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JPRS-WST-86-0 1 1

26 March 1986

West Europe Report

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

WEST EUROPE REPORT

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CONTENTS

AEROSPACE

Effects of•U.S. Shuttle Problems on Hermes, Ariane

(YA, CINCO DIAS, 30, 31 Jan 86) 1

New Insights To Benefit Hermes 1

Increase in Ariane Orders Expected 2

Fiar's Current Efforts in Avionics Summarized

(Patricio Panafa; DEFENSA, Dec 85) 4

Hermes, Shuttle Reflect Different ESA, NASA Strategies

(Lorenzo Pinna; SCIENZA DUEMILA, No 1, Jan 86) 9

Hermes Debate Raises Questions About FRG Research Policies

(various sources, various dates) 13

FRG Industry Fears Being Left Out 13

Mitterrand Urges Kohl To Decide 16

Genscher's Position 18

FDP Criticizes Riesenhuber*s Policies 19

Aeritalia, Italian Space Agency, Aerospace Firms Profiled

(Giovanni Caprara; JP4 AERONAUTICA, No 1, Jan 86) 21

BIOTECHNOLOGY

French, European Studies of Microgravity

(M.F. Chevallier; BIOFUTUR, Nov 85). 29

-a -
COMPUTERS

Esprit, Sigma, Alvey Advanced Software Projects Compared

(Bruno Daniel-Jausine; ZERO UN INFORMATIQUE HEBDO,

9 Dec 85) 35

Largest Research Center for Expert Systems in Nordic Area

(Torgny Hinnemo; SVENSKA DAGBLADET, 19 Jan 86) 40

Computer Industry Standards Effort in Europe

(J.P. Delia Mussia; ELECTRONIQUE ACTUALITES, 31 Jan 86)... 43

Briefs

Saab-Scania Supercomputer 45

MICROELECTRONICS

Italy's SGS Begins Use of Original Fabrication Method

(ELECTRONIQUE ACTUALITES, 31 Jah 86) 46

SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY

French-Danish Eureka Project Detailed

(Helene Constanty; L'USINE NOUVELLE, 21 Nov 85) 48

Nixdorf VP Klaus Luft on Strategy, Eureka, AI

(Klaus Luft Interview; ZERO UN INFORMATIQUE HEBDO,

9 Dec 85) 50

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Swedish Computer Firm Affected by High Tech Embargoes

(Bo G. Andersson; DAGENS NYHETER, 13 Jan 86) 58
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

AEROSPACE

EFFECTS OF U.S. SHUTTLE PROBLEMS ON HERMES, ARIANE

New Insights to Benefit Hermes

Madrid YA in Spanish 30 Jan 86 p 40

[Excerpts] Paris—The Challenger disaster has made headlines in all the

French newspapers, and there have been countless expressions of sympathy and

dismay over what LE MONDE yesterday described as "an American tragedy." The

messages have come from the prime minister, Communist leaders and the rest of

the French political class.

The Challenger tragedy of course raises the problem of safety in space flight

and, in a sense, could affect the plans for the "European spaceplane" Hermes.

Emotions were still running high yesterday in French scientific and aerospace

circles, but the pessimism that the shuttle disaster might have prompted was

followed by feelings of confidence and the conviction that failures and even

personal tragedies are part of the conquest of space.

The European Space Agency (ESA) indicated yesterday that "it still had

complete confidence in the American space shuttle program and was convinced of

the need for it." In a press release yesterday, the ESA said that "manned

space flights are essential to the conquest of space." After expressing its

profound sadness over the tragedy, the agency reaffirmed its desire to

cooperate with NASA, whose projects the Europeans will continue to make use

of.

The same sentiments were voiced yesterday by Hubert Curien, the minister of

research and technology, in discussing the Hermes project. Curien, who is the

father of the Ariane rocket, stated that the French would bear the conclusions

of the U.S. investigation in mind but would continue their work on Hermes, and

he emphasized that absolute safety is unattainable.

Misgivings in Bonn

In addition, Andre Lacaze, the technical director of the Hermes program at

Aerospatiale, indicated that "the investigation of the Challenger accident

would mean the introduction of additional safety measures." Meanwhile,

Bernard Deloffre, the program manager in the same company, noted that the
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

accident would have no impact on the work schedule. The Hermes is supposed to

make its first flight in 1995.

The project, which is faced with financing problems in Germany, is in the

study phase and could thus incorporate any new safety features that are deemed

necessary.

Bernard Deloffre indicated that the most dangerous time for both the Hermes

and the U.S. space shuttle is the first few minutes of flight, the priority

being to separate the spacecraft from the booster rockets as quickly as

possible. This operation will be easier for the Hermes than it was for the

Challenger, inasmuch as the European orbital spacecraft will be launched by

the Ariane rocket, from which it can separate more readily in the event

something goes wrong.

The assistant general manager of the CNES [National Center for Space Studies],

Jean-Marie Luton, indicated that that the "safety" options for the Hermes and

for its crew (between two and six persons) have not been decided on yet. One

of the possibilities is "ejection of the astronauts and of the command module

during the first few minutes of flight." Hermes might be outfitted with an

engine that would enable it to separate from the Ariane in the event of a

problem.

Moving Ahead with the Ariane

In any event, once the initial shock of the Challenger disaster had come and

gone, French aerospace circles expressed their confidence in the future of

space flight. NASA's experiences could be taken advantage of in the Hermes

program. The fact is that the program seems threatened more by the Bonn

government's lack of enthusiasm than by the "American tragedy" of Challenger.

Increase in Ariane Orders Expected

Madrid CINCO DIAS in Spanish 31 Jan 86 p 18

[Text] The European Space Agency and many other organizations, governments

and well-known figures have expressed their condolences over the loss of

Challenger. Aerospace executives feel, however, that a major delay in the

American program will help Europe's program by securing it more contracts and

greater governmental support.

European officials speculate that if there is a long delay in launches of the

American space shuttle, orders will shift to the Ariane, which is also

recovering from a failed launch, its 15th, last September.

The accident could also prompt broader political support in Europe for greater

aerospace autonomy. Thus, France's Hermes spaceplane program could receive a

major boost. In addition, British Aerospace's HOTOL project, which is

currently in the preliminary studies phase, will have a better chance of

success.
The requests for room on the Ariane are currently enough to fill some 20

launches up to 1988. Since it is less complex than the American shuttle, not

as many things can go wrong. Moreover, its performance in placing satellites

in preset orbits has been better than the American space shuttle's.

The European rocket has captured about 40 percent of the market for launching

communications satellites and, with the suspension of U.S. flights, could grab

an even larger share of this juicy market.

High-ranking French officials estimate that the development costs of the

Hermes program will come to about $1.5 billion, although some of their French

colleagues doubt that this figure can be met. The French paper LES ECHOS

commented that the accident could heighten the fears of potential partners in

the European spaceplane program and that the safety measures that will be

developed as a result of this accident would boost costs.

Besides the Hermes, the Europeans have approved development of a new booster

rocket, which will be dubbed the "Ariane V." This rocket will place heavy

payloads in orbit as of the mid-1990's; one of them is the Hermes spaceplane.

The Ariane V program will cost Europe some $2.6 billion.

The secretary of the Spanish Astronautical Association, Alvaro de Azcarraga,

explained that the disaster would delay some of NASA's scheduled flights in

cooperation with Europe, in which Spain is involved. Among the programs is

the "Ulysses" space probe, which will study the sun's polar caps; it will be

delayed more than a year. A Spanish firm was commissioned to build the

mechanical flight system, which activates the movable parts of the spacecraft.

There will also be delays in launching the space telescope, one-quarter of

which Europe is financing, and some later flights on which Spacelab was

scheduled to be assembled may also be postponed.

8743

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lb March 1986

AEROSPACE

FIAR'S CURRENT EFFORTS IN AVIONICS SUMMARIZED

Madrid DEFENSA in Spanish'December 1985 pp 10-12

[Article by Patricio Panafa]

[Text] FIAR [Italian Radioelectric Equipment Factory] is one of the largest

military'electronics companies in Italy. In that capacity-, it is helping to

strengthen Italy's diversified defense industry.

FIAR, which is located in Milan, employs over 1,000 highly skilled people.

Its defense division (one of the three into which the firm is divided—the

other two are space and robotics/industrial automation) is actively involved

in the field of avionics, optoelectronics, and heavy military systems; the

latter field includes ground radars, air defense systems, mine classification equipment, etc.

In avionics, after developing fire guidance control radars for the F-104 G

and F-104 S used by the Italian Air Force, FIAR developed its Setter radar,

designed for the modernized F-104 S-ASÄ. It has also been active in the

consortium producing the radar systems for the Tornado aircraft.

After these projects, FIAR began two research and production programs for

high-tech fire control radars for combat aircraft, using two different approaches: in one project, it is handling development itself, and in the other,

it is working in cooperation with a giant in the industry, the U.S; firm,

Westinghouse.

The GRIFO Radar System

FIAR's own product is named GRIFO [griffon], This is a multi-function radar

for airborne combat missions for small aircraft.

Now in an advanced developmental phase, the GRIFO radar will have a search

and tracking capability in both "look up" and "look down" modes.

With its modular design, this radar can be carried on numerous types of

tactical missions and on board armed training aircraft, thus considerably

boosting their potential.
Operating in I'band (formerly X band), this is a doppler radar with totally

coherent pulses. It uses a 60-cm plane antenna with a 200 MHz bandwidth.

This enables it to vary frequencies and pulse compression easily.

The GRIFO operates in low' and medium PRF [Pulse-Repetition Frequency] modes:

the first provides a good time discrimination, and the second gives the best

doppler/range discrimination relation. The doppler filtering is done by a

signal processor that uses FFT [Fast Fourier Transforms].

The system has five components; the antenna, transmitter, receiver, signal

processor, and computer. Its deisgn incorporates the latest technologies

and made a widespread use of CAD [Computer Aided Design] methods.

When a scan converter is used, the system becomes capable of generating

symbols superimposed on a video image for on-screen, TV-style presentation,

and it can be integrated with the on-board avionics by means of an MIL-STD1553B data bus.

The GRIFO was originally proposed for aversion of the Italian-Brazilian

AMX, and the HAWK 200 made by British Aerospace, and it could be installed

as a retrofit system in other aircraft, such as the MIG-21, Douglas A-4

Skyhawk, or various types of Mirage aircraft.

The ALTAIR [Advanced Light Tactical Airborne Radar] will be produced in

collaboration with Westinghouse. As its name suggests, this is a light radar

designed for use on board the AV-8B Harrier II developed by the Spanish Navy

and the U.S. Marine Corps. For this system, the experience of both companies will be used in the design and production of doppler pulsed radars for

combat aircraft.

Moreover, I will add that FIAR is one of the group of companies planning to

develop the fire control radar for the future European Combat Aircraft, in

which the most advanced technologies in this field will be used. This will

be light, high performance equipment. The system may have a range of about

100 kilometers, with a 1-meter antenna and an 8-kw transmitter.

Optoelectronics

FIAR has extensive experience with the production of optoelectronic equipment,

which is used both in Italian Navy ships and by those countries to which

these systems have been exported.

This equipment includes day and night TV cameras, IR [infrared]

thermographic cameras, laser telemetry, TV trackers, monochromatic and multichromatic display screens, and simulation and training equipment.

This equipment is very useful in naval and anti-aircraft fire guidance

control systems and for combat tanks. The FIAR equipment is known for its
solid construction, adaptability, and advanced technology. One good

example is the Sprite detector.

Another example is the thermographic camera used for naval applications,

the P4674 TINA, which works in an 8 x 12 micron window, with a detection

range of about 18 kilometers for plane-sized targets, and 13 kilometers

for helicopters.

The camera has two fields of vision: wide (4 x 2,6°) and narrow (2 x 1.3°).

It is used for tracking in firing directions.

The video output, in a standardized CCIR [International Radio Consultative

Committee] format, may be superimposed with an adaptable reticle generated

electronically; it has an electronic zoom, automatic local control of the

dynamic margin, and generation of 64 gray levels.

It weighs 30 kilograms and operates on 28 v.d.c. [Voltage Direct Current]

with a power consumption of 8 A,

The TINA camera is used along with other FIAR optoelectronic sensors in

optoelectronic control devices produced by some of Italy's most important

industries. The other sensors are 5 the daytime camera PUMA; the LLLTV [Low

Light Level TV] camera, the P4361; and the laser telemeters, P0700. and P0701.

The P4361 nighttime camera has light intensification equipment, for use

either during the day or at night, by means of an automatic filter with neutral density, it is designed to operate in poor weather conditions and can

be remotely controlled.

The P0700 telemeter is high power equipment which, along with the PUMA

camera, is used in optoelectronic controls of frigates of the "Maestrale"

class of the MMI [Italian Navy].

This is a telemeter with higher power than others of its class: over 20 MW,

with pulses of 8 to 10 ns in duration, with a maximum of 15 pps.

The P0701 telemeter, like the P0700 , also uses a yagi-neodymium transmitter,

which transmits on 1.064 microns, however, this unit is lighter, and it is

contained in a single unit weighing 20 kilograms. It transmits with a power

of 10 MW at a variable rate on 1, 5 , 10, or 20 Hz, which can be remotely

controlled.

The receiver consists of an optical silicon avalanche photodiode measuring

12 cm, reaching a measurement level of up to 20 kilometers for targets of

the size of a transport aircraft.
The unit includes the laser transmitter, the receiver, the cooling system

(which operates by forced liquid circulation), the signal processing electronics , the optics, and power source.

For its modular integration in any system—ground, naval, or airborne—the

P0701 has a series communications channel,

Optical Trackers

Still in the field of optoelectronics, FIAR produces two systems for'

controlling fire guidance platforms: these are two TV trackers, which operate

according to two different principles: by contrast (P4700) or by correlation (P4690).

The TV tracker is an electronic unit that accepts a video signal from either

a day or night TV scan camera, and continues tracking the target in the center of the image: to do this, it generates error signals that act on the

orientation servomechanisms (bearing and elevation) of the platform supporting the camera.

This is an autonomous unit that can be connected to any camera and any

platform, so it may be considered a black box, which receives a video signal

input, and then generates error output signals (analog or digital DC).

The P4700 is a contrast tracker which operates in either on board or centroid

modes. It uses a gate of variable dimensions which adjusts automatically to

the target's dimensions. It can maintain tracking of targets of dimensions

of 2 ns in bearing (horizontal dimension of the raster [pattern of horizontal

scan lines on screen when no signal is present] and two lines in elevation.

The P4690 uses the mathematical principle of correlation, comparing

successive samples of the image to obtain predictions of future position,

adjustment, and trajectory. The system performs a digital conversion of the

scene. The P4690 really uses two channels, one for correlation and the.other

for contrast, which ensures optimum operation in different circumstances,

depending on the conditions present. The system switches automatically from

one to the other channel, or can work with one combined channel.

The prediction algorithm enables tracking to be maintained even when the

target is temporarily concealed,

The P4690 generates a video output identical to its input, but superimposed

with an adaptable reticle and alphanumerical symbols, all of which are

generated electronically.

The error signal outputs are digital, transmitted by a two-wire series

channel at 19,200 bauds.
The systems which we have just described, both radar and optoelectronic,

are a sample of what FIAR offers in the field of defense electronics. This

company stands out because of its balance between diversification and

specialization.

The importance of this firm, which also works in the advanced and complex

field of satellite communications.and space technology, is undeniable. One

proof of this statement is the dissemination of its products on all levels:

from complete finished systems to subsystems and devices.

7679

CSO: 3698/245
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

AEROSPACE

HERMES, SHUTTLE REFLECT DIFFERENT ESA, NASA STRATEGIES

Rome SCIENZA DUEMILA in Italian No 1, Jan 86 pp 82-86

[Article by Lorenzo Pinna: "Hermes in Space"]

[Text] The orbital flight system studied by the French, less powerful but

more versatile than the American shuttle, will enable united Europe—in the '

nest 10 years—to carry human beings into space and to build a permanent space

station. The first flight with astronauts is scheduled for 1996.

At present, the European space shuttle is only a French initiative. Last

October CNES, the National Center for Space Studies, gave the order for the

construction of the Hermes shuttle to "Aerospatiale" and "Marcel Dassault."

The two French aerospace firms will build both the shuttle itself and the

launching, landing, astronaut training and preparation, and mission ground

control equipment. Even though Hermes is for the moment just a French

business, CNES feels confident that during the next ESA meeting [to be held in

the first months of 1986] the program will be included within the ESA

[European Space Agency] projects and that the industries of other countries

will take part in its construction. These hopes are well founded as ESA

already approved [during the Rome meeting held on 31 January, 1985] the Ariane

V and Columbus space station projects. By also approving the Hermes project,

ESA will create the conditions for European space autonomy in the year 2000.

In 1992-1995 the Columbus station will go alongside the American one after

being carried into orbit by the space shuttle. However, in subsequent years

it will be directly launched by Ariane V, for which final tests are scheduled

in 1995.

To become self-sufficient, what is missing is only a means of transport

similar to the American shuttle: The Hermes project meets this requirement.

Two Different Philosophies

The European shuttle characteristics show ESA's and CNES' different strategy

from that of NASA and the American shuttle. In fact, CNES considers it more

convenient to have a powerful rocket able to carry into orbit various payloads

rather than a shuttle, like the American one, which is able to become an

orbiting and launching platform. In accordance with this philosophy, Ariane V
has been designed to carry satellites [up to three each time], Columbus

modules, and the Hermes shuttle. The American shuttle now carries satellites

inside its large hold and will later carry the space station modules. CNES

assumes that running costs will be reduced by Hermes, as the complex safety

measures necessary for manned lift will not always be necessary. Satellites

and modules will be launched by more economical automatic systems. In

contrast, the American shuttle always makes the presences of humans on board

necessary.

CNES' different strategy pushed designers to think about a shuttle quite

different from the American one. Hermes still has some similar

characteristics, such as delta wings, glider-like landing, and the possibility

of being reused, but it is very much different from its bigger brother.

First, let's consider their dimensions. Since Hermes has not been built to

carry huge satellites or station modules, it is much smaller than the American

shuttle. If the space shuttle may be compared with a DC 9, Hermes will be

more simialr to a military fighter. The European shuttle will, in fact, have

the following dimensions: 16 m long, 10 m wingspan, 35'cubic meter hold

volume, 3 m max diameter, and 9 tons empty weight. Its crew will'number four

to six astronauts, their missions will last 3 to 4 weeks, and its payload will

not exceed 4.5 tons [the shuttle can carry 30 tons and 8 astronauts]. But

this is not all. The American space shuttle has three main engines supplying

it the necessary final push before orbiting. Hermes will have no engines of

this kind but will be carried into orbit directly by the Ariane V rocket.

Of course, Hermes, like the American shuttle, will have rocket engines for

orbital maneuvers. Plans call for three additional rockets to be fed by 2.5

tons of fuel which will permit various maneuvers: Altitude changes [up to 500

km], orbital rendezvous, and braking before landing. Probably the most

apparent difference between Hermes and the shuttle is their connection with

rockets carrying them into orbit. The shuttle is docked to a giant tank [more

than 40 m high] fueling the three main engines, while two additional rockets

[the boosters] located on the tank sides supply an extra push for the first

minute after launching.

On the contrary, Hermes, with no tanks or engines, will be set on top of the

Ariane V rocket, like the old Apollo and Gemini capsules. Hermes will have a

further advantage vis-a-vis the shuttle: it will be able to reach polar

orbits, which the American shuttle for the moment cannot achieve.

The first European shuttle prototype is scheduled to be built by 1990. In

subsequent years, general, thermic, aerodynamic, and electrical tests will be

carried out and in 1996 the first flight wiht astronauts on board will take

place.

Toward the European Station

If everything goes as planned, Hermes will then perform its first missions

carrying European astronauts to the Columbus module docked with the American

station. This possibility has already been forecast in a joint NASA, ESA, and

1 0
CNES "memorandum of intent." Subsequent Hermes missions could aim at

repairing and refueling large automatic scientific or industrial platforms.

Even without carrying huge loads, Hermes mission astronauts will carry out

repairs, change some equipment, or pick up materials to bring back to Earth

[such as films and experimental items].

A bit further away, that is, some years after 2000, Hermes may become an

essential instrument for the assembly of the European space station. Columbus

module will be directly launced by Ariane V and subsequent Hermes missions

will start assembling them. Later the European shuttle will carry new crews,

fuel, and equipment, bringing back to Earth the previous shift crew and the

results of experiments.

A special pressurized module wil be installed inside the European shuttle hold

for possible rescue operations which would require the immediate clearing of

the station. In this way, Hermes will be able to carry an additional four to

six persons besides the four to six already foreseen in the normal

configuration.

Shuttle missions wil leave from Kouru Space Center in Guyana, where Ariane

launches are already carried out. Hermes launching operations will be a

repetition of previously tested Ariane launches of commercial satellites. The

only difference will be the placement of astronauts on board the shuttle,

which already will be situated on top of the rocket, a few hours before the

launch.

When Hermes leaves Ariane V, its additional engines will push it into the

chosen orbit and from there some further precision maneuvers will carry it

nearer and enable it to dock with a space station or platform. Should

something go wrong, Hermes will be able to remain docked to the station for up

to 90 days with all on borad systems functioning. The reentry phase will

start when, after leaving the station, Hermes retrofires to slow down its

descent and reenters the Earth's atmosphere. In the first phase, from an

altitude of 80 to 30 km, Hermes will be subjected to maximum thermic stresses

[it "belly" will be heated up to 1,200* C] while during the second phase, when

its speed does not exceed Mach 2, the shuttle will prepare to land after the

long gliding flight. The Hermes landing runway will be 3,500 m long and 45 m

wide, that is, like a normal civilian airport.

One to two months are expected to be needed to set up the shuttle again after

one mission. Each shuttle will then be able to fly four to five times per

year.

At least at the beginning, the fleet will be formed by two shuttles, which

will limit European space missions in the 1990's to about one per month [as

with the American shuttle]. The costs of the Hermes project is estimated at 2

billion ECU, or approximately 3,000 billion lire.

According to the CNES plan, 50 percent of the project will be financed by

France and the remainder by other European partners. While waiting for the

ESA

1 1
decision on whether to include Hermes in its projects, eight countries have

already declared their interest in the European shuttle [Italy is among them].

Should the Ariane V, Columbus and Hermes projects be developed according to

scheduled plans, Europe will become, by 2000, the third space power able to

carry man into space using its own means and technologies

[Box, p 86]

Comparative Table

Ariane V/Hermes

Automatic payload 15 t

Payload [including 6 astronauts 17 tons

and 4.5 ton instruments]

Transport capacity in 5/S t

geostationary orbit

Space Shuttle

Payload

Astronauts onboard -,

t0ns

Transport capacity in 5

geostationary orbit

In contrast with the American space shuttle, the Ariane V/Hermes system

separates material transport into orbit from astronaut transport. In fact, in

its automatic configuration it, too, is able to carry payloads into

£££ ^

ry ^lt^ithout requiring a human presence onboard. In the near

needs optimal operations according to actual transport

8612/13104

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1 2
26 HarcAv J-*

AEROSPACE

HERMES DEBATE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT FRG RESEARCH POLICIES

FRG Industry Fears Being Left Out

Duesseldorf WIRTSCHAFTSWOCHE in German 3 Jan 86 pp 79-80

[Article: "Countdown for Hermes"; first paragraph is WIRTSCHAFTSWOCHE introduction]

[Text] The French are still holding the door open for participation in the

Hermes minishuttle. While the Bonn government still hesitates, the German

space flight industry is afraid that it could come up short if participation

is shared.

The supply of German-French commonalities has shrunk appreciably. Following

the failure of cooperation with respect to the fighter aircraft of the 1990's,

given the contrary march directions involving the Strategic Defense Initiative

and the halfhearted German involvement in the Eureka project, another problem

threatens now. This involves the French-proposed Project Hermes, a smaller

version of the successful space shuttle glider: Mounted on the tip of the new

Ariane 5 missile, Hermes is supposed to haul 4.5 tons of payload into space

during the 1990's and be able to return to earth like an airplane. While this

only represents one-sixth of the maximum load capacity of the space shuttle,

it would be adequate for Europe in order to reach an important goal—complete

space flight autonomy. The Ariane family of missiles has made the Europeans

independent of the United States with respect to scientific and commercial

satellites, but where the transportation of astronauts is concerned, where the

repair of satellites is involved, or where regular supplies for the future Columbus Space Station are concerned Europe would be completely and utterly dependent upon the transport services of the Americans without a vehicle such as

Hermes.

Although there is extensive clarity regarding German participation in the

large-scale Ariane 5 and Columbus programs within the framework of ESA since

the Council of Ministers decision made in Rome in January 1985, a decision by

the Federal Government to join in the Hermes project is still outstanding, "although neither Ariane 5 nor Columbus make any sense at all without an instrument such as this," according to the specialized RAUMFAHRT-WIRTSCHAFT newsletter.

13
Currently, preliminary work on Hermes is still ongoing at sole French expense,

but most of the ESA partners have already signaled that they wish to participate in this 4.5-billion-mark program: Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands,

as well as Great Britain, Spain, and Sweden. Even Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, and Ireland would like to assure themselves shares in the project amounting to 2 and 13 percent each. The French have thus far reserved 15 percent

for the partner of choice—the FRG, but the courtship has remained completely

unheard in Bonn. France would reduce its initially planned share from 50 percent if the Germans wished to participate on a large scale. "The French need

allies," believes Wolfgang Finke, the ministerial director responsible for aviation and. space flight at the Federal Research Ministry, "and they honestly

seek German participation."

As a result of the hesitant position evinced by Bonn, the German space industry, however, sees its spoils floating away: "If we wait much longer with the

decision then there will be not much left for us," is the fear expressed by an

insider, "then we will have to make do with subordinate subcontractor deliveries." For the Germans this would be particularly painful because they occupied an uncontested peak position in Europe into the 1970's with regard to basic research for manned space flight. When this program was halted in 1973

for lack of appropriations most of the study results were turned over to the

friends on the other side of the Rhine River. And the French used the opportunity to proceed vigorously on the basis of these German preliminary studies.

The result: They can once more play out their outrider role with the Hermes '

proposal, as they had already done with the Ariane missile. Federal Research

Minister Heinz Riesenhuber—despite his clear propensity for space flight—

maintains a conspicuously conservative position with regard to this topic. At

the beginning of October, when he outlined his goals to the German Society for

Aviation and Space Flight (DGLR) at Bad Godesberg, the word Hermes was not

heard a single time. And during his show, as a result of the successful conclusion of the German Spacelab D-l mission a few weeks later, he approached

this topic only with a tortured sparse response: "I would prefer not to describe the process of discussion in the cabinet, but rather only to record the

results: A German participation in the Hermes project is currently not feasible within the budget."

However, a few days later a 60-page paper landed on Riesenhuber's desk which

had been worked out by a "task force" under the leadership of the German Research and Testing Institute for Aviation and Space Flight (DFVLR) since the

beginning of October in an astoundingly short period of time of only 6 weeks.

This memorandum, entitled "European Returnable Space Transport System," had

been worked on by the MBB/Erno Enterprise, by the Dornier System Enterprise,

by the MAN/New Technologies Enterprise, as well as by the Technical University

of Munich, the Ruhr University of Bochum, and the Munich Advanced School of

the Bundeswehr.

In this position paper, the industry recommends a substantial participation in

the Hermes project of 30 percent, despite the fact that several critical arguments were raised against the project. The enterprises involved want to develop, among others, rocket engines for maneuvering in space, as well as the

life support system and energy supply system, they want to develop high-efficiency structural components and electronics systems, whereas the DFVLR offers

U
its services for aerodynamic testing, tests of rocket motors, and simulations.

In addition, one of the two Hermes space transporters is to be assembled and

completely equipped in the FRG.

As reasons for their not immodest demands, the German space technicians claim

that a technological decoupling must be prevented, the Bonn-Paris axis must be

promoted, and European interests must be protected. However, the space flight

industry rejects the idea of realizing such a project within the framework of

the Eureka initiative. It warns that ongoing or soon-to-be-initiated programs

such as Columbus, Ariane 5, or Hermes might overlap with Eureka projects.

Conversly, in the opinion of the industry, technological and systems-technical

experiences gathered as a result of space flight cooperation projects should,

in future, be utilized for Eureka programs.

However, while the Germans are still debating whether, how, and when they

should jump aboard the already-moving Hermes train, the French have passed one

milestone after another. On 18 October, the French space agency Cnes had already assigned the most important responsibilities to domestic industries.

The criticism that Hermes was only a smaller copy of the space shuttle and

that, thus, a new technology was discovered with a 10-year time lag with the

Americans long since having mastered it is broadly rejected by French Research

Minister Hubert Curien: "Hermes is much more maneuverable, can change its orbit, and can remain in space longer." In fact, Hermes is supposed to be able

to operate in space for almost 4 weeks—about three times as long as the shuttle. In any event, cockpit technology is supposed to be able to profit from

innovations which were developed by the Airbus industry for the model A-320

aircraft.

But the French stress yet another fundamental difference with respect to the

space shuttle: While anything but an ideal compromise had to be found between

the transport of up to 30 tons of payload and the transportation of astronauts

for the American space vehicle, the functions in the European program are separated: Ariane 5 can, as an unmanned rocket, place payloads of up to 15 tons

into orbit, whereas Hermes, using the same propellant stages, can serve to

transport as many as six astronauts and medium-heavy payloads. Even in the

United States there are some experts who not only welcome the European advances in autonomous manned space flight from the standpoint of competition,

at least in the opinion of Finke: "Space shuttle remains the heavy truck,

whereas Hermes represents a taxicab or light station wagon and as such is an

ideal supplement."

According to the optimistic deadline plans of the French, Hermes is supposed

to undertake its maiden flight in 1995. However, even Finke himself does not

really believe this: "Hermes will cause many a headache until it is completed. One should seriously give thought to a time extension for the program, also for financial reasons." The countdown, which has been offensively

pushed forward by the French, however, does not leave much time for the Germans to consider things. After the ESA convention, the national program must

be reported to the ESA by mid-1986 for Europeanizing and, after the beginning

of the subsequent definition phase, which is to be initiated at the end of

15
JPRS-WST-86-0U

26 March 1986

1986, a final 3 months remain for undecided candidates to make their decision.

By then, however, the most interesting pieces of this technological pie will

have long been distributed, as is feared by the German space flight industry.

Finke warns: "We should react rapidly and decisively."

Mitterrand Urges Kohl To Decide

Frankfurt/Main FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG in German 16 Jan 85 pp 1-2

[Text] Federal Chancellor Kohl will participate in a joint visit to French

troops at Baden-Baden at the invitation of French President Mitterrand this

Thursday. Baden-Oos is the location of the headquarters of the French Armed

Forces in the Federal Republic. On Wednesday, Bonn figured that Mitterrand

would ask the German federal chancellor about the German attitude with respect

to cofinancihg the French "Hermes" space ferry project. Thus far, Kohl has

always referred to the fact that, originally, the agreement was that the planning phase of the project would begin in 1987. France had shifted this date

to 1986. During the last encounter with Mitterrand in December in Paris, Kohl

had requested that the original time frame be observed in the hopes that, by

that time, a joint European financing might be achieved. During the planning

time, the Federal Republic would have to annually come up with 20 million

marks. At the beginning of 1985, the Federal Cabinet had agreed that apart

from assistance for the Ariane 5 carrier rocket and the European contribution

to the American "Columbus" Space Station no new civilian space project of this

magnitude could be begun. Bonn is now waiting for the French response regarding the time frame for the beginning of the planning phase and, thus, for a

response to Kohl. Whether Mitterrand will let his readiness to set the starting time for 1987 be seen on this Thursday appeared to be doubtful in Bonn.

The French are saying that France would hold to the beginning of the planning

phase for "Hermes" in the spring of 1986. Despite what the federal chancellor

has thus far said, Paris is counting at least on a Bonn cabinet resolution

which might contain the intention to participate later in the "Hermes" project. This need not yet be a financing resolution. The French refer to the

desires of the German industry to obtain clarity as soon as possible as to

whether enterprises of the Federal Republic could begin negotiating with

France regarding subcontracts for "Hermes." As for the French side, they say

that realization of already-decided development of the Ariane 5 and Columbus

projects only makes sense in conjunction with construction of the space ferrv

"Hermes."

On the other hand, the Federal Government is bound by the resolution of 1985.

The Research Ministry of Minister Riesenhuber defends the standpoint that whoever wishes to change something must overturn every resolution and must, furthermore, be able to prove that "Hermes" is the correct technical solution.

Currently, this is said not to be possible.

Consequently, a resolution could only be recommended in 1987, after a precise

testing of technical alternatives, perhaps of a British project. If, for political reasons, approval must be given now, the obligation cannot be met from

the budget funds available at the Research Ministry. The Federal Ministry of

16
Foreign Affairs, which is clearly meant as the target of such hints, at least

favors approval of the "Hermes" project for the long run. In the opinion of

Foreign Minister Genscher, one cannot leap over "Hermes" in developing European space technology. Sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs state that

Genscher, in his meeting with France's Foreign Minister Dumas a week ago,

tried to explain that the Federal Repulbic is not employing any delaying tactics, but must conduct a solid financial policy. However, Genscher considers

civilian space technology to be decisive for the economic future of the European countries. Despite his favoring the project, even Genscher does not expect a decision to be made at the time of the next regular German-French consultations at the end of February in Paris. After the most recent discussions

between Kohl and Mitterrand, Bonn had placed weight on the fact that the Federal Republic would be spending 2.7 billion marks in 10 years for Columbus and

another 1.7 billion marks, again over a period of 10 years, for the Ariane 5.

The Federal Republic cannot enter upon new expensive obligations in an unlimited manner.

The research policy spokesman of the Union Bundestag faction, Lenzer, recommended the realization of German participation in "Hermes" before Kohl met

Mitterrand because only in conjunction between Ariane 5, Columbus, and the

"development of a European return-capable space transport system" can the goal

of an independent Europe with respect to space technology be reached. Also,

use of space for defense purposes must be drawn into considerations.

Kohl and Mitterrand have only set aside the period of 45 minutes for substantive topics—apart from eating together. The troop visit is primarily symbolic in meaning for German-French relationships and the presence of French

troop units on German soil. The federal chancellor wants to bring up four

areas of German-French cooperation: political-strategic cooperation must be

strengthened just as much as military-operational cooperation; the armed

forces are to be brought closer together during exercises and training; joint

advanced training of leadership cadres is to be made a reality in practice.

If there is time, the federal chancellor and the president might confirm their

intentions in general form regarding the fact that Paris and Bonn would have

to think about a joint European initiative for defense against short-range and

medium-range missiles. In such a nonautonomous European defense initiative,

Bonn believes that this could mean a supplementing of the American SDI programs in coordination with the United States.

Precise positions with regard to procedures on the part of Europeans in EastWest forums such as the Vienna MBFR negotiations regarding troop reductions in

central Europe and at the Stockholm Conference for Confidence-Building and

Disarmament in Europe, all the way through to an always "constructive accompaniment" of American-Soviet negotiations in Geneva, were agreed upon by Genscher and Dumas. Parallel with the exchange of troop units and the joint

training of general staff officers—a topic on which Kohl and Mitterrand communicated—French diplomats and those of the Federal Republic are to be permitted to train and later temporarily work in each other's foreign services,

in order to be able to perform their work there. Four times each year all political personnel of all German embassies are scheduled to meet with French

diplomats in their host countries. The foreign ministers also plan four meetings each year. Genscher visualizes joint definition of the security-political

17
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

interests of France and the Federal Republic, the results of which are to be

- applied to the Western opinion formation with respect to disarmament negotiations and developments in space. The federal Chancellor anticipates a response by the French to his initiative which proposes the establishment of a

joint body for treating all space questions from their civilian as well as

military standpoints.

Genscher's Position

Frankfurt/Main FRANKFURTER RUNDSCHAU in German 20 Jan 86 p 4

[Text]. Federal Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich has expressed himself in favor

of participation by the FRG in the development of the French space ferry

"Hermes." On the weekend, Genscher said in front of journalists in Munich

that he takes seriously the most recent expert positions which claim that construction of the space ferry is an indispensable intermediate step prior to

the next step in space, which is the development of a space aircraft. Naturally, a problem of financial policy priorities does exist. "That will have

to be discussed again," said Genscher.

Genscher underscored the great significance of intensive German-French cooperation in technological areas as well. Close cooperation between both countries was said to be a "fateful mission." In Europe, "whatever Germany and

France do jointly goes—but only that." The foreign minister indicated that

the diplomatic services of France and the Federal Republic would, within 10

years, be melded together. He had agreed to this with his French colleague

Roland Dumas on 7 January. The directors of foreign services are to meet once

a month and the ministers four times a year with their collaborators for joint

consultations. Four times a year, leading workers at embassies everywhere in

the world are to meet and discuss problems of the host country.

Furthermore, an exchange of young diplomats and other collaborators is planned. Cooperation among the health services and the courier services is also

conceivable, as is the joint issuance of visas. "I would like to achieve a

status in which, through cooperation both in thinking as well as in organization, our foreign services would grow together to such an extent that even a

malicious person could not separate them again." He expects that the remaining countries of the European Community would then follow the example.

Genscher warned the journalists against making foreign policy an election issue. The FDP profited from a well-thought-out foreign policy, but it is not

following this policy for the sake of the elections. "I can also advise everyone else against that. Foreign policy involves national interests. It is

no percussion instrument to be used during the election struggle." Genscher

thought that the FDP was counting on the support of the electorate for its enlightened foreign policy. And in reference to the most recent discussions

centering on his remaining in the Foreign Office, he felt: "In Germany, we

elect quality." Genscher said that he did not feel threatened in his office

either by the chairman of his party, Federal Economics Minister Martin Bangemann, nor by CSU Chief Franz-Josef Strauss. He also sees no rivalry between

himself and Strauss. "This cannot even exist. There is one government and

18
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

one division of portfolios." Genscher referred to the fact that all foreign

policy decisions are made unanimously in the Federal Cabinet". It is possible,

he said, that some other opinions existed among the parties which are part of

the government. But the Federal Government is a constitutional organ which

makes its own decisions. And these decisions are also defended by it.

Genscher feels that the FDP had terminated its coalition with the SPD because

the latter party had changed its foreign policy and security policy positions.

This would explain why the FDP is now continuing the former foreign policy and

security policy. The FDP understands its role now as before to be that of a

freedom, progress, and peace party; If Strauss expresses discomfort with respect to the foreign policy continuity, it was not his [Genscher's] task to

comment on the situation.

FDP Criticizes Riesenhuber's Policies

Frankfurt/Main FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG in German 24 Jan 86 pp 1-2

[Text] The FDP joined in the criticism by the opposition of research subsidies for concerns on Thursday. In a fundamental debate regarding research

policy with focal points for assistance to the economy, space policy, and environmental research the research policy spokesman of the FDP, Laermann, criticized Minister Riesenhuber for having deviated from the reorientation of

state research subsidies, which had begun with the change in government, by

helping to finance microchips at Siemens and at the Philips sister enterprise

Valvo. By making substantial contributions to these two concerns, Riesenhuber

is accused of making the case worse rather than better because the enterprises

permit state interference for the sake of the money. Laermann contradicted

the opinions of the research policy spokesman of the CDU faction, Lenzer, who

said that this dispute in the coalition about research subsidies to concerns

was only an academic discussion. Riesenhuber's decision goes to the core of

research policy.

By subsidizing such a strong financial enterprise as Siemens, the research

policy spokesman of the SPD faction, Vosen, claimed that the call by the federal government to the economy for more initiative and effort becomes incredible. Whereas Vosen charged the research minister with additional research

policy gaffs, he did welcome his research policy as a precise continuation of

the leading SPD policy line. Vosen and his faction colleague Fischer (Homburg) and Stahl (Kempen) raised the criticism that technical-scientific cooperation between the Federal Republic and France was being endangered by Riesenhuber and by the unclear position of the Federal Government with respect to

the French "Hermes" project. As far as the Greens, Deputy Mueller (Bremen)

rejected "Hermes" with the justification that it was nothing short of a gigantic grab for tax money.

Riesenhuber defended his research policy as being newly oriented in fundamental points. Basic research had been considerably expanded and the bureaucracy

had been reduced. Environmental research, which previously practically did

not exist, is voluminous today. Never before had such a high share of research money flowed to middle-size enterprises. The approval of funds for

19
Siemens and Valvo was justified by Riesenhuber as being of national interest.

The state-sponsored partnership of both enterprises was creating the prerequisites for providing German industry with the most modern components in sufficient time. The disputed project had been contained in the government report

entitled "Information Technology," which had been unanimously approved by the

cabinet. This is an integrated program in conjunction with larger and smaller

enterprises, involving the state and the economy. The government's research

policy was responsible for expanding knowledge, conserving the environment and

resources, and improving the competitiveness of the economy. Lenzer, together

with CDU delegate Boroffka, Keller, and Schneider (Idar-Oberstein), pronounced

Riesenhuber's research policy as successful, realistic, and substantively competent.

In response to SPD criticism of federal space policy, Riesenhuber replied that

large-scale projects Would have to be thoroughly tested for their necessity

and financability. At the beginning of 1985, the cabinet had decided that,

following German participation in the American "Columbus" Space Station and

further development of the European Ariane rocket, there was no money for

other large-scale projects. The fact that the Federal Government was claiming

a lack of funds with respect to the "Hermes" project was criticized by Vosen

and blamed on Riesenhuber. Since taking office, the research minister had

overspent by handing out contracts valued at 18 billion marks. Stahl expressed the concern that Riesenhuber and research policy within the cabinet

would be pulverized, since today research policy is far more influenced by the

finance minister than by a substantive minister.

In responding to demands made by the Greens, brought up by Deputy Schierholz,

that large-scale research establishments, beginning with the Nuclear Research

Institute at Juelich, be brought into line ecologically, Riesenhuber responded

that the new orientation at Juelich also takes ecology into account. However,

he said, that research facilities were not intended to concentrate on ecology.

5911

CSO: 3698/258

20
JPRS-WST-86-Oil

26 March 1986

AEROSPACE

AERITALIA, ITALIAN SPACE AGENCY, AEROSPACE FIRMS PROFILED

Florence JP4 AERONAUTICA in Italian No 1, Jan 86 pp 27-27

[Article by Giovanni Caprara: "Space Industry in Italy"; Box p 24 by Massimo

Bozzo]

[Text] The ever growing commitment of Italian industry in space activities

leads us to draw up a profile of the sector in order to determine—through

statistics—the extent of Italy's participation in one of the most advanced

fields of the production sector. Another reason leading us to draw up the

following overview was the fact that, today, this group of industries is on

the verge of an important breakthrough resulting from the American SDI program

[Stragetic Defense Initiative] and from the European Eureka program.

The group of Italian companies involved in space activities represents

different areas of expertise ranging from mechanics to electronics, and from

optics to chemistry. All these specializations are of fundamental importance

to the new requirements related to space defense. As can easily be foreseen,

this will have a considerable effect on the nonmilitary sector and especially

on electronics. It is undoubtedly a fallacy to consider this sector simply as

a limited area of specialized production since, in addition to already being a

leader in production fields, in the future it will also give rise to extremely

advanced technology which can be, in turn, transferred to other different

sectors.

To return to our overview of the sector, we would like to point out that some

small companies, which have just recently entered this sphere of activity and

are subcontractors to other major companies, have been excluded. Furthermore,

other companies—such as Fiat Aviation—will not be mentioned here since they

have just recently started their involvement in space activities by taking

part in the program of the HM-60 cryogenic motor for the Ariane V rocket.

From our survey, which comprises 13 of the most important companies operating

today, we see that the overall turnover was 380 billion lire. Therefore, if

these figures characterize the level of space production, which is already

well established, and if we also take into account those companies which have

just recently entered the sector and which will only produce a turnover in the

next few years, then we are correct to assume that the number of people

involved in the sector exceeded 3,000 in 1985.

21
AERITALIA S.A.I.P.A.—Energy and Space Group—Corso Marche 41 10146 Torino

The space activities of Aeritalia [IRI/Finmeccanica group], which is the

largest aerospace industry in Italy, are carried out in plants in Turin under

the supervision of Prof Ernesto Vallerani.

The company deals with product management, although it specializes in

structural activities. Today, Aeritalia takes part in numerous domestic and

international programs, which can be summarized as follows: After directing

the Italian involvement in the Spacelab program, the space laboratory that was

placed in orbit by the shuttle, Aeritalia is presently working on the new

Columbus space ministation program. It was this company, together with the

German company MBB, which promoted this program. Aeritalia's responsibility

consists of the construction of the pressurized "living space" module. The

company also takes park in other programs such as the Eureka platform, the

Hipparcos astrometric satellite and, with regard to telecommunications, the

ECS, Marecs, Telecom, and Olympus satellites.

At the national level, Aeritalia takes part in all approved programs, Among

these we must mention the IRIS launcher, the Tethered satellite [connected to

the shuttle by a "cable"], the SAX scientific satellites for astronomy and

X-ray studies, the Lageos for geodynamic studies, and, in the field of

telecommunications, Intelsat. Aeritalia has also carried out research on the

large platforms for forthcoming telecommunications applications. There are

350 people in the Aeritalia space department and in 1984 turnover totaled 100

billion lire.

Carlo Gavazzi Controls—Via G. Ciardi 9-201148 Milano

Carlo Gavazzi runs a space department which works on domestic and European

contracts [with ESA for the Giotto project]. This company manufactures

equipment for experiments involving sensors and electronics applications and

also develops software for use in satellites.

There are 32 people employed in the space department, while turnover amounted

to 2.5 billion lire in 1984.

Contraves Italiana—Via Affile 102—00131 Roma

The activity of this company, which only started to operate in the space

sector in 1980, concerns the field of satellite telecommunications and remote

monitoring. The work underway includes a mircowave sensor for remote

monitoring and 20/30 Ghz earth terminals; the latter are linked to ESA

programs. There are 10 people involved full time in the space sector and

turnover amounted to 1 billion lire in 1984.

22
FIAR—Italian Manufacturer for Radioelectric Equipment—Via Montefeltro

8-20156 Milano

Since 1962 FIAR has expanded its activity in electronics to include the space

sector. Beginning this year the company has its own independent space

department headed by the engineer Armando Rovatti.

FIAR specializes in on board systems, development and constructions of high

and low-voltage feeding units and various telecommunications packages,

including local oscillators and feeders [EPC] for the final power supplies.

FIAR participates in the'following ESA programs: the ISP/Ulisse probe, which

will be used to explore the solar poles, the Giotto probe, the Eureka

platform, the Olympus Telecommunications satellite, and the Ariane carrier.

It also takes part in the French project for the SPOT satellite, which has

been designed to study land resources. Work has already been done on

telecommunications satellites such as the ECS, TV-Sat/TDF, DFS Copericus, the

space telescope, the projects of the Italian Iris and Italsat Space program,

the ESA ERS-1 satellite designed for land resource applications, and the IRS

and Tele-X satellites. The company's interests and activities are now moving

into the field of space robotics.

Today, there are 150 employed in the space department, while sector turnover

in 1984 amounted to 10.7 billion lire.

GTE Telecommunications—SS 11 Padana Superiore—Cassina de Pecchi—20060

Milano

GTE operates in the fields of space telecommunications and manufactures

satellite components, particularly land stations.

The instrumentation manufactured includes amplifiers, convertors, antennae,

demodulation units and so on. Today the company takes part in programs

concerning the Olympus, ECS, Telecom G-STAR, Intelsat and Italsat satellites.

There are 300 people employed in space activities, with a turnover of 16

billion lire in 1984.

Laben—[Division of the SI.EL. SpA]—Via E. Bassini 15—20133 Milano

Laben, which is now part of the American ISC group [International Signal and

Control Group] which is still a division of SI.EL, which deals almost

exclusively in space activities. Marco Gerevini is the engineer in charge of

it.

Laben's activities are connected to ESA European programs and also to those of

the national space plan. Laben specializes in the design and construction of

data handling systems, that is, the management system of on board data of

satellites and probes.

23
This company takes part only in ESA programs: ISPM/Ulisse for the study of

solar poles, Giotto for close-up surveys of Halley's comet, the ERS-1

satellite for land resource applications, and Hipparcos, an astrometric

satellite which will take a "star census." Among the programs connected with

the national space plan we find: the IRIS launch module, Italsat, a

telecommunications satellite, and Tethered, the satellite that will be

connected to the U.S. shuttle by a cable.

Future programs include participation in the Columbus project, the European

space ministation, and in HM-60, the Cryogenic booster of the new ESA carrier

rocket Ariane V.

Two hundred people, at the moment, are employed in the Laben space department

and in 1984 its turnover amounted to 18 billion lire, 53 percent of which was

from exports to Europe.

Microtectiica—Via Madama Cristina 147—10126 Torino

In the past, Microtecnica was involved in the ESA spacelab project and dealt

with the execution of active heat control of the environment. At present,

this company is working on a post-Spacelab phase, supplying ESA with other

parts of the system. Heat control is still the primary area, although not the

only one, Microtecnica is focusing on. In this respect, the company has

manufactured heat control systems and a video optical control designed for the

ESA Eureka platform. With regard to the IRIS launcher module project, the

Turin company will produce the rotating table.

Furthermore, Microtecnica is already dealing with heat control of the European

Columbus ministation, which is part of ESA's new programs, and also with

control valves for the liquid hydrogen and oxygen HM-70 cryogenic motors for

the Ariane V carrier.

There are 40 people involved in the Microtecnica space department, while

turnover exceeded 5 billion lire in 1984.

Galileo Workshops—Via Einstein 35—Campi Bisenzio—500013 Firenze

Galileo Workshops specializes in the design and manufacture of satellite

attitude measurement sensors which determine the attitude of satellites with

respect to inertial points of reference or specific celestial bodies. The

most common ones are ground infrared sensors, solar sensors, and astral

sensors.

Today, Galileo Workshops participates in the following international programs:

Marecs, Skynet, Olympus, Eureka, ISPM/Ulisse, Giotto, Telecom, ECS,

Spacelab-1, and Hipparcos. The Italsat Satellite is among the Italian

programs.

24
In addition to sensors, Galileo Workshops also supplies components for special

optics and optical observation systems in space.

Among these we must mention the lighting systems for the Spacelab fluid

physics module, a collimator for the Exosat satellite, a video optical system

for Eureka, a subsystem for biological observations for Spacelab and defense

and mirror for a multi-color room of the Giottö probe.

Fifty-five people are employed in the space sector of Galileo Workshops whose

turnover amounted to 5 billion lire in 1984.

Selenia Spazio—Via di Satt Alessandro 28/30—00131 Roma

Selenia Spazio [the Selenia-Elsag group within IRI/STET] is the first company

in Europe to be fully involved in the space sector and manufactures

instrumentation for telecommunications, remote monitoring meteorology, and

apace transport. Furthermore, part of the company deals with the construction

of land stations for transreceiver systems.

Selenia takes part in numerous programs both at a national and international

level. Therefore, we will mention only the most important ones. In

telecommunications, Selenia takes part in the Intelsat IV, V and VI programs,

Olympus, and Italsat. In meteorology and remote monitoring, the Meteosat and

ERS-1 programs must be mentioned. In the field of space transport, Selenia

Spazio manufactures equipment for Ariane III and IV.

The future programs of Selenia Spazio include participation in two major ESA

projects: The Columbus space ministation and the Ariane V super rocket.

However, the ministation project will also involve other activites linked to

on board data processing and transmission, space robotics, and sensor radars

for docking operations. These three areas of activity employ a total of 940

people. Turnover amounted to 92 billion lire in 1984.

SGS-ATES—Via C. Olivetti 2—Agrate—20041 Milano

This company supplies electronic components for different space programs

[SPOT, Olympusj Meteosat and so on], and maintains active participation in the

most important domestic and international programs. It is impossible to

determine the number of people involved in the space deparment since employees

also deal with other areas of production. The sector turnover amounted to 6

billion lire in 1984.

SIRTI—Via Pirelli 20—20124 Milano

SIRTI started operating in the space field in 1961 and since then has always

cooperated in programs through the manufacture of land stations for

transreceiver systems.

25
There are 50 people involved in the space department. Turnover amounted to 5

billion lire in 1984.

SNIA BPD—Via Sicilia 162—00187 Roma

SNIA BPD displays a constant commitment in the field of space propulsion. In

November 1983 it became SNIA BPD through the merging of SNIA Viscosa with BPD

Defense and Space and now groups together a number of different activities.

The main part of the space work is accomplished in Colleferro, under the

direction of engineer Giuseppe Grande, research and development director.

The programs underway involve solid, liquid, cold-gas, and

magnetoplasmadynamic propulsion. In this connection, SNIA manufactures apogee

motors of the MAGE series for installation on satellites: Meteosats use

MAGE-1, Giotto and Hipparcos probes will be equipped with MAGE-IS, and Telecom

and ECS telecommunications satellites with a MAGE-2.

With regard to the Ariane program, the European carrier, SNIA BPD builds the

small rockets operating on solid fuel propulsion used in the detaching

operations of the different carrier stages and the boosters for takeoff. The

latter are powerful rockets, operating on solid fuel propulsion, each weighing

almost 9 tons. SNIA BPD started in the liquid propulsion field by

participating in the Olympus satellite program and continued by participating

in the new Italian satellite Italsat project. Cold-gas propulsion was used

for the IRIS propulsion module program to be used on the shuttle for the

transfer of satellites to geostationary orbits. A magnetoplasmadynamic motor

for the attitude control of satellites is being tested for more advanced

systems.

SNIA BPD, together with the French company SEP [with which the company has

formed a consortium], will be responsible for the construction of two large

boosters necessary for the new European Ariane V super rocket, which is part

of ESA programs.

The SNIA BPD space department employs approximately 200 people; turnover

amounted to approximately 45 billion lire in 1984.

Telespazio—Via A. Bergamini 50—00159 Roma

Telespazio belongs to the IRI/STET group and is the sole licensee of the

Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications for the installation and mangement of

satellite telecommunications systems in Italy. Therefore, Telespazio is the

only contractor" in Italy for space telecommunications systems [land stations

and satellites] for national, European, and intercontinental connections,

which are used by Italian and foreign traffic authorities. In addition to

this activity, Telespazio supplies—on a competitive basis—other services

concerning satellite telecommunications such as remote monitoring, control of

satellites in orbit, operation of scientific stations along with studies and

consultancy activity.

2 6
The company works through stations located in the Fucino plain [Piero Fanti

Station] and the Lario Station, on Lake Como. Telespazio also manages for CNR

the Matera station, which uses lasers to carry out measurement activities with

NASA geodetic satellites.

Telespazio employes 650 people; turnover amounted to 73.3 billion lire in

1984.

Among the companies that have just recently started to deal with space

activities, we have to point out—in addition to the already mentioned Fiat

Aviazione—the following companies: Italtel, Telettra, Face' Standard,

Galvotek, and Eurobit.

[Box,p 24]

The Italian Space Agency

The Italian Space Agency will direct all national space programs as well as

those organized in collaboration with international bodies, with the aim of

centralizing costs and controls, which at the moment are divided between the

.National Council for Scientific Research and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the moment, Italy spends an average of 200 billion lire a year [third after

France and West Germany] on the programs of the European Space Agency and

another 200 billion on national programs.

The institution, which was proposed by the minister of research, Senator Luigi

Granelli, was approved by the Cabinet on 6 August 1985. The agency will have

a small, flexible structure and will not have research personnel of its own;

rather, it will coordinate and direct space programs and control their

implementation. It will be given sufficient autonomy, but it will have links

with the Ministry of Research, with CIPE [Interministerial Committee on

Economic Planning], and with Parliament. It will be able to use the services

of skilled personnel with a high degree of mobility, who will be be paid and

engaged on a private, temporary basis. Its administrative procedures will

make it possible to establish regulations which may even overrule traditional

provisions in order to define private contracts with industry. With regard to

supervision of its work, the agency will have to prepare a report on programs,

operations, and results for submission not only to CIPE but also to

Parliament. Fifty billion lire have been allocated for the first 3 years of

activity.

During a press conference in Rome, Granelli emphasized that, among the

programs scheduled by the agency, there is also one concerning the upgrading

of the satellite control station and of the San Marco launching platform

[owned by the Center for Aerospace Research of Rome university, directed by

Prof Luigi Broglio] within the framework of an agreement with Kenya and France

on scientific satellites and satellites for land resource applications. The

next San Marco satellite, the D-L, will be launched in April 1986.

27
On 5 December 1986, the bill concerning the agency was assigned to the Public

Education and Industry joint commissions of the Senate, which will examine it

in the relevant office. According to Mr Granelli, approval will take no

longer than 6 months.

8606/13104

CSO: 3698/M046

2 8
JPRS-WST-86-On

<« March 1986

BIOTECHNOLOGY

FRENCH, EUROPEAN STUDIES OF MICROGRAVITY

Paris BIOFUTUR in French Nov 85 pp 27-34

[Article by M.F. Chevallier: "Biology and Bioindustry in Space"]

[Excerpts] Making the best use of opportunities for biotechnical research in

space: This article gives an overview of current research programs in the

field of cell biology in space and on their prospects for industrial applications .

Space: An Overview of Technological Alternatives

One of the problems in obtaining products through cell culture is their excretion outside the cell. As long as this fundamental aspect is not mastered, we

will have to proceed with the extraction and purification of the desired

molecule amid other cell components. This is all the more necessary because

the purity criteria imposed for the marketing of new pharmaceutical products

derived from biotechnology are very severe. Hence, the interest of manufacturers in EOS [Electrophoresis Space Operation] is directly dependent on

this economic criterion because the alternative techniques at their disposal

on earth are relatively limited: affinity chromatography and cell sorting

(which is not used for preparative purposes). Molecules and cells considered

for EOS are classified according to an evaluation index by their cost and

pharmacological interest: beta pancreatic cells (diabetes), alpha antitrypsin

(emphysema), erythropoietin (anemia), interferon (viral infections), antihemophilic factors (hemophilia), etc.

The first cell separations involved urokinase-producing kidney cells, growth

hormone- and prolactin-producing hypophysial cells, and insulin-producing

pancreatic cells. These apparently successful purifications show the benefit

of EOS in a new therapeutic perspective, namely, the atraumatic implantation

in human beings of purified cell fractions to correct a metabolic dysfunction.

In recent years, another technological development associated with EOS has

emerged: cell culture and cell fusion under weightless conditions. Incubators and adapted culture chambers are being tested (Cogoli apparatus).

Germany is developing an apparatus to be ready in 1988 (the Biotex) that

combines cell fusion, incubation, and separation through electrophoresis. An

29
electrofusion process was studied during a recent flight. Hybridomas have

thus been obtained in an unprecedented way: In a nonhomogeneous electric

field and in the absence of cell sedimentation, cells arrange themselves

according to a geometrical pattern that facilitates fusion. Hence, programs

involving live cell modification will develop rapidly.

Another consequence of weightlessness concerns the growth of protein crystals.

The advantages of the absence of convection and sedimentation phenomena for

crystal growth have already been exploited for silicon and gallium arsenide

semiconductors. The possibility of rapidly synthesizing regular protein crystals is very attractive to biochemists and pharmacologists, who will then be

able to study them with X rays. In 1983, Professor Littke (Freiburg

University, FRG) directed a protein crystallization program in Spacelab 1.

Two proteins were crystallized:

-Lysozyme, a reference material because its tridimensional structure was

determined nearly 20 years ago. Crystals 1,000 times larger were obtained;

-Beta-galactosidase, whose tridimensional structure could never be elucidated

because no crystals suitable.for X-ray crystallography were available. During

that spaceflight, this enzyme crystallized in the form of needles 27 times

larger than those obtained under gravity.

In the United States, NASA has opted for establishment of a manufacturers'

association in close cooperation with the University of Alabama. It includes

several companies: Upjohn, Smith, Kline and French, Merck, Schering Plough,

and Burroughs Wellcome Upjohn. Three proteins were crystallized in Spacelab

2: a bacterial phosphorylase nucleotide purine (PNP), the C protein of human

origin, and lysozyme. In France, manufacturers are aware of the importance of

this research. Therefore, an agreement was signed recently (3 June 1985)

among the CNES [National Center for Space Studies], Aerospatiale, and some

pharmaceutical companies (Rhone-Poulenc, Roussel-Uclaf, and Sanofi). During

the initial (1-year) period, the agreement covers development of equipment for

crystallizing proteins and analyzing the crystals by X-ray, as well as estimating costs for its development and operation. The fact that these manufacturers are collaborating to develop their own space research equipment ensures

that the scheduled experiments can be kept confidential in terms of both the

nature of the protein and the end results. It is clear that this research

will expand because knowledge of the structures of the active centers of

certain proteins will permit development of new, more efficient "customized"

drugs. In the longer run, other markets such as the manufacture of biotransistors (biochips) will perhaps develop.

Cell Biology in Space

In addition to interest in fundamental research, knowledge of gravitational

effects on cell biology seems essential for efficient development of space

biotechnologies (cell cultures, cell fusion, purification, etc.) and for

understanding the origin of physiological changes in astronauts (loss of bone

calcium and decrease in the immuno-defense system). It is a new field still

devoid of results that is opening for biologists. Observations of natural

phenomena on earth (geotropisms, geotaxis) or studies in centrifuges on the

first stages of embryonic development, together with theoretical

30
considerations on cell organization (movements, cytoskeleton, etc.), constitute a first group of arguments supporting the existence of cell mechanisms

for sensing gravity (box 3). Whereas experiments conducted in recent years in

first-generation space vehicles have supported initial data by offering interesting results, second-generation vehicles (shuttle, spacelab, space station, etc.) will permit new development in space research in cell biology.

Fourteen European experiments were conducted during the Spacelab flight of 30

October 1985, four of which were French, directed by Perbal, Planel, Tixador,

and Bouteille (see box). What is at stake?

Would a bioreactor in microgravity be conceivable and what would be its advantages? First, the significance of cultivating cells in the absence of gravity

lies in the possibility of controlling and maintaining a constant environment

around each cell. These cells would be concentrated within a single volume

without sedimentation taking place. Thus, they need not be stirred to keep

them in suspension. Moreover, in gravity, cells consume a certain amount of

energy to move and to keep their shape. In microgravity this energy consumption is less necessary, and one may hope—if not plan—that cells will use

this energy to multiply and excrete biological products. Hence, the first

step is to determine the existence of direct or indirect gravitational effects

on cells. Therefore, the experiment directed by Professor Planel's space

biology research team from Paul Sabatier university (Toulouse) will deal with

the proliferation and growth of paramecia. It is the continuation of the

Cytos experiments conducted in the Salyut-6 orbital station in collaboration

with Moscow's Institute for Medicobiological Problems. These experiments

demonstrated a considerable increase in the proliferative activity of protozoa. This proliferation was also linked to a reduction in dry weight and

total proteins, to an increase in cell volume, and to a modification of the

intra- and extracellular electrolytic distribution (calcium drain). However,

this combination of effects has not been found for other cell categories.

During a Skylab flight, for instance, no change in proliferation was observed

in human embryonic pulmonary cells (WI-38 line), whereas, during a Spacelab-1

flight, lymphocytes activated by means of concanavalin A showed a considerable

decrease in proliferative activity (97 percent). Is this result, obtained by

Cogoli and colleagues in 1984, linked to the lower reactivity of these cells

to mitogenic substances observed in space-station astronauts upon their return

to earth? No one can tell. It is also necessary to understand the differences in the results obtained under the influence of a reduced gravitational

factor and to be able to establish a theory about the biological effects of

microgravity (box 3)!

Another category of cells is the subject of special studies because of biological problems space-station astronauts have to deal with: blood cells. The

reduction of about 10 to 15 percent in the corpuscular mass and of 20 to 30

percent in the reticulocyte level is partly explained by the existence of a

hyperhemolysis and variations of the erythropoiesis. Soviet experiments have

taken place, and a certain number of measurements on rats and humans are being

considered. They will take place during a future Spacelab flight (not after

the return to earth) and concern incorporation of radioactive iron, a reticulocyte count, a quantity determination of erythropoietin, a determination of

the corpuscular mass, and research into hemoglobin derivatives.

31
Among the effects related to microgravity, the enhanced resistance of the

Escherichia coli and Staphylococcüs aureus bacteria to antibiotics should also

be mentioned (Tixador and colleagues). This phenomenon seems to be linked to

modifications of the cell wall. The first experiments on bacterial flora by

J.L. Chretien in July 1982 will be continued during future Spacelab flights.

Understanding of developmental processes is the second goal of space research

into cell biology. Following Knight's classic experiments back in 1806 ingeniously showing the influence of gravity on the orientation of plant organisms,

cell biology has been accumulating new data during the last few years. Thus,

the experiment directed by Professor Perbal (University of Paris VI) deals

with the cellular mechanisms of geotropic growth in'lentil roots. The statocytes in the root cap are cells that make the root sensitive to gravity.

These cells have a special structural organization: They contain numerous

small high-density organelles called amyloplasts. These are located at the

bottom of the statocyte and show the root which direction to follow in order

to grow. . Under weightless conditions, the cell distribution of the amyloplasts is more homogeneous because their high density no longer influences

their disposition. Hence, one may wonder how statocytes cultivated in space

will reorganize themselves and how the roots thus modified will react to

gravity. To answer this question, a first batch of seedlings has been cultivated in microgravity during Spacelab's October flight. A second batch has

been centrifuged in order to restore normal gravity. Will it perhaps be

possible, by comparing these two batches of seedlings, to understand the

mechanisms of geotropism and to plan for development of plants in

microgravity?

In another field, embryonic development, one of the scheduled experiments

concerns determining the organism's future blueprint for bilateral symmetry.

This experiment will be carried out on eggs of batrachians fertilized in

space. This research is also an essential prerequisite for development of

any kind of life in space.

[Box, p 32]

Effects of Microgravity in Cell Biology

Higher Plants:

-Geotropism and role of the amyloplasts (studies on earth);

-Disproportionate development of plants (in-flight tests).

Unicellular Organisms:

-Increase in cell proliferation (paramecia, salmonella);

-Survival of viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.;

-Modification of resistance to antibiotics (E. Coli, Staphylococcüs);

-Induction of lysogenic bacteria with release of bacteriophages.

32
Insects:

-Acceleration of aging (drosophila);

-Precocious chromosomal translocations (drosophila).

Vertebrates:

*Development:

-No modification of the development of eggs fertilized on earth (rats, ,

xenopus).

*Differentiated organisms:

-Inhibition of bone growth in rats (osteoporosis of astronauts);

-Lower energy consumption: increase in the hepatic glycogen level, lower

glucose consumption by pulmonary fibroblasts;

-Decrease in the red-corpuscle level (rats, astronauts);

-Decrease in lymphocyte activity (astronauts).

33
Table, p 33. Experiments of Mission D-l Carried Out in the

30 October 1985)

Subject of Experiment

Function Interaction

Biorack (Flight of

Project Director

M. Bouteille F

H. Keller CH

G. Perbal F

H. Planel F

H.J. Rhaese D

R. Tixador F

V. Sobick D

A. Cogoli CH

0. Ciferri I

G.A. Ubbels NL

R. Marco E

H. Buecker D—

H. Buecker D

D. Mergenhagen D

25012/9312

CSO: 3698/1036-A

Proliferation

.Structure

f.

Differentiation

Embryogenesis

*

*

*—*

Effect of

Microgravity

*—*

* *

*

*—*

*_

Radiation

Orbit

Organism

blood cells

leucocytes

lentils

paramecia

bacteria

bacteria

mold

lymphocytes

bacteria

amphibian eggs

drosophila eggs

insect eggs

(phasma)

green algae

3 A
JPRS-WST-86-011

^o March 1986

COMPUTERS

ESPRIT, SIGMA, ALVEY ADVANCED SOFTWARE PROJECTS COMPARED

Paris ZERO UN INFORMATIQUE HEBDO in French 9 Dec 85 p 61

[Article by Bruno Daniel-Jausine: "France, Your (Software) Engineering Is a

Mess"; first paragraph is ZERO UN INFORMATIQUE HEBDO introduction]

[Text] During the international study days recently held in Paris under the

auspices of Eurosoft, it was possible to construct an interesting panorama of

the different national and international R&D programs in software engineering

and in advanced data processing technologies.

It is a question of unblocking the crisis in software, the global demand for

which is exploding at a rate easily double that of production capacity.

After an initial reaction in the form of an almost frantic research effort to

discover completely new development techniques, the orientation of the last 2

or 3 years seems to be directed toward the solution of a problem of technology

transfer.

The real hesitation seems to be situated more at the level of profits expected

from research spin-offs considering, on the one hand, the size of the sums to

be invested and, on the other, the slowness in transferring research towards

industry: Industrialization time averages 19 years, roughly the age of the

software industry itself. . . .

It is also interesting to compare the approach of the different programs

discussed later in this text, nearly all of which involve cooperation at the

level of precompetitive research: The goal being in all cases to come to

operational products as quickly as possible.

Honor to whom honor is due: The so-called fifth-generation Japanese computer

project, which started in 1981, is the leader. Encompassing hardware as well

as software, it has been the subject of intense publicity regarding the

production of so-called "intelligent" machines. In fact, it seems that a

certain reshaping is taking place in the control of logical inferences in

parallel processing machines and more particularly in the associated software.

Moreover, the Japanese government funds are beginning to diminish.

35
Kamikazes or Ants?

Its role is in fact limited to the design and management of prototypes which

the parallel programs of industry utilize in developing commercial products.

Despite official proclamations of cooperative research on an international

level, the fifth-generation project is an organization carefully tailored to

Japanese culture.

The complementary SIGMA project, oriented toward software engineering, also

exists in Japan. It is based on a Unix extrapolation, and, in this respect,

is related to the PCTE [not further identified] project of ESPRIT [European

Strategic Program for R&D in Information Technologies].

With a $100-million budget, the SIGMA project intends to favor the industrial

production of software by emphasizing an intensity of knowledge over that of

labor. ' Its watchword is derived from the idea of the accumulation of efforts.

It is characterized by the establishment by 1990 of some 10,000 developmental

and, testing or information retrieval sites linked to the sale of products

around a network providing a tremendous range of tools, modules, and technical

data.

This program subcontracts all development and is managed by the ITPA

(Information Technology Promotion Agency) of the MITI [Ministry of

International Trade and Industry] with the cooperation of industrialists. Its

operation is overtly commercial; sales take place through the network itself.

The American Streamroller

No less than four parallel programs are under way in the United States.

Stars, a DOD [Department of Defense] program, gives priority to the problems

of software reutilization and the suitability of human resources. It focuses

on an industrial rather than a conventional approach centered around methods

and languages. ADA [a programming language], its keystone, can be considered

in this context as either a language or a slogan permitting the advance of

such a program.

The considerable funds invested (starting with $5 million in 1984 and

culminating in nearly $60 million in 1990) are to be set against the expected

software costs: $10 billion in 1984, $90 billion in 1990.

Finally, the program seeks to pave the way for the management of projects and

techniques according to current business standards.

A special place must be given in all of this to the establishment of a

Software Engineering Institute with federal funds. It is the first federal

research laboratory since the development of the A-bomb.

Piloted by the Carnegie-Mellon University, the program basically focuses on

the evaluation of existing technologies and on the provision of software

licenses.

36
Hence the main lines of study in the program's principal projects; the

identification and evaluation of technologies, the nature of technological

transition, training, even retraining, reutilization, and automation, the

design and integration of systems, and the consideration of operation

processes in software engineering.

The MCC (Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation), which can be

considered as American industry's reply to the fifth-generation Japanese

project, covers a broader field. Uniting 21 large private companies, it has

more in common with the British Alvey and European ESPRIT programs: Software

engineering is in contact with the design and manufacture of VLSI [Very

Large-Scale Integration] circuits as well as the architecture of computers.

Products Please...Quickly!

A team of 300 researchers, soon to become 500, is working with the University

of Texas in Austin on 4 major themes with objectives for 6 to 10 years:

packaging and interconnection, software engineering, CAD and VLSI and advanced

architectures (parallelism, futuristic data bases, knowledge-and artificial

intelligence-based systems, human factors technology).

Each shareholding company takes part in at least one of the research projects.

Nevertheless, the fact of participation in one of the research projects only

confers a patent monopoly for 3 years. Beyond this period all transfers of

technology are possible, because the guiding principle is to produce

marketable products as soon as possible.

Finally, the Software Productivity Consortium may be mentioned, which, like

MCC, brings together large private sector partners from the national defense

industry. More commercial and more focused on applied research than Stars,

this project can be compared with the CAM-i [Computer Aided

Manufacturing-International, Inc.] organization which successfully promoted

CAD and CAD/CAM techniques some time ago.

British Pragmatism

In the British Alvey program the same pragmatism may be found which induces

private partners to associate with universities for precompetitive research

while benefiting from hefty public aid, but the avowed goal is to develop

operational products, not just theoretical ones. For this purpose, 65 million

pounds sterling finance three closely correlated lines of study for 5 years:

-Innovation (with 27 percent of the funds) is to allow establishment of a base

for the two other lines of R&D work in software engineering;

-Integration (with 43 percent of the funds) aims at introducing the methods

and tools of the preceding phase [innovation] into workshops using more and

more powerful software engineering;

-Exploitation, finally, devotes 30 percent of the funds to promote

dissemination of these methods and tools in British industry.

37
France.. ..in the Balkans

In France one has to accept the fact that a certain balkanization prevails in

the diverse research programs.

After the centralizing effort of the computer plan in the days of strong

Gaullism, the generosity of subsequent governments has been less. Financing

has hardly exceeded Fr 150 to 200 million between 1979 and 1985, and it was

spread out over a large number of so-called coordinating initiatives and

organizations: PNGL received Fr 150 million of which Fr 75 million were

public; SOL received Fr 60 million of which Fr 30 million were public, but had

difficulties.' Military funding was basically allotted through the General

Delegation for Armament which only understands its own interests in

LTR—which, of course, is at the heart of RITA [Integrated Automatic

Transmission Network]! Other funds went to DIELI, to ADI [Data Processing

Agency], to the Mission for Data Processing, etc.

The debates triggered concern among the French participants [in the Paris

meeting] over the small scale of funding when compared with the huge public

and private research investments in other Western countries (see table).

But the absence of real coordination within a truly national program creates

above all the fear of ineffectivenes in whatever efforts are undertaken. In

particular, certain interests refused to include in their budget the Fr 90

million which had already been spent by the Concerto project of CNET [National

Center for Telecommunications Studies], which was considered uniquely of

interest to the DGT [General Managment of Telecommunications]. It is true

that much of it was already committed before the PTT [Post, Telegraph,

Telephone] Ministry took control of the electronics sector.

As for the spin-offs from ESPRIT, they could be estimated optimistically at 15

to 20 percent of the program, i.e., some Fr'600 to 800 million.

The Tertiary Private Sector of ESPRIT

What is more, certain participants [in the Paris meeting] emphasized the

domination of large electronics and telephone companies (Siemens, Thomson, CGE

[General Electric Company], Plessey, etc.) in the guiding organizations of the

European program. It is to their credit that they were at the origin of the

initial political decision, but their data processing interests are quite

specialized.

A Belgian academic wondered if it is reasonable to invest everything in luxurv

software which, though full of syntatic trees and formal grammars, is not

likely to produce developmental workstations in the intermediate term at

"'S°°fle J°*t3-n

Wh0 can actually afford software engineering shops at Fr

250,000 to 400,000 per workstation. . .If these estimated costs can be

maintained!

38
Nor was the standards issues ignored. But why belabor the delays of AFNOR

[French Association for Standardization] due to lack of consensus when it is

clear in fields still in their infancy, de factor standards, established by an

intelligently constructed commercial success, will have more significance than

any a priori theoretical agreement?

Hence the urgency of setting up real, preliminary coordination along

Anglo-Saxon lines and looking at the needs of the marketplace.

Table. Size of sums committed to research during the 1985-1990 period.

Program

Sigma

Country

Japan

Amount

$100 million

approximately Fr 800 million

Stars United States $250 million

approximately Fr 2,000 million

Alvey United Kingdom 65 million pounds sterling

approximately Fr 700 million

ESPRIT

PGNL + SOL +

Military + etc.

Europe

France

approximately Fr 4,000 million

approximately Fr 150 to 200

million

25026/13104

CSO: 3698/1047

39
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

COMPUTERS

LARGEST RESEARCH CENTER FOR EXPERT SYSTEMS IN NORDIC AREA

Stockholm SVENSKA DAGBLADET in Swedish 19 Jan 86 p 9

[Article by Torgny Hinnemo: "Nordic Research Councils Cooperating—Will

Invest 100 Million in Computer Research"; first paragraph is SVENSKA DAGBLADET

introduction]

[Text] The Nordic Research Councils will invest 100 million kronor in the

largest unified Nordic industrial research project ever. The program involves

computerized so-ealled knowledge-based systems.

The capability to develop knowledge-based systems is considered to be of great

importance for the competitive ability of Swedish and other Nordic industries.

Such systems, often called "expert systems," are expected to be a part of

deliveries of complicated technical equipment in the future.

Questions and Supervision

Instead of a thick manual which the customer can have a difficult time finding

his way through and understanding, an expert system will be delivered to which

the user can ask his questions and get direct answers.

The expert system can also be used as a link in continuous supervision of, for

example, process industries, or for equipment being exported.

In the recommendations put forward by Nordforsk, the agency for cordinating

the research of the Nordic scientific engineering academies and technical

research councils, they have proposed common development of larger systems for

supervision of rotating machinery, intensive care in hospitals, risk analysis

for insurance companies, communications between individuals and complicated

computer systems.

Shared Costs

The costs, which will cover a five-year program, will be divided in

accordance with a proposal that the Nordic Industrial Fund will contribute 25

million kronor, the industry 33 million and the National Research Council

(Mainly Sweden and Finland) 42 million kronor. The Industrial Fund, however,

will only be able to make grants for one year at a time.

40
The first comment from the Nordic Industrial Fund when the proposition first

came from Nordforsk was that a request for such large amounts would surely be

cause for discussions. It is, however, a priority area.

Even if.the industrial fund cuts back on the request, the program will mean a

strengthening of Sweden's research on the expert system, mostly by bringing

academic research and industrial development closer together.

Over the short term Swedish business is primarily concentrating on gaining

practical experience in the expert system and building up a cadre of

technicians who can handle it.

Increasing Competence

There is a hope, however, not only among scientists, that Sweden will be able

to develop increased competence within the technology behind the expert

system.

American restrictions on the export of high technology include software for

knowledge-based systems. ' Swedish firms may therefore have difficulty selling

uncontroversial industrial equipment if it contains an expert system which is

based on originally American software.

For further sales of completed expert systems there are also expensive license

fees for the maker of the basic software.

Eight Million from STU

The National Board for Technical Development (STU) is at present investing

an estimated eight million kronor per year in knowledge-based systems, mainly

in the form of project grants to colleges. That is less than five percent of

STU's total investment in the computer and electronics area. It is assumed

that the level will remain unchanged in the coming year's budget also.

In addition to the STU investment, Swedish universities invest an estimated

one million kroner per year in research on the expert systems.

The new Swedish Institute for Computer Science (SICS), which is now getting

established at Kista in Stockholm, also has practical work with knowledgebased systems in its program.

Business Research

Some large Swedish firms are conducting their own research activities with the

expert systems. In Linkoping a number of scientists formerly with the

university there have formed their own company which will develop software for

knowledge-based systems.

Also in other Nordic countries there is great interest in quickly building up

competence in the expert systems. The Finnish organization for support for

41
research is now investing at least as much in knowledge-based systems as its

Swedish counterpart STU.

The Finnish company Nokia is rapidly developing its capabilities since it

became the Scandinavian representative for advanced Lisp machines, which are

used in knowledge-based systems among other things.

The Norwegian oil industry is investing large amounts in the systems, which

can supervise drilling equipment and analyze test results.

Denmark is taking part in an extensive expert system program for the EC

countries, and Iceland is conducting its own experiments.

Sweden a Hub

Although Sweden is not ahead of the other Nordic countries, either in interest

or in economic investment, there are many who advocate that Sweden should

function as the hub in a Nordic research program.

The Universities of Linkoping and Uppsala not only have scientists with a

high degree of competence within the area of artificial intelligence, but they

have also worked with knowledge-based systems for so many years that they have

established international reputations.

Since the beginning of the 80's both universities have four-year majors in

computer technology, and they are beginning to turn out their first graduates

to the labor market.

9287

CSO: 3698/334

42
JPRS-WST-86-OH

^ March 1986

COMPUTERS

COMPUTER INDUSTRY STANDARDS EFFORT IN EUROPE

Paris ELECTRONIQUE ACTUALITES in French 31 Jan 86 pp 1, 4

[Article by J.P. Delia Mussia: "110 Circuits this Time Next Year: Philips and

Texas Instruments Are Introducing a 150-MHz/24-mA CMOS Logic Family1*]

[Excerpt] The four existing groups could be joined in the next few days by a

fifth one, CNMA, consisting of about 10 European industrialists and

manufacturers trying to set up a series of data-processing standards for the

industrial environment.

The COS (Corporation for Open Systems) was just created officially following a

meeting held in Washington on 23 January under the leadership of 17 U.S.

manufacturers (see our issue dated 17 January).

These include such large companies as AT&T, Burroughs, Digital Equipment,

Xerox, NCR or again Control Data.

They ended up by deciding to advocate communication standards corresponding to

the ISO recommendations, and thus to effectively implement the connection of

heterogeneous systems.

The association will have a total budget of $8-10 million per year; each

member will contribute $125,000 already this year, and $200,000 per year

subsequently.

As a Bull representative was to point out right after the meeting: "The COS is

an important step toward worldwide unification of standards on the ISO model,"

all the more so as it reflects a new awareness on the part of U.S.

manufacturers in the face of an anarchic situation which they feel played a

large part in the crisis experienced last year by the American data-processing

industry.

The COS may be the last link still required to open worldwide negotiations on

these problems.

Its activity will complement that of manufacturers and users groups created in

Europe and in the United States, from the SPAG (Standard Promotion and

Application Group) which consists of 12 European hardware manufacturers, to

A3
MAP (created on the initiative of General Motors to develop an industrial

network) and TOP (dedicated to the development of an office automation network

within a factory; the group was created by Boeing).

In addition, six Japanese manufacturers (Fujitsu, NEC, Toshiba, Mitsubishi and

Oki) have decided to pool their efforts to achieve a similar goal.

The European counterpart of MAP, the CNMA (Communications Networking for

Manufacturing Applications) should be created in the next few weeks and would

thus complete the standardization front. It will be geared to the promotion

of an industrial-type local area network, maybe just MAP.

It will have 20 members including manufacturers —Bull, GEC,. Siemens, Nixdorf

and Olivetti—and major users—BMW, British Aerospace and Peugeot.

The choice of the ISO headquarters in Geneva as a setting seems obvious, and

meetings will thus take place there already next spring (including meetings

with the Japanese).

However, all these groups are in constant touch with one another; European

observers attended the Washington meeting (as did IBM observers) and, as is

known, the important meeting held in December 1984 at the AFNOR headquarters

in Paris on Bull's initiative was attended not only by SPAG members but also

by some of the most prominent members of the present COS.

A number of initiatives reflecting the convergence of all these initiatives

could be announced already this year.

That leaves one unknown: the attitude of IBM, faced with a front which, even

though it denies it, is directed against IBM. Above all, these initiatives

show to what extent the world of telecommunications and that of data

processing have become one, increasingly challenging the de facto monopoly of

IBM which now seems to be facing a sort of counter-power emanating from large

users (an example of this is illustrated in our country by the implementation

of the Scribe project). This state of things causes IBM to become more

insistent in its plea for a real opening of the market, in particular by

putting an end to the "preferential choice" system practiced by. all

administrations and public companies, which it says form a "controlled

sector."

9294

CSO: 3698/312

Kk
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

COMPUTERS

BRIEFS

SAAB-SCANIA SUPERCOMPUTER—The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation has set

aside 10 million kronor for a future supercomputer for Swedish scientific and

technological research. "With this, we will show that there is a need for

such a supercomputer," says Professor Gunnar Hoppe, the foundation's executive

member. Today, Swedish researchers have at their disposal a small part of the

capacity of Saab-Scania's Cray-1 supercomputer. The agreement will expire in

a couple of years. A survey is expected to present a proposal this spring on

how the researchers are to be given access to another supercomputer. The

Wallenberg Foundation, which has already supported researchers' share in SaabScania's supercomputer, has thus helped the arrangement along a bit with its

appropriation. Of the 38 million kronor distributed at the foundation's last

conference of the year, 3 million went to the state natural history museum.

The money is intended for the omnitheater, which will be ready for the

museum's 250th anniversary in 1989. In the omnitheater, 300 spectators will

be able to sit in a sphere that at the same time functions as a movie screen.

Inside the dome that surrounds the audience, films recorded with an extremely

wide-angle "fish-eye" lens will be shown. The dome will also show projections

from a computer-controlled planetarium projector. [Text] [Stockholm SVENSKA

DAGBLADET in Swedish 29 Dec 85 p 8] 9909

CS0: 3698/274

45
26 *«? S

u

MICROELECTRONICS

ITALY»S SGS BEGINS USE OF ORIGINAL FABRICATION METHOD

Paris ELECTRONIQUE ACTUALITES in French 31 Jan 86 p 14

[Article: "For »Smart Power1 Applications, SGS Is Industrializing a VerticalElectron Complementary Bipolar Technology"]

[Text] SGS Microelettronica just started the industrialization of a verticalelectron complementary bipolar power technology based on an original

manufacturing method for vertical-electron pnp-type transistors with insulated

drains in an n-type buried well.

Actually, the manufacturing process used, called S

2

P

2

(Super Signal Power

Process), makes it possible to produce complementary vertical-electron npntype and pnp-type transistors on a single chip.

According to the company, it can be used to produce at low cost practically

any type of configuration, in particular "high-side driver" or full-bridge

type circuits which until now required hybrid technology.

The first S2p2 technology circuit which SGS is about to sample should also be

a driver of the first type for inductive loads, the L9350, essentially

designed for the automotive market for engine control or fuel-pump regulation

applications for instance.

The complementary vertical-electron technology developed by SGS offers a

number of advantages over current techniques using lateral pnp-type

transistors. In particular, it offers some gain on chip area, better voltage

stability and improved control of the source-drain distance whose variations

can have a considerable impact on transistor operation.

S2p2 technology devices can withstand transients of up to 120 V, and can thus

be used without outer shields, for instance in automotive applications, thanks

to the minimization of insulation diffusion in the n+ epitaxial layer obtained

through a two-stage manufacturing process.

The S

2

p2 process makes it possible to integrate four basic devices on a single

chip: npn-type and pnp-type transistors, I2L logic and linear circuits, and

diodes with a low leakage current.

46
It is designed mainly for "smart power" applications which require pnp-type

transistors.

High-Density Version

However, for lower-voltage applications (up to 60 V), SGS has developed a

high-density version of the S

2

P

2

process; it is called HS2P

2

and makes it

possible to integrate, on a single chip, 270 I

2

L gates per mm

2

, verticalelectron npn-type and pnp-type transistors and, diodes with a low leakage

current

The HS2P

2

process is designed in particular for data-conversion and other

applications running at up to 100 MHz. Thus, the Italian company is currently

developing a low-voltage-drop regulator; a stepping motor driver and a

read/write amplifier for hard-disk units.

9294

CSO: 3698/312

il
26 Maren w°

SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY

FRENCH-DANISH EUREKA PROJECT DETAILED

Paris L'USINE NOUVELLE in French 21 Nov 85 p 70

[Article by Helene Constanty: "French-Danish Application for Tomorrow's

Membranes: Water Treatment"]

[Text] The Lyonnaise des Eaux [Lyon Water Company], the

world leader in water treatment, is collaborating with the

Danish DDS (De Danske Sukkerfabrikker [Danish Sugar

Factories]) on an R & D program in ultrafiltration and

microfiltration membranes. This is one of the first 10

projects selected in;Hannover as part of the EUREKA program.

The program linking the Lyonnaise des Eaux and its subsidiary Degremont with

the Danish DDS, the leading producer of ultrafiltration membranes is

very ambitious. The two companies intend to spend Fr 300 million over 6 years

on ultra- and microfiltration membranes and to advance rapidly to industrial

applications. They have already started negotiations on the joint creation of

a production unit for membranes of the new generation.

Some 20 researchers of the Lyonnaise des Eaux are already setting up their

(membrane) laboratory in Toulouse, while DDS has assigned about 25 people to

the program. The two companies are also linked to outside research centersCNRS [National Center for Scientific Research], IRCHA [National Institute for

Applied Chemical Research] in France, and the Imperial College in London in

addition to DDS.

Today the membranes are mainly utilized in the milk industry and in

biochemistry and so far have only very limited applications in water-related

jobs: desalination of sea water by reverse osmosis and production of ultrapure water for laboratories. But, according to Francois Fiessinger, director

of the Lyonnaise-Degremont research, the potential market is huge: "Half the

world s water treatment market will be involved within 10 years i e

approximately Fr 10 billion. » • •»

The figure can be multiplied by two, given the evolution of membrane use in

the agro-food industry. The stakes? A veritable revolution in water

treatment techniques—water quality improvement and cost reduction: The

48
advantages of the membranes are commensurate with the large expenditures the

two companies are prepared to dedicate to the research program.

The health quality aspect should not be overlooked. By eliminating bacteria

and viruses, the membranes make addition of chemicals or disinfectants like

chlorine or bleach unnecessary. Another asset is that they will permit

reduction of installation size to one-quarter, which should contribute to a

marked cost reduction, based simply on the price of land in urban zones.

The first drinking water installation built using the new technology should

come into being 3 years from now. This is the first stage aimed at by project

officials. The treatment of waste water will be the second: According to

Francois Fiessinger, "membranes are the key to high-performance biological

reactors." Their development therefore is the beginning of a new generation

of purification techniques, and is of interest to the entire fermentation

industry (pharmaceuticals, agro-foods).

This is why the alliance with the Danes is important. With an 8-billionkroner turnover, DDS constitutes in fact one of the most powerful industrial

groups in Denmark, active in two main areas: the sugar industry ad agro-food

engineering.

DDS has been producing ultrafiltration membranes since 1970 (its Nakskov plant

employs 200 people) and sells them mainly within turnkey factories for the

milk, biochemical, or paper industries. "We control 15 to 20 percent of the

world's membrane market," points out Rud S. Madsen, director of research.

"More than 90 percent of our production is exported to the United States and

the industrialized countries."

The motivations behind the Lyonnaise des Eaux-DDS alliance are obvious: The

Danes bring their expertise in the industrial production of membranes and

their influence in the agro-food industry, the French their position as leader

in the water area.

The two companies did not, of course, wait for EUREKA to start research on

membranes: "We dedicated a large part of the 300 million kroner invested this

year in research and development by the group to this," indicated Rud Madsen.

Membranes also occupy a choice place in the FR 82 million R&D budget for the

French group's waste-water project in 1985.

25033/9312

CSO: 3698/1038-A

49
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL POLICY

NIXDORF VP KLAUS LUFT ON STRATEGY, EUREKA, AI

Paris ZERO UN INFORMATIQUE HEBDO in French 9 Dec 85 pp 16, 17

[Interview with Klaus Luft, vice president of.Nixdorf AG, conducted by Nicolas

Rousseaux in Paderborn, FRG, date not given: "Teamwork Is the Important

Thing'; first paragraph is ZERO UN INFORMATIQUE HEBDO introduction]

[Text] His body is square like a quarterback's; his head is round like the

barrels found in Westphalia; he speaks clearly and his eyes are calm. This is

the portrait of Klaus Luft, 43, vice president of Nixdorf. He joined the

German manufacturer in 1967.

He set up the Munich branch, and, in 1969, he was put in charge of sales and

marketing for Germany and Austria. In 1974, his field of action extended over

all subsidiaries of the group. Four years later he became vice president but

kept the same operational position. Since 1980 his functions have also

included finance and administration, and 10 months ago, the product department

was added to the list.

He started his career in 1964 at Kienzle, a Mannesmann subsidiary, which used

electronic equipment made by Nixdorf (this is the link).

He receives us in Paderborn, between Hanover and Dueseldorf, in shirt sleeves,

in a small work room in the company's head office.

In this interview, Klaus Luft talks about social policy in Japan, Nixdorf's

position^with regard to its close competitors, Europe's future, the "entente

cordiale" with IBM, Nixdorf's history and strategy, and also about the

succession of the founding father.

01 HEBDO: Last year we learned that you, Klaus Luft, will succeed Heinz

Nixdorf. How do you feel about being the successor to such a personality?

Luft: To be honest, I have never thought about that.

01 HEBDO: Never?

50
Luft: It is more a matter of ensuring the leadership continuity of a company.

It is clear that Mr Nixdorf does have a certain personality. One cannot

succeed a personality. Everybody had his own. There is no doubt about that

and I think the real question is the continuity of leadership. However, you

will be seeing Mr Nixdorf for a long time to come. As a matter of fact, we

work as a team; this is very important to our company.

01 HEBDO: Could you give us a few examples?

Luft: In a great number of areas, decisions are never made here by one single

person. For example, Mr Nixdorf has given us great freedom in the sales and

marketing sectors. As another example, product definition is the work of

several persons-. From the very beginning the teamwork approach was adopted.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that a company such as this one,

under the leadership of such a man, is a one man company. One of his great

strengths is to trust younger people, to give them an opportunity to prove

themselves and to have access to responsible positions in the company.

01 HEBDO: Are these the best examples you can give?

Luft: Absolutely, yes, they are, as far as the sales, marketing, and product

departments are concerned.

01 HEBDO: What is your position on projects such as EUREKA [European Research

Coordination Agency]? Do you believe in the Europe of new technologies? You

participate in the "Open Group for Unix System" and in one of the 172 ESPRIT

[European Strategic Program for R&D in Information Technologies] projects.

Aren't these the only European projects to which you have subscribed?

France Is on the Right Track

Luft: Our primary goal is to be an international company, meaning Euroupean.

We take part in the OSI [not further identified] project as well, also a

European project. In fact, we rather favor a EUREKA style approach because it

reaches farther. We think Europe is a good base for future

development-oriented high technologies. A few weeks ago, I attended a meeting

with Hubert Curien and our minister of research to talk about Eureka. At that

time, I agreed more with the French position than that of our own

representatives. I found the French were more future oriented.

01 HEBDO: How do you explain this?

Luft: The French were talking about EUREKA's goals while the Germans remained

very formal. They kept talking about the budget. I really felt the German

officials were to reticent. This was not the right time to discuss the

budget. Europe does have good starting bases. They must be brought to a

better level and further efforts must be made.

51
Artificial Intelligence Is a Must?

A program such as EUREKA can contribute to this. It deals not only with

computers, but also with industrial applications such as biotechnologies, rail

transport networks, and new production technologies.

01 HEBDO: With which companies would you like to cooperate?

Luft: You mean in Europe?

01 HEBDO: Yes.

Luft: There are, for example, some French telecommunications companies such

as CGE [General Electricity Company] or software companies with which we are

already working. There are also applications such as expert systems and

artificial intelligence which should be mandatory for Europe.

One of the reasons Japan is concentrating so heavily on artificial

intelligence is that they know perfectly well that expert systems will bring

progress for all industries, not only for the computer industry, but also for

the business world as a whole, making it more competitive. This type of

application must become one of Europe's primary goals.

"The Touchstone of IBM's Success And Ours"

01 HEBDO: You have the habit of never returning the profits of your

subsidiaries to the head office. Will this challenge affect your relationship

with your European subsidiaries?

Luft: This is not essential. To remain competitive with companies such as

IBM, you need to have a clearly defined and appropriate market structure.

This is the touchstone of IBM's success and of our success. It is not my

intention to suggest that we have different, intricate marketing policies, one

for each country. Yet it is possible to have a company with a European slant

in research and development and in manufacturing. But the sales and services

efforts must be dedicated to a specific market.

01 HEBDO: You mention IBM. Nixdorf is the largest European manufacturer

operating the United States. Would Nixdorf-USA be interested in being

introduced on the New York Stock Exchange?

Luft: We could do this, certainly. But during the last 2 or 3 years, the

European financial market has proved that it is possible to refinance through

the European financial market. This is a major and very positive change for

Europe. We talked about EUREKA, but that is not all. Now we have venture

capital and a stock marekt in far better condition that it used to be. All

the factors leading to new industrial thought are there. Therefore, there is

no need for a European company to go public in the United States. In my

opinion and for our type of industry, Frankfurt is in better condition than

New York at this moment.

52
.01 HEBDO: Do you intend to associate with a particular computer manufacturer?

Does this type of action have a place in your long-term strategy?

Luft: No.

01 HEBDO: Not at all?

Luft: I would not say, "Not at all." Our strategy must be developed in

comparison with other companies of our size. We do not want to pressurize a

smaller company with our decisions. The only groups of people we want to

depend upon are clients and users, not companies. There is a lot of talk

about the moves around IBM and AT&T at the moment in the United States.

However, there is still room for the other companies in this sector. Digital

is a good example of that. Besides, AT&T must still prove it belongs in this

business. OK? And the same goes for IBM in the telecommunications business.

Too many people think a company's success is a given. Too few people think

about the fact that a company must earn its income one day at a time. Nothing

is ever granted in advance. A.nd that is'the problem. Of course, IBM is very

powerful and has large shares of the market, but that does not mean that IBM

never makes mistakes.

01 HEBDO: Is it the available markets you were talking about that make you

optimistic about the growth of your company?

Luft: The key question today is to keep in close contact with the client.

This is the major point. If you look back at what the press wrote 3 or 4

years ago, many people thought mergers between companies were the only

solution for the problem of capital. Of course, we need capital to grow, but

we chose the public financial market. Therefore, I think that the key

question for a company like ours is to know how to keep in touch with the

users, how to have a solid financial basis.

The most important factor is to have personnel really devoted to our clients,

creative people, in other words, "to support." The true capital is the

people. Many people invest in factories. But the question today is to learn

how to transfer the technologies to make the system work. Many people write

articles about the production of microprocessors.

Microprocessors are popular because you can show their' small size, etc. But

today's chips are nothing but yesterday's electric engines. The problem lies

in knowing how these tools will be used.

01 HEBDO: You have a project to build a microprocessor manufacturing plant In

the FRG. You are also working on fault tolerance systems. Should this be

seen in the context of your philosophy of "autonomy"?

Luft: There are two answers. The microprocessors should allow us to increase

production speed even though we remain dependent. Thus, we would not have to

53
wait months but weeks for new chips. We have already improved this cycle by

installing a satellite connection with California. The fault tolerance system

is something else.

We believe that offices and companies are becoming increasingly dependent upon

the availability of computer systems. They are the ones asking for fault

tolerance systems. They want a system that is available 24 hours a day. Our

objective is to give them something they can hold on to. In this business you

depend on sales people. There is no doubt about that. Even IBM is more

dependent on them that it ever was.

"We Had To Set Up Our Own Sales Structure"

01 HEBDO: One of the primary sales goals of Nixdorf is selling to banks.

Why?

Luft: From the very beginning of Nixdorf, the first clients were banks. A

key man in the company, who died a few years ago, is the one who really led us

into this market. He worked with Mr Nixdorf.

01 HEBDO: What was his name?

Luft: Pringea. He worked with Bull as well. He was head of Bull's sales

department in Germany for a long time. He pushed his machines towards the

banking sector. He left Bull when he saw the new developments we were making

at the time on a small system, something like a PC inside a desk. He told us

this would make a very good terminal for banks. He also taught us how to talk

to bankers. He trained our employees for this application. This was in the

middle of the sixties.

There was another very important decision around that same period. We decided

to compete with IBM in certain markets. We had to develop our own sales

network dedicated to a specific market. The big clients actually like to talk

to the sales people directly. We added the necessary financial instruments

which permitted renting or leasing of the equipment. This was also IBM'js

policy. This is what allowed us to be competitive and to gain our share of

the market.

01 HEBDO: Can you explain why Nixdorf and its subsidiaries prefer

constructing their own buildings rather than renting them?

Luft: If you take a look at our structure, you will see that the product is

as important as the service. We own our own plants. Why not own our

aftersales service offices? This is not that far removed from our philosophy.

There are many towns, regions, and countries which like to show a Nixdorf

building to the public. Many offer us land at below market prices. Also, we

practice long-term thinking. Finally, the third reason is the relationship of

trust between the client and ourselves which is why we invest in their

territory.

54
The Legend of the Motorcycle

01 HEBDO: Legend tells us that Heinz Nixdorf started his career by jumping on

his motorcycle one day to go to France and sell a computer he had built.

There are many young people like him who try this adventure. Many of them

fail. How do you explain Heinz Nixdorf's success?

Luft: He had a very clear idea of how to make a product. Take his first

product, the way he structured it: not complicated and already oriented

towards quality. He used standard vacuum tubes. In data processing, you only

need yes and no. For radios, you need frequencies. He believed that for data

processing only a low energy consumption was required, so he worked on the

service life of his calculator. The service life of the tubes depends on the

power consumption. Therefore, it was more interesting for him to design a

clear and simple structure rather than a complex one.

Moreover, he has always been a solid business man. There are few engineers

who possess both qualities. From the very beginning he was very concerned

about the exact needs of the consumers and he wanted to be responsive to them.

Finally, his imagination allows him to transform technological developments

into products of the future. Often an entrepreneur will have the initial

idea, but not the second or third idea which must follow. For example, the

study of a particular application, he will first inquire about the price

evolution of semiconductors for the next 4 years before suggesting any

decision.

01 HEBDO: What makes Nixdorf different from its closest competitors: ICL,

Olivetti, Bull, and Siemens?

You Have To Lear To Live With IBM

Luft: There are several orientations: the international market, for example.

Even though Siemens is internationally oriented, its computer sites are not.

This is also true for Bull and ICL. They focus too much on their own

countries, and not enough on the international market. ICL's profits come

from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, etc., typical British

markets. For Bull, the markets are shared with Honeywell, even in Europe.

Bull has a turnover of some DM 300 million in Germany.

That is not enough! Another orientation is the segmentation of the markets,

banks, distribution, small- and medium-sized businesses, etc. It is

impossible to gain a strong position in a particular market without

cultivating expertise in that market. Investments can only be made segment by

segment. This is not the case for Siemens, but it is for ICL and Bull. We

have always seen IBM as a competitor but also as a company with which we have

to live.

ICL and Bull were not too fond of connections with IBM and in the end they

have suffered from that policy. Now, if you compare us with Olivetti, their

field is typewriters and they are good at it. They are not in the same

markets as we are.

55
01 HEBDO: You have had a subsidiary in Japan for a long time, have you not?

Luft: Yes, we started with a partnership formula there back in 1970.

01 HEBDO: You are developing your microcomputer together with Matsushita. Do.

you forsee an extension of this cooperation to other Japanese companies?

Luft: This might be possible for certain specific fields.

01 HEBDO: Which ones?

Luft: The Japanese are good on IBM compatibility. That is one example. They

are also good in consumer products and this had its impact on the PC market.

I think these are probably the only two examples, together with the

peripherals. Recently, we opened an IBM workstation to see what was inside. A.

lot of elements were from Matsushita! .

01 HEBDO: You have the reputation of having a rather positive social policy.

What is your opinion on Japanese-style management? Do you think it is a good

example for you?

Luft: That depends. Undoubtedly, this type of management is successful in

Japan. But you really have to get inside the mechanisms of the system,

understand it, to find out what can be done in Europe. The way of thinking is

different. Nor can you say that there is only one social system in Japan.

There is the security of the large companies, and there is also a very

flexible system applied to the female workforce.

Nippon-Style Management?

Do you know the word used by the Japanese to distinguish female workers from

male workers? "Arbeiter!" They have used this German word since the times

when German workers had very few rights. If a Japanese female worker does not

earn more than DM 8,000 per year, the company does not have to pay taxes or

social security. She can be fired on a daily basis and reemployed the next

day. It is really a flexible system! I have seen plants with 10 to 15

engineers with a normal contract, whereas all the others were subject to this

flexibility. It is not easy to characterize social policy in Japan.

Also, you have to consider small- and medium-sized businesses: They have no

social organization whatsoever. The sales people who work for big companies

selling microcomputers, for example, have no union and they work 12, 15, or 20

hours on each client. The main strength of Japanese industry is its ability

to make quality products at low prices, not creativity or innovation. That is

the way they do things. Once they have made up their mind about what do do,

they will do it with 110 percent efficiency. One can learn a lot from Japan,

but the social systems are very different.

56
01 HEBDO: If somebody asks you for a job, what is your answer?

Luft: I will try to determine his personality. I concentrate on factors

which are independent of knowledge and experiences: a sense of realism, the

ability to adapt, etc. What is his creative approach; what are his leadership

qualities? All our projects depend on teamwork. Then I will look at his

knowledge of foreign languages, his interests. Above all, we want to engaged

personalities.

25006/13104

CSO: 3698/1048

57
JPRS-WST-86-011

26 March 1986

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

SWEDISH COMPUTER FIRM AFFECTED BY HIGH TECH EMBARGOES

Stockholm DAGENS NYHETER in Swedish 13 Jan 86 p 7

[Article by Bo G. Andersson: "Accused Now of Embargo Violation"]

[Text] "We must surrender to the American world police!"

This conclusion is drawn by computer businessman Bengt E. Andersson. He risks

being locked out of the computer industry. Most recently, he has been

subjected to an intensive investigation by the U.S. embassy in Stockholm.

Bengt E. Andersson is only one of a number of Swedish computer businessmen who

have been caught by the long arm of American export control. But he is

unique so far in being the only one who has been accused by the United States

of violating the embargo without at the same time being suspected of violating

Swedish laws.

During the last few months, he has been questioned several times by the

special export control attache at the embassy. The U.S. Customs Service has

furthermore sent a representative to Stockholm to inspect one of his computers

here.

This arrogant investigation on Swedish soil has made Bengt E. Andersson

reconsider his opinion of Swedish neutrality.

"Previously I was convinced that we, as a neutral state, could trade with both

East and West as long as we followed Swedish law.

"But are we really neutral if we sell civilian computers to the East when we

know what the American embargo regulations are like, and how hard the United

States is trying to stop all so-called technology transfer to the Eastern

bloc?" he asks.

House Search

All of this began on the morning of 5 September 1985, when the customs police

searched his home and his office in central Stockholm.

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The customs suspected that goods were being smuggled. The reason was that

they had received information from their West German colleagues, who were

investigating an embargo violation at a computer firm in Essen.

"The firm in Essen has been a customer of mine since 1980. For the last three

years, I have also acted as an intermediary in 20 shipments of used IBM

computers from Essen via Sweden to East Germany," he says.

West Germany, which in contrast to Sweden has special embargo laws, suspects

that the IBM shipments.through Sweden and Bengt E. Andersson involved a

ciucumvention of the U.S. technological embargo against the Eastern bloc.

A month after the customs raid, he received a telex from the American embassy

on Strandvag. It said that the U.S. Department of Commerce wanted to get in

touch with him as soon as possible for an interview. "We must answer

Washington... regarding your cooperation and your attitude, in order to avoid

your being subjected to any incorrect trade sanction," the telex continued.

For 25 years, Bengt E. Andersson has had his own firm in the computer

industry. He imports and exports large used computers, and has specialized in

American IBM products. The computers have been 5 to 10 years old, and the

customers have been located throughout all of Europe, including the Eastern

bloc.

"I have made a blunder — on the moral level," he says. "And it was in 1982

when I wrote on a piece of paper that I certified that my firm would not

reexport the computers that I imported from the Essen firm."

Regrets the Certificate

"I was dealing with an old customer, and I gave in to instructions from the

owner of the West German firm."

The certificate with Andersson's signature is now the Americans' trump card.

It was used by the Essen firm to make it appear to the United States that the

transactions involving the IBM computers had taken place between West Germany

and Sweden. Actually, all of the computers ended up in East Berlin, in

contravention of the U.S. embargo.

"I got branded, however, I have not broken any Swedish laws," he says without

bitterness.

"I regret the certificate, however. I understand now for the first time the

kind of consequences that it can have, not just for myself, but also for

Sweden's credibility overall as a country purchasing U.S. high technology."

Bengt E. Andersson is no longer suspected by Swedish customs of having

smuggled IBM computers to East Germany.

More Regulations Needed

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His decision to step forward so openly here is due to his desire to make a

contribution to the debate over Sweden's great dependence upon the united

States in regard to high technology. He thinks that it is high time for the

government to react and introduce some kind of regulatory mechanism to

supplement the war materiel legislation.

"Today I am fully convinced that we must regulate all technological trade,

even if it is completely civilian.

"One should be able to have a time limit for exports. Computer equipment

older than 7 years is usually harmless, and should be exported freely, while

newer computers could require an export permit."

During October, Swedish customs stopped one of his IBM computers when it was

on its way via Sweden to East Germany. Several days later, he received

another message from the U.S. embassy. The tone was harsher now, and export

control attache Brooks D. Ohlson stated bluntly that "the American government

must control how you dispose of and handle the computer if it is returned to

you."

Can Be Punished

In December, Bengt E. Andersson sent the computer back to West Germany at his

own expense. "I did not want to provoke the Americans and keep the computer,

which per se I had a complete right to do," he told DAGENS NYHETER.

Now he is waiting for an answer from the Department of Commerce in Washington

about the result of the inquiry into the suspected violation of the embargo.

He expects, however, to end up on the U.S. "blacklist" of people who have

violated the embargo.

"That means that my firm is finished in the business. No other firm is going

to be able to cooperate with me. They would run the risk themselves of being

locked out of the U.S. market and even 'punished' in another way."

Sweden's problem as a technologically dependent and neutral country in between

the superpowers, the United States and the USSR, came to a head in the case of

Bengt E. Andersson.

Sweden's increasingly exposed position between the superpowers is going to be

brought up in a number of articles. We have spoken with industry, customs,

and peace and conflict researchers, among others.

9909

CSO: 3698/274 END

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