Where is Rudolph?
It Santa upgrading as the adds for toys claim this year to something more mechanical?
I don't think so, Rudolf would not be happy with that since all of them operate in the Spiritual realm and have no need of our self-achieving technology!
But on the serious side the sleigh remains and essential piece of kit for travel on the ice, in many polar regions, with both helicopters and aircraft being fitted with them!
We have progressed from wood to steel and many newer metals to improve stability and speed, the skiing sports industry has helped along with military requirements! Much more has actually been developed in Antarctica than on our more populated North-Pole.
One last word for you boring people out there who don't believe in Santa or Christmas, nothing for you this year????
Tuesday 18 December 2018
Falmouth Russian GroundedI
Another Putin Ploy?
Or did all the action was because it slipped off its anchor?
Things look better this evening with the KUZMA MININ being re-floated, all that action I missed down in Cornwall/Curnow?
Hope to see some of it all up on You Tube soon?
The weather remains a serious hazard to all forms of transport, for shipping this can be the terror of an oil spill and something that Falmouth Bay does not want since it really relies on tourism!
Time will tell what damage if any has been done and then it will be back to business, since all forms of shipping are big bucks!
Or did all the action was because it slipped off its anchor?
Things look better this evening with the KUZMA MININ being re-floated, all that action I missed down in Cornwall/Curnow?
Hope to see some of it all up on You Tube soon?
The weather remains a serious hazard to all forms of transport, for shipping this can be the terror of an oil spill and something that Falmouth Bay does not want since it really relies on tourism!
Time will tell what damage if any has been done and then it will be back to business, since all forms of shipping are big bucks!
Tuesday 4 December 2018
The British Army, N.A.T.O and Europe?
Future!
Britain has now lost its once great empire, but it still has many territories and some have a great strategic value such as the Falklands! Britain still has many interests and NATO commitments?
But now the European Union are set on creating its own armed forces in a united Europe, confirming much speculation over the years!
The EU already operates under the humanitarian flag in the Arabian sea between Yemen and the Horn of Africa protecting shipping from Somali piracy, as well in the Mediterranean in connection with Libyan refugees being smuggled and abandoned at sea!
But a land army is a much different matter, will this see the end of N-Atlantic pact? Relations between Europe and the U.S are now at an all time low and we have to make up our minds who we will be with in the future?
Britain has now lost its once great empire, but it still has many territories and some have a great strategic value such as the Falklands! Britain still has many interests and NATO commitments?
But now the European Union are set on creating its own armed forces in a united Europe, confirming much speculation over the years!
The EU already operates under the humanitarian flag in the Arabian sea between Yemen and the Horn of Africa protecting shipping from Somali piracy, as well in the Mediterranean in connection with Libyan refugees being smuggled and abandoned at sea!
But a land army is a much different matter, will this see the end of N-Atlantic pact? Relations between Europe and the U.S are now at an all time low and we have to make up our minds who we will be with in the future?
Tuesday 27 November 2018
Transport for Wales!
Teething Problems?
The take over of the Arriva contract does not seem to have solved much for rail in Wales, and neither has the weather? Flooding and landslides with the recent and more expected heavy rains will cause more problems, on top of lack of new stocks and bad management?
Wales has always had the backend of British Rail and now into privatization little has changed!
Cheaper fares in competition with the bus services will make for a cleaner faster journeys between the big cities of the capital Cardiff and Swansea.
But the valleys and further afield will continue to suffer from lack of stock allocation and overcrowding, much is promised by the Welsh government and one has just to wait and see and hope that not all will be disappointed again?
Management and the past removal of track to the major ports of Pembroke and Fishguard for freight was unwise, putting more of a strain on the roads? The lack of vision is another issue to do with the bottlenecks of the M4 between Cardiff and the Servern crossing?
The take over of the Arriva contract does not seem to have solved much for rail in Wales, and neither has the weather? Flooding and landslides with the recent and more expected heavy rains will cause more problems, on top of lack of new stocks and bad management?
Wales has always had the backend of British Rail and now into privatization little has changed!
Cheaper fares in competition with the bus services will make for a cleaner faster journeys between the big cities of the capital Cardiff and Swansea.
But the valleys and further afield will continue to suffer from lack of stock allocation and overcrowding, much is promised by the Welsh government and one has just to wait and see and hope that not all will be disappointed again?
Management and the past removal of track to the major ports of Pembroke and Fishguard for freight was unwise, putting more of a strain on the roads? The lack of vision is another issue to do with the bottlenecks of the M4 between Cardiff and the Servern crossing?
Hawker Beech King Air B300.
Small is beautiful?
Why at this point in time has the British armed forces opted for the Beech King Air 300 Avenger T.1, when there are so many more capable aircraft on the military market?
One reason is cost and yet recently it was reported that smaller aircraft fitted with new digital technology will no longer need larger aircraft frames except for fuel and long range!
Many of the existing platforms will probably disappear in the next ten to twenty years if not sooner, perhaps the long awaited Nimrod replacement may meet the same fate?
Why at this point in time has the British armed forces opted for the Beech King Air 300 Avenger T.1, when there are so many more capable aircraft on the military market?
One reason is cost and yet recently it was reported that smaller aircraft fitted with new digital technology will no longer need larger aircraft frames except for fuel and long range!
Many of the existing platforms will probably disappear in the next ten to twenty years if not sooner, perhaps the long awaited Nimrod replacement may meet the same fate?
Tuesday 13 November 2018
Longevity of the Diesel?
With us for sometime Yet!
With the many modern designs and inventions with trains, the Diesel has not yet seen its end? Most of the world uses these types of engines which are still viable as recovery and for shunting, despite battery and electric power!
The Diesel is one of the most active forms of engines and they remain reliable is many more duties than meets the eye. Some countries are still building them as a back-up to their railway infrastructure despite the reports that the emissions are dangerous?
The problem with electric and battery is we do not know yet how they will effect future generations? Another issue that has come to the fore is that battery engines burn the same amount of fuel as say Diesel or petrol, but they do have the advantage today of no emissions?
Monday 5 November 2018
Auxiliary Ships! Two.
Re-fitting and Updating.
The problem today with all types of weapon systems is the need to update and to refit what can be?
One was amazed at the size of these vessels, pictures in books do not do justice to seeing the real thing! What is being done today, will probably be out of date by the time these vessels return to operational duty, but waiting in the worlds politics is not a wise move?
Replenishment vessels at sea will be around for some time, but space will also need ships to do the same role as humanity moves on from the confines of this world!
The role of recovery of damaged equipment is essential outside of conflict, as much as it is in conflict, while their are others roles in humanitarian work and hospital facilitating! This means that warships and submarines, carriers can remain in the conflict zone while the auxiliary fleet returns home!
The problem today with all types of weapon systems is the need to update and to refit what can be?
One was amazed at the size of these vessels, pictures in books do not do justice to seeing the real thing! What is being done today, will probably be out of date by the time these vessels return to operational duty, but waiting in the worlds politics is not a wise move?
Replenishment vessels at sea will be around for some time, but space will also need ships to do the same role as humanity moves on from the confines of this world!
The role of recovery of damaged equipment is essential outside of conflict, as much as it is in conflict, while their are others roles in humanitarian work and hospital facilitating! This means that warships and submarines, carriers can remain in the conflict zone while the auxiliary fleet returns home!
Auxiliary Ships. Part-One
Replenishment at Sea!
Every navy needs and auxiliary fleet to keep it at sea and the British Royal navy, since being the first real power at sea perhaps since the Roman empire has some of the best expertise at this role?
Food is the essential need to survive at sea, post and communications is the other, but today it is fuel, fresh water and weapons supply that are the essentials.
There are many different types of vessels for these roles, from Ships like HMS Argus seen at Falmouth yard in Cornwall for re-fitting and others that are solely tankers either for chemicals or crude oil refuelling at sea.
Other roles are also undertaken by the auxiliary fleets and both Russia and the U.S. have now, with China built up their own to meet their own needs?
Every navy needs and auxiliary fleet to keep it at sea and the British Royal navy, since being the first real power at sea perhaps since the Roman empire has some of the best expertise at this role?
Food is the essential need to survive at sea, post and communications is the other, but today it is fuel, fresh water and weapons supply that are the essentials.
There are many different types of vessels for these roles, from Ships like HMS Argus seen at Falmouth yard in Cornwall for re-fitting and others that are solely tankers either for chemicals or crude oil refuelling at sea.
Other roles are also undertaken by the auxiliary fleets and both Russia and the U.S. have now, with China built up their own to meet their own needs?
Thursday 25 October 2018
Roads? Part- Two.
Dual carriage to Motorways!
The automobile still rules the world with other carbon burning vehicles and road building continues to be the most costly infrastructure building programmes around the world! With the improvement of steel and concrete more ambitious projects are being undertaken such as high-level motorways in China and Bridges in Sweden-Denmark!
The movement of goods is essential over difficult terrain and the road seems to be one of the best options over that of railways? Roads can get through most of the weather conditions and elements thrown at it, since metal will crack in the cold and melt in the heat!
Humanity is resourceful in that vehicles can be used in mining, many trucks are opting now for road train ability and can be fitted into specialised trains! Even the prospect of living on the Moon and Mars in this Century will still call for roads to be constructed to move from A to B/Z?
The negatives with roads is the cost of up keeping them and the problem with speed and it being broken by reckless drivers who kill others out of selfishness or irresponsible fun?
The electric car will not change our need to keep what we have in the future, things will change in relation to speed control, robotic driving and many other areas, but the road is here to stay?
The automobile still rules the world with other carbon burning vehicles and road building continues to be the most costly infrastructure building programmes around the world! With the improvement of steel and concrete more ambitious projects are being undertaken such as high-level motorways in China and Bridges in Sweden-Denmark!
The movement of goods is essential over difficult terrain and the road seems to be one of the best options over that of railways? Roads can get through most of the weather conditions and elements thrown at it, since metal will crack in the cold and melt in the heat!
Humanity is resourceful in that vehicles can be used in mining, many trucks are opting now for road train ability and can be fitted into specialised trains! Even the prospect of living on the Moon and Mars in this Century will still call for roads to be constructed to move from A to B/Z?
The negatives with roads is the cost of up keeping them and the problem with speed and it being broken by reckless drivers who kill others out of selfishness or irresponsible fun?
The electric car will not change our need to keep what we have in the future, things will change in relation to speed control, robotic driving and many other areas, but the road is here to stay?
Roads? Part-One.
Paths to Roman Roads!
In times past there were not many roads anywhere in the world, most people moved along pathways through forest and swamp, while others travelled by boat on the sea, rivers and lakes of various types?
Important trade routes were the roads of the day and mostly used by the wealthy and merchants selling their wares? The Romans were the first to build roads that networked their cities and settlements, since they were very much into communications and needed to move their armies around the country, where there was no access to big rivers!
What was left after them was still being used up to this day, across Europe and the Middle-East. But the steam engine changed our world two-hundred years ago with the speed of travel and the ability to go through tunnels.
The German auto-ban or Motorway was the big 20th Century revolution in relation to the car, and after 1946 this has been the choke filled way to travel! More money today is spent on building and widening new roads and any other form of travel!
In times past there were not many roads anywhere in the world, most people moved along pathways through forest and swamp, while others travelled by boat on the sea, rivers and lakes of various types?
Important trade routes were the roads of the day and mostly used by the wealthy and merchants selling their wares? The Romans were the first to build roads that networked their cities and settlements, since they were very much into communications and needed to move their armies around the country, where there was no access to big rivers!
What was left after them was still being used up to this day, across Europe and the Middle-East. But the steam engine changed our world two-hundred years ago with the speed of travel and the ability to go through tunnels.
The German auto-ban or Motorway was the big 20th Century revolution in relation to the car, and after 1946 this has been the choke filled way to travel! More money today is spent on building and widening new roads and any other form of travel!
Tuesday 9 October 2018
Rails. Part-One.
Speed and Modernisation?
What is delaying much advancement in railways is outdated signalling, rotting wooden sleepers and old stock management!
These are some of the facts that are stopping modernisation in the U.K., but its far worse in some places both near and far?
Train development has raced ahead, without considering other key factors that might need to be changed first? Privatisation has much to play in patching up the networks, because governments want to give us a false image of their failures in properly financing the lines infrastructure!
Many promises get left unfulfilled over the years and left to others to deal with or cancel! But where there is serious changes the problems are that they are too late and overcrowding or empty stock remain a problem that causes much more friction!
What is needed is commitment and vision that will be backed up with huge amounts of money and interested parties to keep investing? Consideration for the disabled and getting on with gradual adaptions to meet the needs of wheel chair access, and much more for the blind, not talking and never doing?
What is delaying much advancement in railways is outdated signalling, rotting wooden sleepers and old stock management!
These are some of the facts that are stopping modernisation in the U.K., but its far worse in some places both near and far?
Train development has raced ahead, without considering other key factors that might need to be changed first? Privatisation has much to play in patching up the networks, because governments want to give us a false image of their failures in properly financing the lines infrastructure!
Many promises get left unfulfilled over the years and left to others to deal with or cancel! But where there is serious changes the problems are that they are too late and overcrowding or empty stock remain a problem that causes much more friction!
What is needed is commitment and vision that will be backed up with huge amounts of money and interested parties to keep investing? Consideration for the disabled and getting on with gradual adaptions to meet the needs of wheel chair access, and much more for the blind, not talking and never doing?
Tuesday 2 October 2018
African Technology. Two.
Licence building and improvisation?
These already exist and they will continue, but their are many lesser known homegrown models of adapted vehicles? While Nigeria, RSA and Kenya have developed their own drones for field reconnaissance work and helicopters play a key role in anti-terrorism, pouching and other criminal activities!
Money remains an issue and many continue to try to do their best with what they have, keeping it flying for as long as possible or buying second hand! China is todays largest supplier of trucks, trains and other equipment and it has so many mining interest that this looks like it will continue for some time yet?
Technology is now all over the continent of Africa, through computing, solar panels and mobile telephones! So it will not be hard to improve avionics on all types of aircraft and helicopters with night-vision and other? Many nations have also developed their own missiles and rockets, but from all this has come some good ideas to improve living standards, transport, road and rail!
These already exist and they will continue, but their are many lesser known homegrown models of adapted vehicles? While Nigeria, RSA and Kenya have developed their own drones for field reconnaissance work and helicopters play a key role in anti-terrorism, pouching and other criminal activities!
Money remains an issue and many continue to try to do their best with what they have, keeping it flying for as long as possible or buying second hand! China is todays largest supplier of trucks, trains and other equipment and it has so many mining interest that this looks like it will continue for some time yet?
Technology is now all over the continent of Africa, through computing, solar panels and mobile telephones! So it will not be hard to improve avionics on all types of aircraft and helicopters with night-vision and other? Many nations have also developed their own missiles and rockets, but from all this has come some good ideas to improve living standards, transport, road and rail!
Demise of the Boeing 747?
Boeing 747/100/200/SP/300/400 and -8.
The Boing jumbo jet is a sixties baby and was really operational from 1971, it has had a great success world-wide as the first clipper of the skies but is now in demise or is it? It is not clear how many new orders have been placed for either the series 400 or the -8, but the Boeing 777X may be the true replacement since its proceeds a tried and tested 777 class after twenty-four years of service!
Boeing has had stiff competition from Airbus and its A380-800 Super Jumbo, but it to has declined, due to the more popularity of its new Airbus A350-900/1000 XWB extra wide body aircraft.
Competition is ever on the increase in the aviation world with newer designs and improved technology, many aircraft that are smaller can do the job now of the Jumbos and they are cheaper on fuel consumption? 9/11 terrorism has also played a key factor, but so has Airbus and its popular A330, which is one of the best sized aircraft in the world today?
The Boing jumbo jet is a sixties baby and was really operational from 1971, it has had a great success world-wide as the first clipper of the skies but is now in demise or is it? It is not clear how many new orders have been placed for either the series 400 or the -8, but the Boeing 777X may be the true replacement since its proceeds a tried and tested 777 class after twenty-four years of service!
Boeing has had stiff competition from Airbus and its A380-800 Super Jumbo, but it to has declined, due to the more popularity of its new Airbus A350-900/1000 XWB extra wide body aircraft.
Competition is ever on the increase in the aviation world with newer designs and improved technology, many aircraft that are smaller can do the job now of the Jumbos and they are cheaper on fuel consumption? 9/11 terrorism has also played a key factor, but so has Airbus and its popular A330, which is one of the best sized aircraft in the world today?
Thursday 20 September 2018
Landrover and Range Rover!
The demise of another British Institution?
Since it was decided to end the production of the most successful Land rover Defender, much disappointment has been expressed! Despite the current projections of the new products, Brexit has put a spanner in the operations a surprise that no one expected, but here we are again with the Germans?
The Land-Range rovers have a long history for practicality in both farming, off road and police/military and other civil defence and private usage! The Defender was the out come of good design and hard work that improved a product that was for a long time lagging in the vehicle market with the Germans taking it through Mercedes?
When Land rover had got it right, it would be taken by the overtake of the company for some more modern concepts, despite great design and potential only the Range rover now brings in the money! But the Defender and all of its variants will live on since their are so many who love the landies and there is talk of it continuing under a different guise?
As for the military Britain has opted for the Range rover, but world-wide the Land rover is still a good option for a huge variety of roles and abilities including rail adaptions and amphibious use?
Despite the Evoke being a good design, it so far has as one knows only attracted interest from the police forces across the U.K.
The Armoured car and small APC versions will continue to keep this going for some considerable time?
Since it was decided to end the production of the most successful Land rover Defender, much disappointment has been expressed! Despite the current projections of the new products, Brexit has put a spanner in the operations a surprise that no one expected, but here we are again with the Germans?
The Land-Range rovers have a long history for practicality in both farming, off road and police/military and other civil defence and private usage! The Defender was the out come of good design and hard work that improved a product that was for a long time lagging in the vehicle market with the Germans taking it through Mercedes?
When Land rover had got it right, it would be taken by the overtake of the company for some more modern concepts, despite great design and potential only the Range rover now brings in the money! But the Defender and all of its variants will live on since their are so many who love the landies and there is talk of it continuing under a different guise?
As for the military Britain has opted for the Range rover, but world-wide the Land rover is still a good option for a huge variety of roles and abilities including rail adaptions and amphibious use?
Despite the Evoke being a good design, it so far has as one knows only attracted interest from the police forces across the U.K.
The Armoured car and small APC versions will continue to keep this going for some considerable time?
Tuesday 11 September 2018
Farm Machinery. Part-One.
Picking?
There has been much advancement in farming over the last seventy years with the introduction of automation and the cutting of the workforce. Seventy years ago it took fifty people to do a good job on an average sized farm, but today this is now down to less than a handful!
One area that has not as yet been effective is that of picking fruit, lifting vegetables is fairly fine but fruit is more difficult than it would seem? The robotics can do the job with apples and larger fruits, but soft fruit has not yet come up to the standards of the human touch or hand.
Wither Brexit comes or not the immigration policies on restricting European labour may decimate much of the British countryside when it come to asparagus and soft fruits? Many farms will have to stop growing strawberries, because it is well established as a fact that young people in this land see picking as below their demeanour?
There has been much advancement in farming over the last seventy years with the introduction of automation and the cutting of the workforce. Seventy years ago it took fifty people to do a good job on an average sized farm, but today this is now down to less than a handful!
One area that has not as yet been effective is that of picking fruit, lifting vegetables is fairly fine but fruit is more difficult than it would seem? The robotics can do the job with apples and larger fruits, but soft fruit has not yet come up to the standards of the human touch or hand.
Wither Brexit comes or not the immigration policies on restricting European labour may decimate much of the British countryside when it come to asparagus and soft fruits? Many farms will have to stop growing strawberries, because it is well established as a fact that young people in this land see picking as below their demeanour?
Wednesday 5 September 2018
Cruising Along?
For how Long!
One wonders in the next one-hundred years, if space tourism will replace ships, sails and canal boats or will they just be as popular as ever? Space is enticing, but flying is not for everyone and we should not try to force things like this on people just let them be!
Cruising is popular because today ships are built as floating islands with nearly everything one would want and not need to make land fall, but they do and this to keep the tourists happy with and excursion while the ship is replenished with fresh food and fuel where needs be?
On the other hand river cruising and canal boats are more slower and have a rich historical and nature interest with them for a more gentle pace of life! Sailing will always be popular because of the challenges of keeping control of the weather and environment?
One wonders in the next one-hundred years, if space tourism will replace ships, sails and canal boats or will they just be as popular as ever? Space is enticing, but flying is not for everyone and we should not try to force things like this on people just let them be!
Cruising is popular because today ships are built as floating islands with nearly everything one would want and not need to make land fall, but they do and this to keep the tourists happy with and excursion while the ship is replenished with fresh food and fuel where needs be?
On the other hand river cruising and canal boats are more slower and have a rich historical and nature interest with them for a more gentle pace of life! Sailing will always be popular because of the challenges of keeping control of the weather and environment?
Tuesday 28 August 2018
African Technology. One.
Arms, civilian and Space!
Republic of South-Africa is the leading military industry complex on the continent of Africa and has a well established arms industry in aviation and vehicles as well as small arms! Atlas was responsible for the conversion and adaption of many aircraft and helicopters to meet local conditions and requirements in the long wars in Namibia, Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and Botswana.
French Mirage jets to an Israeli co-opt development programme, Aloutte-II/III conversions for bush operations. Many trucks and jeeps along with former British armour went under prolonged development to meet the local requirement from ANC resistance to full out war.
Today BAE Systems has an extensive military component in the RSA with a huge range of vehicles on offer.
Kenya and Nigeria meantime have extensive experience in rocketry and the launching of western satellites, which has encouraged them to develop their own ideas about going into space.
Meanwhile both have also over the years developed their own drones for battlefield operation, perhaps more so Nigeria than any other.
Egypt, Algeria and Ethiopia also have their own successful similar industries and with the advent of more and more computer technology a bright future to move away from small fire arms and artillery?
Republic of South-Africa is the leading military industry complex on the continent of Africa and has a well established arms industry in aviation and vehicles as well as small arms! Atlas was responsible for the conversion and adaption of many aircraft and helicopters to meet local conditions and requirements in the long wars in Namibia, Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and Botswana.
French Mirage jets to an Israeli co-opt development programme, Aloutte-II/III conversions for bush operations. Many trucks and jeeps along with former British armour went under prolonged development to meet the local requirement from ANC resistance to full out war.
Today BAE Systems has an extensive military component in the RSA with a huge range of vehicles on offer.
Kenya and Nigeria meantime have extensive experience in rocketry and the launching of western satellites, which has encouraged them to develop their own ideas about going into space.
Meanwhile both have also over the years developed their own drones for battlefield operation, perhaps more so Nigeria than any other.
Egypt, Algeria and Ethiopia also have their own successful similar industries and with the advent of more and more computer technology a bright future to move away from small fire arms and artillery?
Personal Aviation?
Advent of a New-Age!
The electric engine and drone technology is advancing daily with Brazil leading the way in the concept of this new idea! It is hoped that within the next ten years individuals will have their own machine to fly?
As with drones new laws are to be implemented in relation to height and speed in flight, but soon there may be the banning of some drone activity due to the increase in criminal activity and the difficulty in policing them?
Home built machines for one may be a fantasy, but time will tell if they will take-off and the laws catch up with them! There are many serious and beneficial applications for these one person aircraft that working with drones on oil pipe-lines, various types of other inspections will make them a viable resource and other military uses too?
The electric engine and drone technology is advancing daily with Brazil leading the way in the concept of this new idea! It is hoped that within the next ten years individuals will have their own machine to fly?
As with drones new laws are to be implemented in relation to height and speed in flight, but soon there may be the banning of some drone activity due to the increase in criminal activity and the difficulty in policing them?
Home built machines for one may be a fantasy, but time will tell if they will take-off and the laws catch up with them! There are many serious and beneficial applications for these one person aircraft that working with drones on oil pipe-lines, various types of other inspections will make them a viable resource and other military uses too?
Mono-Rails?
Viability?
Many nations around the world today have invested in the novelty of having their own version of the Mono-Rail system based on those 19thCentury wonders of Germany?
But until recently they have not been as viable apart from an easy way to transit airports and the fad of many a Sci-Fi film! It is the development in Mumbai India that is now leading the way in the first serious points development that will now at last put the mono-rail back as a serious alternative to rail and underground?
China wants a simpler system to move people over ground and various designs have come to the fore, apart from their own mono-rails and levitating railways? The future, here and in Japan look brighter and many other nations are now copping on to the viability of the system!
Many nations around the world today have invested in the novelty of having their own version of the Mono-Rail system based on those 19thCentury wonders of Germany?
But until recently they have not been as viable apart from an easy way to transit airports and the fad of many a Sci-Fi film! It is the development in Mumbai India that is now leading the way in the first serious points development that will now at last put the mono-rail back as a serious alternative to rail and underground?
China wants a simpler system to move people over ground and various designs have come to the fore, apart from their own mono-rails and levitating railways? The future, here and in Japan look brighter and many other nations are now copping on to the viability of the system!
Tuesday 7 August 2018
Six years to MARS?
Orion, Dragon and Other!
The design and construction of several parts of a New Space ship and its launch system is well underway, as it is claimed we will have humans on the planet Mars in six years time?
The new U.S. administration is pushing private investment into NASA and this is producing some wonderful results with the first commercial flights to and back from the International Space Station (ISS).
Today or rather now Mars is suffering a long spell of a planetary dust storm, which as yet does not seem to be improving and the discovery of water on the South-Pole has sped up the next lander programme which will be made two years before humans arrive with their own pre-built Mars base!
Life is the big pusher for these types of programmes, but also minerals that are rare on Earth and plenty elsewhere? There is also the possibility of new materials that can be worked to improve our lot down here?
NASA also wants Russian cooperation for a Moon Base and other ventures, with the new commercial re-usable U.S. systems, this does not mean that the Progress robotic ships will not be used!
The design and construction of several parts of a New Space ship and its launch system is well underway, as it is claimed we will have humans on the planet Mars in six years time?
The new U.S. administration is pushing private investment into NASA and this is producing some wonderful results with the first commercial flights to and back from the International Space Station (ISS).
Today or rather now Mars is suffering a long spell of a planetary dust storm, which as yet does not seem to be improving and the discovery of water on the South-Pole has sped up the next lander programme which will be made two years before humans arrive with their own pre-built Mars base!
Life is the big pusher for these types of programmes, but also minerals that are rare on Earth and plenty elsewhere? There is also the possibility of new materials that can be worked to improve our lot down here?
NASA also wants Russian cooperation for a Moon Base and other ventures, with the new commercial re-usable U.S. systems, this does not mean that the Progress robotic ships will not be used!
The Conventional?
Stuck with Now!
What we have today in technology, engineering and transport will still remain around for some time yet? Teething is always a problem with new technology, it works fine until its out trying to what is demanded of it?
Recently the U.K. has suffered from a railway cock-up failure which has not as yet fully resolved itself, yet shipping, aviation and vehicles all over the years have suffered a similar fate with breakdown, crack failures and engine problems!
Movement is big bucks today, ships provide coal, ores and grain along with chemicals, fertiliser and when things are late windows are missed and monies are lost? Many people do not understand that we cannot sow crops anytime of the year, steel has to keep rolling in the supply of sheet materials for car plants, timed foods!
Aviation is not just about moving people from A to B/Z, its also the military and specialised cargo from live produce to, flowers, horses and mail, packets that also share some of our aircraft! New Tech is promised and it will gradually come in the shape of machines may not radically change mush, but the way they are powered will!
What we have today in technology, engineering and transport will still remain around for some time yet? Teething is always a problem with new technology, it works fine until its out trying to what is demanded of it?
Recently the U.K. has suffered from a railway cock-up failure which has not as yet fully resolved itself, yet shipping, aviation and vehicles all over the years have suffered a similar fate with breakdown, crack failures and engine problems!
Movement is big bucks today, ships provide coal, ores and grain along with chemicals, fertiliser and when things are late windows are missed and monies are lost? Many people do not understand that we cannot sow crops anytime of the year, steel has to keep rolling in the supply of sheet materials for car plants, timed foods!
Aviation is not just about moving people from A to B/Z, its also the military and specialised cargo from live produce to, flowers, horses and mail, packets that also share some of our aircraft! New Tech is promised and it will gradually come in the shape of machines may not radically change mush, but the way they are powered will!
Tuesday 24 July 2018
British RAF 200th?
Drones, more drones and Space?
This is not a probability, but a fact that is already in the fore with the RAF and N.A.T.O. seriously deploying drones! Afghanistan, Libya and many other areas of the world, Reapers and their UAV equivalents are operational with great success and the saving of aircrew lives!
Farnborough showed that a new joint fighter is to be developed by BAE and others in that it will be a conventional Jet fighter or interceptor and also a drone equivalent! It is one of many projects underway, others being the deployment of smaller drones for the search and rescue services, police, military and many other civil projects which may include the fire service?
The ability to go into small spaces, operate in difficult conditions, that does not risk immediate life is a wise move! But Space is the next frontier, because many more nations around the globe have access to ICBM missiles and are doing their own thing!
N-Korea may have stopped but Iran and a few other nations could potentially attempt to carry out a Nuclear strike? The other problem is that of the Ronald Reagan,s 'Ray gun' becoming a reality in space and a threat to communications?
Meanwhile everyone is now trying to reach the Moon and eventually Mars for a piece of the cake!!!
This is not a probability, but a fact that is already in the fore with the RAF and N.A.T.O. seriously deploying drones! Afghanistan, Libya and many other areas of the world, Reapers and their UAV equivalents are operational with great success and the saving of aircrew lives!
Farnborough showed that a new joint fighter is to be developed by BAE and others in that it will be a conventional Jet fighter or interceptor and also a drone equivalent! It is one of many projects underway, others being the deployment of smaller drones for the search and rescue services, police, military and many other civil projects which may include the fire service?
The ability to go into small spaces, operate in difficult conditions, that does not risk immediate life is a wise move! But Space is the next frontier, because many more nations around the globe have access to ICBM missiles and are doing their own thing!
N-Korea may have stopped but Iran and a few other nations could potentially attempt to carry out a Nuclear strike? The other problem is that of the Ronald Reagan,s 'Ray gun' becoming a reality in space and a threat to communications?
Meanwhile everyone is now trying to reach the Moon and eventually Mars for a piece of the cake!!!
Search and Rescue! Part-Two.
Impressive Sikorsky S-92.
HM Coast guard use the Augusta-Westland AW-139, but when its compared to the S-92 its nothing in comparison! The S-92 looks like it can battle the high winds and seas and they will be really rough in a few weeks again after all this heatwave ends, but the ability to lift more than a small group of people is a great asset for the Coastguards?
Most nations around the world will have a variety of helicopters and aircraft to undertake air operations, including mountain rescue and other incidents where several people need to be removed or the terrain is remote, isolated or rough?
Having this ability is vital in the field of SAR and the British Isles I think is well covered now with what it needs? It is not clear if the AW-101 Merlin has been adopted for this role or is just an RAF transport helicopter?
HM Coast guard use the Augusta-Westland AW-139, but when its compared to the S-92 its nothing in comparison! The S-92 looks like it can battle the high winds and seas and they will be really rough in a few weeks again after all this heatwave ends, but the ability to lift more than a small group of people is a great asset for the Coastguards?
Most nations around the world will have a variety of helicopters and aircraft to undertake air operations, including mountain rescue and other incidents where several people need to be removed or the terrain is remote, isolated or rough?
Having this ability is vital in the field of SAR and the British Isles I think is well covered now with what it needs? It is not clear if the AW-101 Merlin has been adopted for this role or is just an RAF transport helicopter?
Tuesday 10 July 2018
RAF 100th and WNAS18. Two.
'On reflection quite Good!
Now that it is all past and one has done some research into the aircraft, particularly the Hawker Sea Fury it was the last post-war piston fighter but what and aircraft. Biggles was not quite right in their selection of aircraft representing World War-I (1914-18), but the essential ideas of what aircraft were like and had to deal with was caught very well?
The U.S. P-51 Mustang is one of those most hotly disputed aircraft of World War-II (1939-45), looking back it may technically have been better than the British Super marine Spitfire?
Other contributions were the Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, the Gyro-copter, Wing Walkers and a couple of aircraft that I missed out on not seeing along with the joint forces parachute drop. The CH-47 Chinook is a most impressive transport helicopter and the RAF Typhoon Eurofighter jet remains as impressive as ever!
But again it was the Red Arrows who won the show for me and many, I looks like they have added a few newer moves and everything that they do seems to woo the crowds each year here in Swansea, S-Wales, U.K?
Now that it is all past and one has done some research into the aircraft, particularly the Hawker Sea Fury it was the last post-war piston fighter but what and aircraft. Biggles was not quite right in their selection of aircraft representing World War-I (1914-18), but the essential ideas of what aircraft were like and had to deal with was caught very well?
The U.S. P-51 Mustang is one of those most hotly disputed aircraft of World War-II (1939-45), looking back it may technically have been better than the British Super marine Spitfire?
Other contributions were the Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, the Gyro-copter, Wing Walkers and a couple of aircraft that I missed out on not seeing along with the joint forces parachute drop. The CH-47 Chinook is a most impressive transport helicopter and the RAF Typhoon Eurofighter jet remains as impressive as ever!
But again it was the Red Arrows who won the show for me and many, I looks like they have added a few newer moves and everything that they do seems to woo the crowds each year here in Swansea, S-Wales, U.K?
RAF 100th and the WNAS18. One.
A bit Disappointing?
This year of all years one was expecting much more than was on offer at the now annual Wales National Air Show? But it was Llandudno in North-Wales that got the armed forces day and not us?
The promised PBY Catalina flying boat was cancelled and instead we got the Hawker Sea Fury, many of the usual's where here, but we were limited to only the Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the gyro-copter.
Friday and Saturday was spent up at Swansea airport taking in both the arrivals of Biggles, the Chinook and then their various take-offs and some returns from the Air Show in Swansea Bay, this combined with my love of birds paid off!
Later down the Mumbles one got the see the Red Arrows in a better light as their display filled the bay!
This year of all years one was expecting much more than was on offer at the now annual Wales National Air Show? But it was Llandudno in North-Wales that got the armed forces day and not us?
The promised PBY Catalina flying boat was cancelled and instead we got the Hawker Sea Fury, many of the usual's where here, but we were limited to only the Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the gyro-copter.
Friday and Saturday was spent up at Swansea airport taking in both the arrivals of Biggles, the Chinook and then their various take-offs and some returns from the Air Show in Swansea Bay, this combined with my love of birds paid off!
Later down the Mumbles one got the see the Red Arrows in a better light as their display filled the bay!
Tuesday 26 June 2018
Norways Determination?
To be all electric Soon!
One nation is now so determined to go all electric within the next few years, will be the worlds first! It has started with a Lithium powered light aircraft and believes that within less than ten years world aviation will be on the brink of this new revolution?
This is not actually any longer far fetched since most vehicles can be converted, small shipping is in the progress and soon Diesel is to be defunct, so all other fossil fuels may be cut back seriously?
One has to wonder will there be any side effects of electricity such as static and other problems, that some people say that they suffer from living near overhead power lines? Will nature be effected by the vibration and static from electricity in our machines, such as shipping and aviation?
One nation is now so determined to go all electric within the next few years, will be the worlds first! It has started with a Lithium powered light aircraft and believes that within less than ten years world aviation will be on the brink of this new revolution?
This is not actually any longer far fetched since most vehicles can be converted, small shipping is in the progress and soon Diesel is to be defunct, so all other fossil fuels may be cut back seriously?
One has to wonder will there be any side effects of electricity such as static and other problems, that some people say that they suffer from living near overhead power lines? Will nature be effected by the vibration and static from electricity in our machines, such as shipping and aviation?
Tuesday 19 June 2018
'Thats another fine Mess?
Govia and the Great British rails muck-up!
Britain is suffering not only with rail union strikes, but also with the mess-up of a failed time-table on passenger routes and it not being thought out for freight also! Money will be lost if freight is delayed and one has to wonder about yesterdays incident at Loughborough Junction in SE-London in which three young men were killed by a freight train?
Many locomotive allocations are now in the wrong place and multiple-movements are to be seen across the network, one expects that Govia and Network rail with government help will get it right? The early trains for the cities are to short, causing packing and too much standing, while through the day they are long and empty!
Many other areas have lost their connections and a unwanted bus services have been implemented, while many people are either trying to get different shift hours or are just getting a taxi! It is not clear how this real mix-up is effecting engineering trains and the various works on the rails, which are both needed and essential to keep everything safe and moving?
Britain is suffering not only with rail union strikes, but also with the mess-up of a failed time-table on passenger routes and it not being thought out for freight also! Money will be lost if freight is delayed and one has to wonder about yesterdays incident at Loughborough Junction in SE-London in which three young men were killed by a freight train?
Many locomotive allocations are now in the wrong place and multiple-movements are to be seen across the network, one expects that Govia and Network rail with government help will get it right? The early trains for the cities are to short, causing packing and too much standing, while through the day they are long and empty!
Many other areas have lost their connections and a unwanted bus services have been implemented, while many people are either trying to get different shift hours or are just getting a taxi! It is not clear how this real mix-up is effecting engineering trains and the various works on the rails, which are both needed and essential to keep everything safe and moving?
Friday 15 June 2018
Submarine Drones.
With Advanced Technology?
Conventional submarines will still continue in design and operation for some time yet, but with the ever increasing speed of computer chip, Nano-chip technology one has to wonder what the future holds?
Currently most subs need to be manned, the human mind is still more advanced than the logical thinking of a man-made machine and tactics is still in the psyche of humanity to outwit the other side!
But just like aircraft and Space, the underwater world is starting to introduce drone technology to go where it is not safe to send humans and submarines! It is believed that many torpedoes in the future will be similar to the Reaper drones identifying target accusation on their own?
What we do not know is if the militaries of the world have as yet built underwater bases, and this might be a clue as to why civil investigation and research remains limited to the deeps of our Oceans and Seas?
Conventional submarines will still continue in design and operation for some time yet, but with the ever increasing speed of computer chip, Nano-chip technology one has to wonder what the future holds?
Currently most subs need to be manned, the human mind is still more advanced than the logical thinking of a man-made machine and tactics is still in the psyche of humanity to outwit the other side!
But just like aircraft and Space, the underwater world is starting to introduce drone technology to go where it is not safe to send humans and submarines! It is believed that many torpedoes in the future will be similar to the Reaper drones identifying target accusation on their own?
What we do not know is if the militaries of the world have as yet built underwater bases, and this might be a clue as to why civil investigation and research remains limited to the deeps of our Oceans and Seas?
Wales National Air Show 2018?
Prelude to it!
2018 promises to be something different with a tribute to the Royal Air forces 100th year and the end of World War-I (1914-18). Both German and British bi-planes historical aircraft of the 1918 period are to fly with many other new exhibits, such as the Catalina flying boat of World War-II?
Much of the same will be here again as last year in military equipment and aircraft, obviously my request was ignored since this event must be well planned ahead or the items are lacking due to operational and national security issues?
If the weather holds up it is expected to be another fantastic year for the everyone concerned, blue skies will produce some spectacular pictures and quality filming!
One would encourage everyone to have ago, even some of the basic digital cameras can still produce some not bad films and memories of the day?
2018 promises to be something different with a tribute to the Royal Air forces 100th year and the end of World War-I (1914-18). Both German and British bi-planes historical aircraft of the 1918 period are to fly with many other new exhibits, such as the Catalina flying boat of World War-II?
Much of the same will be here again as last year in military equipment and aircraft, obviously my request was ignored since this event must be well planned ahead or the items are lacking due to operational and national security issues?
If the weather holds up it is expected to be another fantastic year for the everyone concerned, blue skies will produce some spectacular pictures and quality filming!
One would encourage everyone to have ago, even some of the basic digital cameras can still produce some not bad films and memories of the day?
Tuesday 29 May 2018
Search and Rescue! Part-One.
Helicopters, Hovercraft, 4 X 4 vehicles, Lifeboats and Cutters?
Nearly every nation has a rescue service of some type and these are made up of the above mentioned and a few more items!
One of the new tools in searching for injured people and animals is the drone cameras, as technology moves on these may get larger to deal with severe wind gusts and have longer ranges especially over lakes and the sea?
When looking at this one can only take from the well organised and trained members of the RNLI and Coastguards operated across the British Isles.
The Augusta-Westland AW-139 and the Sikorsky S-92 are the mainstay helicopters of the Coastguard, but both Irish and British military helicopters may be called up in a national disaster such as flood rescue?
Nearly every nation has a rescue service of some type and these are made up of the above mentioned and a few more items!
One of the new tools in searching for injured people and animals is the drone cameras, as technology moves on these may get larger to deal with severe wind gusts and have longer ranges especially over lakes and the sea?
When looking at this one can only take from the well organised and trained members of the RNLI and Coastguards operated across the British Isles.
The Augusta-Westland AW-139 and the Sikorsky S-92 are the mainstay helicopters of the Coastguard, but both Irish and British military helicopters may be called up in a national disaster such as flood rescue?
Thursday 24 May 2018
The Elizabeth Line. Part-Two.
London's latest Underground Railway!
What ever you want to call it?
Cross rail is the latest venture to connect the capital of the U.K. from six directions and go under the centre of London! This is of course only the beginning of this venture which will make way for others as mentioned before?
The new fleet is to be based at Old Oak Common depot in west-London, but other depots too will be built at the six hubs! The current stock is new and state of the art, but the second generation is probably on the drawing board?
One does find the interior scheme a bit heavy, but time will tell what the public might like to see?
What ever you want to call it?
Cross rail is the latest venture to connect the capital of the U.K. from six directions and go under the centre of London! This is of course only the beginning of this venture which will make way for others as mentioned before?
The new fleet is to be based at Old Oak Common depot in west-London, but other depots too will be built at the six hubs! The current stock is new and state of the art, but the second generation is probably on the drawing board?
One does find the interior scheme a bit heavy, but time will tell what the public might like to see?
It is hoped that by 2020, this new line and a proposed (another) extension to Heathrow International will relieve the current crush on the whole transport system? But if you know London, you just have to have vision and keep spending the billions to keep up with more and more demand!
E190518.
Electric is the Future.
Prince Harry/Duke of Sussex has made a statement in relation to London's pollution issues in that cars of any vintage can be converted to electric! Currently Poland's lithium battery powered vehicles are coming on to the streets of the British capital and so are the proposed trains in the years to come!
We really need to wake up to what pollution in our cities are doing to public health, brain damage and many other breathing problems? What has been started needs to be developed and people need to start getting their motors converted with the new technology!
At this time there does not seem to be any side effects from electricity, but who knows perhaps in fifty years something like the effects of Diesel may be discovered? But we already know from electric trains, the Underground system and trams that they are cleaner and quieter which is a plus, plus, plus!
Prince Harry/Duke of Sussex has made a statement in relation to London's pollution issues in that cars of any vintage can be converted to electric! Currently Poland's lithium battery powered vehicles are coming on to the streets of the British capital and so are the proposed trains in the years to come!
We really need to wake up to what pollution in our cities are doing to public health, brain damage and many other breathing problems? What has been started needs to be developed and people need to start getting their motors converted with the new technology!
At this time there does not seem to be any side effects from electricity, but who knows perhaps in fifty years something like the effects of Diesel may be discovered? But we already know from electric trains, the Underground system and trams that they are cleaner and quieter which is a plus, plus, plus!
Tuesday 15 May 2018
Oil and Gas Platforms. Two.
Northern Passage.
Russia and the U.S. will in years to come prosper for the access to Oceans resources, despite the hypocritical lies of the British government who is ruining the U.K investment opportunities in Gas and oil support industries?
New ships are replacing rigs and many jobs will be lost in the ship building industries left in the U.K. but this is not the end? This one ship will have a sister, which will be much bigger and in years to come with trial and error or nations will build for their own needs and sea conditions?
The burning of fossil fuels will not end overnight, but pollution levels in our cities will be cut by the introduction of electric battery powered vehicles and now the possibility of suburban trains! But the power for the national grids of the world and industry will still need cheap electricity that perhaps those without Nuclear energy as yet cannot afford?
Ships are better than rigs being towed out, they if viable will be able to construct a platform on site and then introduce the infrastructure to support and pipe the fuel to conventional shipping! If nothing substantial is found money will be saved by marking the site with a buoy and then moving on to the next area!
Russia and the U.S. will in years to come prosper for the access to Oceans resources, despite the hypocritical lies of the British government who is ruining the U.K investment opportunities in Gas and oil support industries?
New ships are replacing rigs and many jobs will be lost in the ship building industries left in the U.K. but this is not the end? This one ship will have a sister, which will be much bigger and in years to come with trial and error or nations will build for their own needs and sea conditions?
The burning of fossil fuels will not end overnight, but pollution levels in our cities will be cut by the introduction of electric battery powered vehicles and now the possibility of suburban trains! But the power for the national grids of the world and industry will still need cheap electricity that perhaps those without Nuclear energy as yet cannot afford?
Ships are better than rigs being towed out, they if viable will be able to construct a platform on site and then introduce the infrastructure to support and pipe the fuel to conventional shipping! If nothing substantial is found money will be saved by marking the site with a buoy and then moving on to the next area!
Railways Infrustructure!
Investment well overdue?
Britain is seeing a revolution in its railways from newlines to stations and ticketing, but the older stock is still a problem to shift on as new trains are being introduced? Line re-building and repair is taking up valuable time and cutting in to shedual but it is hoped that there will be enough equipment purchased to cover the long term investments being now in place?
London despite much new ideas, Cross rail and extensions, new stock and planning, still is suffering from lack of investment! Brexit is not helping the economic climate and there is a lack of initiative by the London Mayors to ask for the money!
The other cities in the U.K. are pressing on with trams as the future, we can be critical that they should not have stopped but the new lines are far more versatile than what was in place before? The introduction of electric vehicles will be an ever needed factor in our future transport needs, cutting carbon emissions from fossil fuels now in the advent of the end of the Diesel engine!
Britain is seeing a revolution in its railways from newlines to stations and ticketing, but the older stock is still a problem to shift on as new trains are being introduced? Line re-building and repair is taking up valuable time and cutting in to shedual but it is hoped that there will be enough equipment purchased to cover the long term investments being now in place?
London despite much new ideas, Cross rail and extensions, new stock and planning, still is suffering from lack of investment! Brexit is not helping the economic climate and there is a lack of initiative by the London Mayors to ask for the money!
The other cities in the U.K. are pressing on with trams as the future, we can be critical that they should not have stopped but the new lines are far more versatile than what was in place before? The introduction of electric vehicles will be an ever needed factor in our future transport needs, cutting carbon emissions from fossil fuels now in the advent of the end of the Diesel engine!
Tuesday 1 May 2018
Spains Long-standing Military Industry! Part-One.
Casa aviation to ground Vehicles.
Not many people know much about Spain and their exhaustive arms industry, the Casa corporation with the famous CN-212 transport an the Avio-Jet are perhaps its most know fame?
But co-operation with Indonesia has been a success in producing the widely exported Casa-Nuranto CN-235 and its larger variant the 265 medium transport and maritime reconnaissance aircraft!
But there is much more to Spain's arms industry with a extensive shipbuilding and both arms and vehicle industries. Spain has always been a European power to be faced with since the 14th Century, with the Spanish Armada and colonial expansion into the Americas!
Not many people know much about Spain and their exhaustive arms industry, the Casa corporation with the famous CN-212 transport an the Avio-Jet are perhaps its most know fame?
But co-operation with Indonesia has been a success in producing the widely exported Casa-Nuranto CN-235 and its larger variant the 265 medium transport and maritime reconnaissance aircraft!
But there is much more to Spain's arms industry with a extensive shipbuilding and both arms and vehicle industries. Spain has always been a European power to be faced with since the 14th Century, with the Spanish Armada and colonial expansion into the Americas!
British Buying European?
Macron and the Super-State.
It would seem that Britain is doing the natural thing in buying European from both Airbus and Airbus helicopters, over that of the odd items from the United States?
The H135 and 145 are soon to enter service with the Helicopter Defence Flying School and more procurements of both the A400 Atlas transporter and A330 tankers are on the way, but the U.S. still has a look in with the F-35 V/STOL fighter, Boeing-Vertol Chinook transport helicopter and long awaited Boeing 737 maritime reconnaissance!
Not so much reported in the U.K. media, is the proposals by the French PM to create Europe as a super state, within his term! So much the better for Brexit, if we ever see the light of day of it?
It would seem that Britain is doing the natural thing in buying European from both Airbus and Airbus helicopters, over that of the odd items from the United States?
The H135 and 145 are soon to enter service with the Helicopter Defence Flying School and more procurements of both the A400 Atlas transporter and A330 tankers are on the way, but the U.S. still has a look in with the F-35 V/STOL fighter, Boeing-Vertol Chinook transport helicopter and long awaited Boeing 737 maritime reconnaissance!
Not so much reported in the U.K. media, is the proposals by the French PM to create Europe as a super state, within his term! So much the better for Brexit, if we ever see the light of day of it?
N.A.T.O. meets in Brussels, Belgium on the 11th-12th July for their summit, the Ukraine, Iran, Syria and N-Korea will some of the main issues! Others will be the continued ISIS/S threat, Piracy in the Arabian and Red Seas and things that may surprise us even more???
Tuesday 17 April 2018
Nations Gathering for War?
What we have not been Told!
Last Saturday the world held its breath as the U.S, and Europe attacked Syria with guided cruise missiles on three insignificant targets? But what we were not told in our media, was that many other nations to had their battleships in the Mediterranean ?
China has come to the support of Russia and Syria, with ships in the Red sea and Persian gulf some being diverted from anti-pirating work in the Arabian sea off Somalia and Yemen!
All these ships remain shadowing each other with submarines in all the mentioned above locations and showing us that things are not over yet?
May 14th is the next key day in the Middle-East, when the U.S. moves its embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem and recognises it on Israel's 70the anniversary?
The Palestinians and many Iranian/Syrian backed terrorists groups are planning a world-wide anti-American backlash!
This is a region of elusive victories, when you think you have it all wrapped up, it all just unravels before you back into more disaster? But since 9/11 and 7/7, with many other attacks around the world, everything has changed and we will have to just wait and see if World War-III is coming?
Last Saturday the world held its breath as the U.S, and Europe attacked Syria with guided cruise missiles on three insignificant targets? But what we were not told in our media, was that many other nations to had their battleships in the Mediterranean ?
China has come to the support of Russia and Syria, with ships in the Red sea and Persian gulf some being diverted from anti-pirating work in the Arabian sea off Somalia and Yemen!
All these ships remain shadowing each other with submarines in all the mentioned above locations and showing us that things are not over yet?
May 14th is the next key day in the Middle-East, when the U.S. moves its embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem and recognises it on Israel's 70the anniversary?
The Palestinians and many Iranian/Syrian backed terrorists groups are planning a world-wide anti-American backlash!
This is a region of elusive victories, when you think you have it all wrapped up, it all just unravels before you back into more disaster? But since 9/11 and 7/7, with many other attacks around the world, everything has changed and we will have to just wait and see if World War-III is coming?
Tuesday 10 April 2018
New Zealand Enters Space!
The first material Rocket?
New Zealand's aviation industry, yes they have one?
Has developed what it claims is the first bio rocket that will launch a payload into space and leave no debris! This new rocket is made of nylon materials and is tough enough to do the job of getting their first self launched communications satellite into space!
This will be an encouragement to many small nations that they can have their own and have no need of relying on others for the expensive work! Many nations have already expressed an interest in this system, but one does not know what the actual satellite is made from and what will be its fate on re-entry to our atmosphere?
There are many new concepts and claims being made about inter-Earth travel and that Space tourism may take-off within the next few years? This is because both Russia and China are considering to build a new MIR station, if the U.S abandon the International Space station for committing to a Moon base and expedition to Mars by 2030?
New Zealand's aviation industry, yes they have one?
Has developed what it claims is the first bio rocket that will launch a payload into space and leave no debris! This new rocket is made of nylon materials and is tough enough to do the job of getting their first self launched communications satellite into space!
This will be an encouragement to many small nations that they can have their own and have no need of relying on others for the expensive work! Many nations have already expressed an interest in this system, but one does not know what the actual satellite is made from and what will be its fate on re-entry to our atmosphere?
There are many new concepts and claims being made about inter-Earth travel and that Space tourism may take-off within the next few years? This is because both Russia and China are considering to build a new MIR station, if the U.S abandon the International Space station for committing to a Moon base and expedition to Mars by 2030?
Tuesday 3 April 2018
Component Suppliers.
Cannot do Without?
Technology and engineering rely on the supply of components from about nine groups or nations around the world to keep everything working, the U.S.A., Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, India, Brazil, Israel, Japan and the Republic of South-Africa.
Technology and engineering rely on the supply of components from about nine groups or nations around the world to keep everything working, the U.S.A., Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, India, Brazil, Israel, Japan and the Republic of South-Africa.
All supply what could be termed common components, but in many cases in their own right they are individual! Trains, automobiles, tanks, shipping, Space and aircraft are now not usually built or constructed in one place?
Some are moved or have to wait for other parts, many networks, airlines and road transport are owned by several companies, shareholders and nations?
Chip technology is a world-wide product being made for many nations and manufacturers from Israel, S-Korea and Japan! While India, China, Russia and the U.S.A. have developed their own systems in computing their is still breech of licence and copyright issues in many cases?
Tuesday 27 March 2018
The Elizabeth Line. Part-One,
Cross Rail.
This ambitious railway project is near completion, but it is already out of date due to the even higher demands on the rail, under and over ground for London! It is estimated that by 2040, even with all the planned extensions of existing lines this will still not meet the requirements for travel?
What is needed is business with vision as was the case in the 19thCentury, but perhaps if Brexit happens we will not get the proper allocation of E.U funding that is being combined now?
The Elizabeth line facilitates east to west travel, but the idea of a north to south is also being considered?
It is only with time that we will see all the pitfalls and good points of this new project, London has so much to offer with existing out of service lines that could be brought back into service and it has much potential if only the greedy could see a way forward instead of bickering?
This ambitious railway project is near completion, but it is already out of date due to the even higher demands on the rail, under and over ground for London! It is estimated that by 2040, even with all the planned extensions of existing lines this will still not meet the requirements for travel?
What is needed is business with vision as was the case in the 19thCentury, but perhaps if Brexit happens we will not get the proper allocation of E.U funding that is being combined now?
The Elizabeth line facilitates east to west travel, but the idea of a north to south is also being considered?
It is only with time that we will see all the pitfalls and good points of this new project, London has so much to offer with existing out of service lines that could be brought back into service and it has much potential if only the greedy could see a way forward instead of bickering?
Oil and Gas Platforms. Part-One.
Steel Islands to New types of Ships!
There is a massive change on the way in this area of sea work from the static rigs to a ship built like a catamaran to replace some of the test platforms! This is now one of the largest ships in the world and if proved to be a success we will see more of them built and put into service?
The rig or steel Island has been around for some time, these structures are in their own right floating vessels but they have to be towed from construction to the drill sites. There they are chained to the sea bottom, as in the Gulf of Mexico, North-Sea and the Persian Gulf!
These shallows are ideal for rigs and over the years many designs have come and gone with three to four legged ones being common, but their some with five legs. Four seems to be the best for stability, while these steel islands are more than just drilling platforms they are also accommodation blocks and are serviced by helicopters.
Over the years safety has been improved, after many serious fires in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. But the dangerous part of working on these today remains the journey to and from, with there being several fatalities because of bad weather, poor maintenance of machines?
There is a massive change on the way in this area of sea work from the static rigs to a ship built like a catamaran to replace some of the test platforms! This is now one of the largest ships in the world and if proved to be a success we will see more of them built and put into service?
The rig or steel Island has been around for some time, these structures are in their own right floating vessels but they have to be towed from construction to the drill sites. There they are chained to the sea bottom, as in the Gulf of Mexico, North-Sea and the Persian Gulf!
These shallows are ideal for rigs and over the years many designs have come and gone with three to four legged ones being common, but their some with five legs. Four seems to be the best for stability, while these steel islands are more than just drilling platforms they are also accommodation blocks and are serviced by helicopters.
Over the years safety has been improved, after many serious fires in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. But the dangerous part of working on these today remains the journey to and from, with there being several fatalities because of bad weather, poor maintenance of machines?
Thursday 15 March 2018
Russias New Toys!
Tested out on Us?
Spite may cost the lives of millions once more and another world war, if this nerve agent business is not ended with Russia?
Russia has some new toys it claimed last week and it has had to upgrade its weapon systems in light of the madness of both Donald Trump and Mrs. May's allegations?
There is still a lot going on in the world, Syria, Libya, N-Korea, and Afghanistan, the problems with Islamic terrorism have not gone away just because the media is not reporting much!
Britain has become obsessed with chemical weapons, but then last week it sold more shells to Saudi-Arabia to kill more people in Yemen!
The Russian federation boasts it has a sleeping drone torpedo and some new nuclear powered aerial drones, while it has upgraded all it Nuclear missiles and Soviet era technology. We know they have a new MBT, new Surface to air missiles they are selling to the Saudis and the Turks based on the BUC system.
Much of what we also know is that what we have seen in relation to the conflict in Syria, new aircraft, helicopters and ship launched missiles. But its now their capability to hit any where in the world that is worrying and also their claims they will defend N-Korea?
One has to wonder about China and what they could do, with all that licenced western technology against us?
Spite may cost the lives of millions once more and another world war, if this nerve agent business is not ended with Russia?
Russia has some new toys it claimed last week and it has had to upgrade its weapon systems in light of the madness of both Donald Trump and Mrs. May's allegations?
There is still a lot going on in the world, Syria, Libya, N-Korea, and Afghanistan, the problems with Islamic terrorism have not gone away just because the media is not reporting much!
Britain has become obsessed with chemical weapons, but then last week it sold more shells to Saudi-Arabia to kill more people in Yemen!
The Russian federation boasts it has a sleeping drone torpedo and some new nuclear powered aerial drones, while it has upgraded all it Nuclear missiles and Soviet era technology. We know they have a new MBT, new Surface to air missiles they are selling to the Saudis and the Turks based on the BUC system.
Much of what we also know is that what we have seen in relation to the conflict in Syria, new aircraft, helicopters and ship launched missiles. But its now their capability to hit any where in the world that is worrying and also their claims they will defend N-Korea?
One has to wonder about China and what they could do, with all that licenced western technology against us?
Tuesday 6 March 2018
Transport in Africa. Part-Two.
Adaption and Innovation!
We tend to think that the so called third world only gets the hand outs of our advanced world, but this is far from the truth! There are the cases of ex-colonial assistance, but many nations have opted to buy what they want from Japan as in the case of the Toyota pick-up.
It today is the most prevalent vehicle on the planet for its known versatility and operational capability, Land rover and the Mercedes Unimog follow quickly behind. Hino is perhaps one of the most common type of trucks that despite being of the late 60' early 70's era is still viable today as it was them?
Cost determines who has what, but with the possibility of mining and the discovery of fuels the wealth is pouring in to the coffers to be spent on the latest machinery from Volvo and many other expensive manufacturers.
Home grown manufacturing in South-Africa if it continues despite the new political situation will see a tremendous growth in supplying the continent with all types of machinery?
The formation of the African Union (UN) is a driving force behind the need for newer types of existing Atlas military equipment and also the various RSA BAE ground vehicles which not many know about outside!
We tend to think that the so called third world only gets the hand outs of our advanced world, but this is far from the truth! There are the cases of ex-colonial assistance, but many nations have opted to buy what they want from Japan as in the case of the Toyota pick-up.
It today is the most prevalent vehicle on the planet for its known versatility and operational capability, Land rover and the Mercedes Unimog follow quickly behind. Hino is perhaps one of the most common type of trucks that despite being of the late 60' early 70's era is still viable today as it was them?
Cost determines who has what, but with the possibility of mining and the discovery of fuels the wealth is pouring in to the coffers to be spent on the latest machinery from Volvo and many other expensive manufacturers.
Home grown manufacturing in South-Africa if it continues despite the new political situation will see a tremendous growth in supplying the continent with all types of machinery?
The formation of the African Union (UN) is a driving force behind the need for newer types of existing Atlas military equipment and also the various RSA BAE ground vehicles which not many know about outside!
Tuesday 27 February 2018
Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey!
Aviation Breakthrough?
The Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey is one of the most unstable flying machines to master today in aviation and yet it is now leading to many new ideas in relation to both the helicopter and the airliner coming together in one machine which will perhaps in the next one-hundred years change aviation for ever?
To have an aircraft to fly medium distances and then land like a hovering helicopter, would cut out the need for long runways and open the possibility of landing on individual pads per building? This is a short term goal, but it would not for some time replace long haul travel or freighter work and the need for large aircraft and long runways?
Today the United States have developed a newer and more stable version of this long time original, initially like the Osprey this version is for the military? But civil concepts and ideas are flowing of the design pages and so we may see a different sky scape in fifty years from now?
The Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey is one of the most unstable flying machines to master today in aviation and yet it is now leading to many new ideas in relation to both the helicopter and the airliner coming together in one machine which will perhaps in the next one-hundred years change aviation for ever?
To have an aircraft to fly medium distances and then land like a hovering helicopter, would cut out the need for long runways and open the possibility of landing on individual pads per building? This is a short term goal, but it would not for some time replace long haul travel or freighter work and the need for large aircraft and long runways?
Today the United States have developed a newer and more stable version of this long time original, initially like the Osprey this version is for the military? But civil concepts and ideas are flowing of the design pages and so we may see a different sky scape in fifty years from now?
Transport in Africa. Part-One.
Changing Continent?
Not much is thought about the continent of Africa, when it comes to transport it all seems backward? But this is far from the truth, in fact it is seeing some of the latest technology being tested before we might get it?
Republic South-Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Botswana are fast growing economies with the technology and industry to back them up and they are aiming higher than Europe in some areas? Solar power, Aviation, mechanical engineering, mining and automobiles as well as Space flight are on the cards for them to pursue in the next one-hundred years!
What is not much known about the continent is that is has a long space-race history with Europeans using facilities in Kenya and Nigeria and that RSA is one of the most advanced nations with an established Locomotive, military, vehicle and aviation industry!
China, Russia and the U.S. along with Europe and the U.K. have had a long history of supplying equipment, but it has been the Africans who have adapted everything to meet their own needs!
Not much is thought about the continent of Africa, when it comes to transport it all seems backward? But this is far from the truth, in fact it is seeing some of the latest technology being tested before we might get it?
Republic South-Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Botswana are fast growing economies with the technology and industry to back them up and they are aiming higher than Europe in some areas? Solar power, Aviation, mechanical engineering, mining and automobiles as well as Space flight are on the cards for them to pursue in the next one-hundred years!
What is not much known about the continent is that is has a long space-race history with Europeans using facilities in Kenya and Nigeria and that RSA is one of the most advanced nations with an established Locomotive, military, vehicle and aviation industry!
China, Russia and the U.S. along with Europe and the U.K. have had a long history of supplying equipment, but it has been the Africans who have adapted everything to meet their own needs!
Tuesday 6 February 2018
Commercial Space Flight?
How near is It!
Many like Branson have built and are testing their designs, but as to when will it really be safe to commercially fly into Space is a guess? There are several factors that are holding back inner Earth flight and it has nothing to do with current technology, but rather secret military spy plane missions and low orbiting intelligence satellites!
A collision by one or the other at this time is a very probable reality and the loss of life, would be a long term commercial disaster for Space tourism? So we have a long way to go in relation to getting up there, first the early tests on Space Bots are successful, but not all nations as yet will have access to these new types of Satellites?
Cost is another factor in limiting those who will be able to make this type of flight and it is not clear what emergency measures are in place if something went wrong? These new Space ships as yet do not seem to have a facility for an escape pod or life line in the event of a fire!
Many like Branson have built and are testing their designs, but as to when will it really be safe to commercially fly into Space is a guess? There are several factors that are holding back inner Earth flight and it has nothing to do with current technology, but rather secret military spy plane missions and low orbiting intelligence satellites!
A collision by one or the other at this time is a very probable reality and the loss of life, would be a long term commercial disaster for Space tourism? So we have a long way to go in relation to getting up there, first the early tests on Space Bots are successful, but not all nations as yet will have access to these new types of Satellites?
Cost is another factor in limiting those who will be able to make this type of flight and it is not clear what emergency measures are in place if something went wrong? These new Space ships as yet do not seem to have a facility for an escape pod or life line in the event of a fire!
Tuesday 30 January 2018
What is happening to our Railways?
Commonality of Stock?
The British government claims that by 2020 all old stock and the Diesel fleet will be gone forever, but is this the whole truth or just a claim? One does fear that our railway stock will become so similar as our aviation has in recent years, that all will be so boring and there will be a loss of interest to filming the same trains?
Much is promised as each year their continues to be a hike in the fares, Wi-Fi on all trains, new track and signalling, new card reading machines and improvements of various types? One has to wonder will some of these rail companies end up like Carillion and bankrupt the nation of many promised projects?
Electric battery powered trains will be one future, if they work and so we will have to wait and see? The other interesting thing is that some companies are introducing locomotive hauled trains again, they claim for training purposes but perhaps not all the new stock is really working as well as hoped!
The British government claims that by 2020 all old stock and the Diesel fleet will be gone forever, but is this the whole truth or just a claim? One does fear that our railway stock will become so similar as our aviation has in recent years, that all will be so boring and there will be a loss of interest to filming the same trains?
Much is promised as each year their continues to be a hike in the fares, Wi-Fi on all trains, new track and signalling, new card reading machines and improvements of various types? One has to wonder will some of these rail companies end up like Carillion and bankrupt the nation of many promised projects?
Electric battery powered trains will be one future, if they work and so we will have to wait and see? The other interesting thing is that some companies are introducing locomotive hauled trains again, they claim for training purposes but perhaps not all the new stock is really working as well as hoped!
Tuesday 23 January 2018
The future of the A380?
Limited production and what Alternatives?
It really big the Airbus A380-800 super jumbo and heavy, because of fuel needed for long haul operations! Air France, Qantas Australia, Singapore, Emerites, British Airways, Lufthansa and one two others make up the main customers for this type.
Some of the Gulf states one must say provide luxury than cannot be rivalled in the aviation industry or commercial flight, but this will not be enough to save this wonderful aircraft some alternative role must be found within the next six years to keep it in viable production?
The alternatives may be both the freighter version something huge for FedEx or UPS to get all those Amazon parcels around the world? The other is a military transport version, which would place it on a par with the Russian Antonov An-124 Ruslan and the U.S. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy?
It really big the Airbus A380-800 super jumbo and heavy, because of fuel needed for long haul operations! Air France, Qantas Australia, Singapore, Emerites, British Airways, Lufthansa and one two others make up the main customers for this type.
Some of the Gulf states one must say provide luxury than cannot be rivalled in the aviation industry or commercial flight, but this will not be enough to save this wonderful aircraft some alternative role must be found within the next six years to keep it in viable production?
The alternatives may be both the freighter version something huge for FedEx or UPS to get all those Amazon parcels around the world? The other is a military transport version, which would place it on a par with the Russian Antonov An-124 Ruslan and the U.S. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy?
The problem with the aviation industry today is that airlines want smaller or medium sized aircraft, while Boeing and Airbus continue to fight the market with their 787 Dreamliner series and respective A350-900 Extra-wide bodied models!
Tuesday 16 January 2018
New Kids on the Blocks?
F-22 and F-35.
The entry of the new U.S. fighter jets the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightening are a revolution in aircraft design and technology, but they have come at a cost with delays and many teething problems? It is not clear what these problems actually are, because of all the secrecy surrounding their potentiality?
But they are state of the art and with the ever increasing threats from Iran, and N-Korea, if not Russia and China who respectively have developed their own sophisticated fighter jets N.A.T.O. nations such as the British Royal Air Force are in need of this equipment!
The main factor is no longer speed in the new fighters, but manoeuvrability and not to be seen, much of this came from the development of the F-117 and B-2, who were invisible to radar.
The entry of the new U.S. fighter jets the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightening are a revolution in aircraft design and technology, but they have come at a cost with delays and many teething problems? It is not clear what these problems actually are, because of all the secrecy surrounding their potentiality?
But they are state of the art and with the ever increasing threats from Iran, and N-Korea, if not Russia and China who respectively have developed their own sophisticated fighter jets N.A.T.O. nations such as the British Royal Air Force are in need of this equipment!
The main factor is no longer speed in the new fighters, but manoeuvrability and not to be seen, much of this came from the development of the F-117 and B-2, who were invisible to radar.
Russia has its Sukhoi SU-35/50 fighters which are a match for the U.S., while China has developed its own stealth jet, of which little is really known about. These nations have a history of great design and capability.
Tuesday 9 January 2018
The Super Tanker!
Vulnerability at Sea?
This week we are seeing the results of an accident off Shanghai involving a Iranian Super Tanker carrying an extremely flammable fuel and a Chinese cargo ship! This incident occurred one-hundred and sixty miles from the Chinese coastline, but as yet the cost of the ecological damage is unknown?
Bulk carriers, container ships and Super tankers are now some of the largest vessels at sea, they are followed by the Aircraft carriers of the worlds powers and the giant cruise liners. All of them create hazards in the worlds shipping lanes because of their huge size, and the length it takes them to slow down!
The world has many busy straights, where shipping moves along in various lanes such as traffic on a motorway. They may be miles apart, but bad weather and trying to avoid or time other smaller vessels crossing your lane will from time to time be missed and a collision is likely?
There is no real way of controlling individuals who choose to flout the laws of the seas, monitoring unfortunately is becoming more electronic and less visual with the closing down of various Coast-guard stations and lighthouses/ships!
This week we are seeing the results of an accident off Shanghai involving a Iranian Super Tanker carrying an extremely flammable fuel and a Chinese cargo ship! This incident occurred one-hundred and sixty miles from the Chinese coastline, but as yet the cost of the ecological damage is unknown?
Bulk carriers, container ships and Super tankers are now some of the largest vessels at sea, they are followed by the Aircraft carriers of the worlds powers and the giant cruise liners. All of them create hazards in the worlds shipping lanes because of their huge size, and the length it takes them to slow down!
The world has many busy straights, where shipping moves along in various lanes such as traffic on a motorway. They may be miles apart, but bad weather and trying to avoid or time other smaller vessels crossing your lane will from time to time be missed and a collision is likely?
There is no real way of controlling individuals who choose to flout the laws of the seas, monitoring unfortunately is becoming more electronic and less visual with the closing down of various Coast-guard stations and lighthouses/ships!
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