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This paper outlines some of the problems of installing engines on the first supersonic bomber. Emphasis is on the new problems. The treatment is more historical and philosophical than technical. The effects of several technical difficulties on the configuration of the power plant are discussed. Examples of major testing programs are given. It is hoped that the paper will give some evidence of the increasing needs of engineers to analyze power plant installation problems as airplane speed increases.

The application of vertical take-off and landing principles to modern aircraft is receiving increasing attention. Airfield restrictions compromise performance; conventional landing gears limit design flexibility; and there is a growing need for greater operating flexibility. Necessary scientific progress is being made in the fields of powerplants, dynamics of flight, and structural and component design to support this new concept. The methods of obtaining direct lift are fundamental in principle but varied in application. Direct lift by means of rotor, propeller, ducted propeller, and jet are compared on the basis of lifting ability, range, speed, altitude, and operating cost. A short take-off run is shown to be advantageous for overload operation where vertical ascent is not mandatory. A description is given of a medium-range transport with VTOL capabilities and its performance is compared with conventional aircraft.

The first American designed and built turboprop powered commercial aircraft, the Lockheed Electra, will go into airline use in 1958 with the Allison ‘power package’. This consists of the 3750 horsepower 501-D13 turboprop engine and the Aeroproducts ‘606’ turbo-propeller. The changes from the military T56-A-l engine are reviewed and the propeller features, such as the hollow steel ribbed blades and self-contained hydraulic system and regulator, described in some detail. It is disclosed for the first time that the propeller and engine reduction gear and other units as initially delivered will handle a higher rated power section, the -Dl5. In addition the -D13 power sections can be brought up to later ratings at fixed cost during overhaul when the new model goes into production. Control and safety features of the power package insure normal functioning of both engine and propeller in case of complete electrical system failure.

The paper gives the reason for the choice of type and size of engine most suitable for civil air transport and the design philosophy of the Eland. The controls are described with reference to the safeguard system. The suitability of the Eland for replacement of piston engines in existing aircraft is discussed in relation to the conversion of a Convair 340. A comparison is given of the cruising performance of the Convair 340 with the two types of power plant. Reference is made to other applications of the Eland and an outline is given of the future Eland development.

The purpose of this report is to acquaint the reader with some of the developments in offshore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. A brief evolutionary resume is given. Some of the current problems in the design of mobile drilling units are presented, and a discussion of the economics of offshore exploration is put forth. References have been noted and summarized so that the interested reader may pursue the subject further.