Times Herald from Olean, New York • Page 28

Page 28 Tlinw HeraM, Thursday, August 11, 1949 Superbomber Tests Caused Air Force To Reconsider Cutback BY CHARLES CORDDRY United Prest Aviation Writer WAHINGTON The Air Force considered cutting back B-36 production in 1948, but changed its mind when evidence showed that the superbomber could climb to 46,000 feet and make round trips, Maj. Gen. Frederick H. Smith, told the House Armed Services committee today. Smith, Air Force chief of requirements, read a lengthy statement as the committee began its second day of investigating charges concerning political pressure in the Air Force's adoption of the B-36 as its principal bomber.

The statement disclosed that Air Secretary W. Stuart Symington in July, 1948, considered "reasonable" a proposal by Floyd Odium that Northrop Aircraft, be merged with Odium's Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp. Nor'Vop objected and the proposal A as dropped. Rep. James E.

Van Zandt, who raised charges against the B-36, and an anonymous critic whose mysterious document found Us way into the committee record yesterday, also reported Air Force consideration of a B-36 cutback last jear. The inference was that Odium was able to prevent it. Explaining the Air Force's action in these connections, Smith confirmed that Gen. Lauris Norstad, chief of staff for operations, recommended that 34 B-36's be ut out of the contract for 100 on April 24, 1948. This proposal was based the failure of the proposed usj of a powerful turbine engine in those 34 planes.

By June, Smith related, amazing performance records had been piled ith the B-36's which lacked the so- called variable discharge turbine (VDT) engines, including achievement of altitudes at which interception an enemy would be "extremely difficult." Norstad himself when the records of the air materiel command at Wright Field were received in June. So did Gen. George C. Kenney, then strategic air commander, who earlier had so little use for the big plane that he wanted it turned into a tanker for faster In June. 1948, it was decided to go ahead with the order, reduced to 95 because a price rise would otherwise have required new appropriations.

Smith quoted Kenney: "How are you going to shoot bomber at night flying at 40,000 feet with a- solid overcast?" At that time it was known that the B-36 could climb to 46,000 feet. It also had achieved an 8.000-mile range with gas for 500 miles more in its tanks--a "distance (which) would have brought the majority of potential targets within range of the airplane, taking oU from a base on this continent and returned to base." The merger proposal made by Odium resulted from the fact that the Air Force had planned in June, 1948, to buy 30 Northrop B-49 Flying Wing, eight-jet planes for strategic reconnaissance. Since Northrop lacked facilities. Smith said. Consolidated was to build the planes under subcontract.

Odium "suggested a merger," to combine Northrop engineering talent and Consolidated production know-how. "The suggestion seemed reasonable to the Air Force representatives," including Symington who was then on the west coast on a speaking engagement and for conferences with John McCone. a special assistant to the then Defense Secretary Forrestal. Smith said. It was in McCone's home that Odium made his proposal but Northrop turned it down.

Smith added. Discussing the B-36 as a weapon carrier difficult to shoot dov--n. Smith said problem of locating, intercepting and shooting down a bomber flyinc at 40.000 feet 15 extremely diffi cult" even with B-36 top speed. is 376 miles an hour at that altitude. A Shower Gift 923 LAURA WHEELER You'll just love to embroider these lovely-dovey puppies! The mottts are done in such simple stitches, the designs are so gay! Sweetheart designs--a perfect shower-present! Pattern 923; transfer 6 motifs 7 7 inches.

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The Owner reserves the right to waive any information' or to reject any or all bids. Each bidder must deposit with his bid security of, not less than per- cent. of the base bid in form of certified check or bid bond. No bidder may withdraw bid within thirty-five (35) days after- the actual date of thereof. MILES KENYON, President of the Board of Education.

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