AEROSPACE

Hughes’ Conviction, $3.5-Million Fine Upheld: Hughes Aircraft Co.’s criminal conviction and fine for conspiring to defraud the government in a weapons project were upheld by a federal appeals court. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Hughes’ conviction could stand despite the acquittal of the employee with whom the company was charged with conspiring. Hughes lawyer, Gary Feess, declined comment. The case involved a contract for Hughes’ Newport Beach plant to make microelectronic circuits for about 20 weapons, including missiles and fighter planes, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Charles Kreindler. He said the charges stemmed from the mid-1980s.