U2 Finds Turbulence

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31096, 27 June 1966, Page 1

U2 Finds Turbulence

An unexpected encounter with extensive turbulence over the middle of the North Island on Saturday had probably yielded the most valuable data so far in the Hicat project of the U2 reconnaissance aircraft, the commander of the project (Major J. J. King) said yesterday. “On Saturday we took off on the fifth ’light of the series intending to fly about 1000 miles north-east from Christchurch,” Major King said. “We ran into the area of turbulence over Wellington, and the rest of the flight

was spent recording the characteristics and size of the mass.” Major King said the area of turbulence was between 59,006 ft and 64,000 ft and between 80 and 100 miles in diameter. The turbulence was at its most intense over Well ington. Because the U2 was carrying out reconnaissance over land, a 857 Stratojet which accompanies the U2 in case of rescue needs returned to Christchurch. The U2 spent about two hours investigating the turbulence. The aircraft traces a cross pattern by travelling for about 20 minutes along: each arm of the cross about: 450 miles an hour. Major King said that the data collected on the flight: would be sent to California.! where it would be processed:

: on the computers of the Lockheed company. Similar conditions were encountered over the Sout.n Island on a flight last week, but the mountainous nature of the countryside would ac count for much of this, Majoi King said. Some data on an earlier flight was lost because of instrument problems. The faulty equipment has been replaced and no further difficulty is expected. “The information obtained on these flights will be of great use in forecasting conditions at these altitudes,” Major King said. “When the project has been completed, a full report will be published by the Lockheed company and will be available to anyone who wants such information.”