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The situation is this: They have definitely selected Hydromatic drive for the first pilot but they are going to build a second pilot with their "second choice" in it and we are in the running for that. And even if we miss out on that, then they will probably undertake a separate developmental project for electric drive and put one on a dummy tank to prove the drive and have it available if and when needed. At the moment they are trying to pick the drive for #2 pilot.

It didn't take long to see what was wrong. For equal fighting power we were 6 tons heavy and omitting one 37mm AA gun, we were about 4 tons heavy. And besides that we gave less space than the hydromatic which is all in the rear, leaving the nose clear for driver and gunner. It was soon obvious that nothing could be gained by omitting electric steering because we could cut 3000 lb. and Cummings had to add back 3000 lb of steering differential. The upshot of the session was that we got a clear picture of what is wanted and went away with form drawings I had to sign my life away for, and agreed to study hard to see what we can do to improve our proposition from a weight and space standpoint. The encouraging thing is we are still in the running in spite of our deficiencies. Apparently they still have a lot of respect for electric drive and the GE monogram. What a company to work for!

We had lunch with Cap Horn and during a discussion of flying, Cap told a couple of amusing stories:

1.) Bill Hearsmann at Philly became an ultra-ardent flying enthusiast - flew everywhere, even Philadelphia to Baltimore and Washington - it was the only way to travel in Bill's opinion and he raved about it.