled radiation counters
which allow the direction of the muon flux to be determined. Muons penetrating into the Earth lose
their flux density as they ionize atoms in the soil, rocks and groundwater, until the flux is no longer
detectable at about a 2 to 3-kilometer depth, which is below the working levels in most coal mines. This
decrease in muon flux density can be related to the total density of the overlying mass of rock, soil, and
groundwater. By taking measurements at numerous sites in a mine, a set of spatially distributed muon
flux densities is obtained. Additional geophysical and geological data are combined with the muon flux
data to obtain athree-dimensional density map of the overlying strata using mathematical methods of
tomography. Areas of "anomalously" low densities in the three-dimensional density map are considered
to be sites where natural processes (such as karst sinkholes and caves filled with rubble) or mining
operations have produced areas of porous rock filled by water.
Density readings from muon tomography reportedly are as accurate as those provided by other
geophysical methods (downhole gamma ray scattering tools and gravimetric surveys) long used by the
Soviet coal mining industry.
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REPORTS surveys science and technology trends as detailed in articles, books, and journals. It
also includes summaries and listings of articles and books which may serve as potential sources
for future research. Conference proceedings will occasionally be presented in this section.
JAPAN: "MULTI-JOINT MOBILE ROBOT"
The Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed a prototype "vertical axis multi joint mobile
robot" for use in hazardous environments, according to April and May reports in the Tokyo press.
The robot, which moves at 4 kilometers/hour, weighs 27.8 kilograms, and has 16 degrees of
freedom, is composed of six linked cylindrical units made of carbon reinforced plastic. An individual
unit is 206 millimeters in diameter (which the institute plans to increase to 600 millimeters) and 400
millimeters in height. Each unit is equipped with two crawlers and three servomotors that allow
horizontal, rotational (for turning), and vertical (for ascending/descending stairs or "jumping" over
objects) movement. The robot has a loading capacity twice its own weight.
Multi joint mobile robot
Key: a) Movement when a unit `jumps" over an object.
b) Movement when a unit turns a corner.
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BULGARIA/UK: BIOTECHNOLOGY JOINT VENTURES
Bulgaria is carrying out several major biotechnology projects in close cooperation with West
European, especially UK, pharmaceutical companies, according to the CPE BULLETIN (Feb-Mar 87).
These joint projects are part of Bulgaria's avowed effort to develop East Europe's most advanced
biotechnology industry. (For Bulgarian R&D programs in the agrochemical industry, see
PERSPECTIVES Vol. 2, No. 10 pp 6-7.)
Since 1980, Bulgaria has permitted the formation of joint ventures with foreign firms using
incentives such as favorable credit terms, tax discounts exceeding 20 percent, and allowing the foreign
firm controlling interest.
In 1985, Bulgaria launched seven joint projects designed to emphasize the priority Sofia had given
biotechnology research. The Bulgarian firm Bioinvest and the UK's APV International PLC opened the
way by forming a pharmaceutical and food products company called APV-Bioinvest, in which APV
controls 51 percent of the operating capital. In addition, Bioinvest, which specializes in genetic
engineering and refermentation, has been negotiating with the UK firm Celltech to market monoclonal
antibody diagnostic tests in CEMA countries under UK license. A joint venture also exists between the
UK firm John Brown Engineers and Bulgaria's FTO Technika for an industrial enzyme project in
Katuniza. (Other partners in joint Bulgarian ventures include Fanuc and Mitsukoshi of Japan and a US
firm.)
Most recently, Bulgaria has intensified its efforts to attract UK partners during the 15th session of
the UK-Bulgarian Joint Commission to promote collaborative ventures. According to the PHIND Data
Base (Apr 87), Bulgaria "is seeking investment in 10 to 12 small- to medium-size enterprises for the
production of synthetic medicines, monoclonal antibodies, insulin, ointments, and tablets."
Bulgarian achievements in biotechnology, according to the CPE BULLETIN, are outlined below:
- A patent for the production of glucose isomerase using Streptomyces culture.
-Production of immunoglobulins and betaglobulin for vaccines.
-The production of giant liposomes for use in various biotech processes.
- Two-dimensional electrophoresis, cell adhesion, and cell fusion in an electric field with radial
symmetry.
-Establishment of twenty centers for embryo deep freeze and transplantation technology.
- A gene bank in Sadovo financed by the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization.
-Development of virus-free potatoes and fruit trees using in vitro cell cultures.
Antwerp Unit/Rita S. X2609
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PREVIEWS is an annotated list of selected science and technology items being published by
FBIS. The list may also contain previously published items of wide consumer interest.
CHIEF OF NEW THOMSON-SGS FIRM ON R&D, MARKETING STRATEGY
Pasquale Pistorio, chief of the new Thomson-SGS firm United Semiconductors, is interviewed on
his three-point strategy: continuation of current R&D efforts, optimization of production activities,
and expansion of international marketing efforts. (Paris Supplement to ELECTRONIQUE
ACTUALITIES No 884, Jun 87)
FRG ECONOMICS MINISTER SETS RULES FOR AIRBUS SUBSIDIES
Article details guidelines set by Economics Minister Martin Bangemann for Deutsche Airbus
participation in the A 330/340 program. Repayment of some DM3 billion in loans between 1988
and 1996 is highlighted. (Bonn TECHNOLOGIE NACHRICHTEN-MANAGEMENT
INFORMATIONEN 12 Jun 87)
STUTTGART UNIVERSITY-FRAUNHOFER ASSOCIATION BIOTECHNOLOGY PROJECT
Article outlines the role of each partner in this new FRG biotechnology engineering project. While
Stuttgart University will concentrate on theoretical research, the Fraunhofer Association will test
results and develop applications. (Bonn TECHNOLOGIE NACHRICHTEN-MANAGEMENT
INFORMATIONEN 12 Jun 87)
PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO PLAGUE ARIANE THIRD-STAGE ENGINE
Although launch orders continue to be placed, article explains that technical difficulties and testing
problems will delay resumption of Ariane launches. These third-stage engine problems will also
affect Ariane 4. (Stuttgart FLUG REVUE Jun 87)
FRANCE'S ONERA PLANS NEW HYPERSONIC WIND TUNNEL
Article examines an arc-type wind tunnel designated F4 that is in the planning stages and will be
used for Hermes tests. Its cost is estimated to be Fr50-60 million, plus Fr10-20 million for
instrumentation. Talks are under way with CNES to refine details and study financing. (Paris AIR
& COSMOS 13 Jun 87)
REDESIGNED ARIANE 5 PROPOSED FOR SERVICE IN 1996
Article outlines the revised design and performance figures for the new Ariane 5, gives a timetable
for its development and introduction as well as phase-out of Ariane 4. It includes projected launch
prices, payload figures, production costs, and launch frequencies. A separate section lists companies
in charge of building specific components of the system. (Paris AIR & COSMOS 13 Jun 87)
MATRA: SEMICONDUCTOR LASER INTERSATELLITE LINK EXPERIMENT
Matra presented for the first time at the Paris Air Show its experimental intersatellite link system,
SILEX, which will be tested in 1993 by one of the new European experimental telecommunications
satellites. The article contains a brief description of the system, the technologies contributed by
various subcontractors, how it will function, development costs, and operation dates. (Paris AIR &
COSMOS 20 Jun 87)
11
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/14 :CIA-RDP90-000658000100140006-2
 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/14 :CIA-RDP90-000658000100140006-2
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
AERITALIA "ST-3" STEALTH COMBAT AIRCRAFT R&D
Article describes Aeritalia's advanced research into the development of an ST-3 (STealth, SToI,
STand-off) combat aircraft which would be armed with weapons such as the Skyshark missile
recently unveiled by the Aeritalia-SNIA consortium, CASMU. Aeritalia expects to have afull-scale
technology demonstrator in the early 1990s. (Rome AIR PRESS 11 Jul 87)
12
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/14 :CIA-RDP90-000658000100140006-2
 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/14 :CIA-RDP90-000658000100140006-2
For Official Use Only
Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/08/14 :CIA-RDP90-000658000100140006-2