Things looked bleak for NASA's TDRS-I satellite a few months ago when a propulsion system malfunctioned.

But now, thanks to an innovative solution from Boeing Satellite Systems employees, program managers believe prospects are good that the Tracking and Data Relay System satellite will fulfill its mission.

The Boeing 601 model's launch on March 8, 2002, went smoothly, but the initial jubilation that accompanied the spacecraft's separation from its Atlas IIA launch vehicle was soon dampened by the discovery of a propulsion system malfunction. (The satellite's other systems were, and are, functioning normally.)

One pass, three weapons types

In a first for the U.S. Air Force, a Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force crew, flying a Boeing B-1B, recently targeted three different weapons types to hit separate targets in a single, 20-second bomb pass. The effort, part of the B-1 Block E Computer Upgrade Program, showcased the aircraft's new weapons flexibility. During the May 2 flight from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., the B-1B crew released one MK-84 2,000-pound gravity weapon, three MK-82 500-pound gravity weapons, and four CBU-89 1,000-pound class cluster munitions. Each struck targets about 10,000 feet apart. The mission "marks a major test accomplishment," said Lt. Col. Arnie Bunch, Global Power Bomber CTF director. "As we add precision weapons to the mix, the B-1 warfighter should have unmatched strike capability long into the future."

Condit makes his point

From May 6 through May 16, Chairman and CEO Phil Condit embarked on a nationwide tour of Boeing sites to celebrate the achievements of employee teams, thank workers for their dedication and contributions, and highlight the diversity of aerospace products and services that are now part of the company. "There's nothing more energizing in my job than seeing the great things that we do, and talking to the great people that do them," Condit said. On his tour, which took him to 33 sites in 20 states, Condit's varied modes of travel included 21 airplane (which flew a total 9,827 miles) and 11 helicopter flights, 66 van transits, two tram trips, and a pair of golf cart rides, according to Anne DeAngelis, who coordinated the tour.

Boeing customer boasts world’s ‘high-time’ helo

A Boeing-Vertol 107-II helicopter, owned and operated by Oregon-based Columbia Helicopters Inc., recently surpassed 57,250 flight hours, 40 years after the aircraft rolled off a Boeing assembly line in Philadelphia. The aircraft, which has flown 11 times longer than the recommended service life of the similar CH-47 Chinook, is believed to be the world's "highest time" helicopter. John Gilbride, director of Boeing Philadelphia Aerospace Support, said the achievement "is a result of Boeing craftsmanship and Columbia's dedicated and well-trained mechanics. The company, which operates 14 107-IIs, uses the aircraft for large-scale construction projects, logging operations, petroleum exploration and fire fighting.