The oil and gas rigs at sea are perhaps some of most impressive structures that the human mind has conceived. Many rigs are towed from construction/ship building yards to the point of drill work. But now dedicated ships have been built to perform this type of work off the coast of South-America (Brazil).
The future looks more interesting, if this type of vessel could replace the standard platforms. Meaning that during severe weather it could be moved?
Thursday 27 September 2012
Thursday 20 September 2012
Electric Trains.
Where are we going in the future?
What does the future hold for the electric train? Is it here to stay and will it just get faster and faster? France has its TVG, while Germany has ICE and the rest of Europe has a mixture of other high-speed stock. Today these trains are very comfortable to travel in, that is because of improved track work and the hydraulic systems employed.
But were do we go from know? Will these fast trains be replaced by the mono-rail of science-fiction or levitation trains, that do not even need rails to run on.
The environmental issues will probably dictate the future use over long distances?
What does the future hold for the electric train? Is it here to stay and will it just get faster and faster? France has its TVG, while Germany has ICE and the rest of Europe has a mixture of other high-speed stock. Today these trains are very comfortable to travel in, that is because of improved track work and the hydraulic systems employed.
But were do we go from know? Will these fast trains be replaced by the mono-rail of science-fiction or levitation trains, that do not even need rails to run on.
The environmental issues will probably dictate the future use over long distances?
Thursday 13 September 2012
Gyro-Planes. Part-Two.
One of the first gyro-plane designs was the German Focke-Achgelis Fa 330 (water wagtail). It looked more like a helicopter kite, than a gyro. but it did the same job. A modern version of this is the micro-light Brock KB-2 operating in the U.S. for a $1000 dollars.
The gyro platform is one of the cheapest ways of enjoying both hover and movement in an aircraft. Police and survey work of several kinds can be achieved. But to go beyond, one needs the Beagle-Wallis, which can be armed with a light machine gun and rockets pods.
The gyro platform is one of the cheapest ways of enjoying both hover and movement in an aircraft. Police and survey work of several kinds can be achieved. But to go beyond, one needs the Beagle-Wallis, which can be armed with a light machine gun and rockets pods.
Friday 7 September 2012
Gyro-Planes. Part-One.
The Gyro-plane is one of the most interesting type of aircraft ever invented in the aviation world. It was the Beagle-Wallis WA-116 type that featured in one of the 007 James Bond movies (written by Ian Fleming).
Around the late 1950's and into the early 60's these aircraft were popular and several designs were flying such as the U.S. Umbagh H-18, 2-seater, the Canadian Avian 2/180, 2/3-seat, the Benson copter and the largest being the British Westland Rotodyne V/STOL 40-seater.
These aircraft combine a helicopter rotor and a rear propeller, giving them speed and manoeuvrability on the slower level that a conventional helicopter or aircraft.
Varied uses can be found for them, both civil and military.
Around the late 1950's and into the early 60's these aircraft were popular and several designs were flying such as the U.S. Umbagh H-18, 2-seater, the Canadian Avian 2/180, 2/3-seat, the Benson copter and the largest being the British Westland Rotodyne V/STOL 40-seater.
These aircraft combine a helicopter rotor and a rear propeller, giving them speed and manoeuvrability on the slower level that a conventional helicopter or aircraft.
Varied uses can be found for them, both civil and military.
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