The Biz Jets. Part-Two.

Enter the Jet Age.

With the end of World-War II (1939-45), the development of the jet engine was going to change aviation for ever. It was the United States of America, Britain, France and the Soviet Union that were going to lead the way in fighter jet development, but this also lead to jet airliners such as the De Havilland Comet and Sud-Est S.E.210 Caravelle.

The very rich stilt wanted to enjoy the flying experiences of the years prior to the second world war and the comfort and private factor. It was the Americans who where the first to cotton on to this market, with the Lockheed (C-140) Jetstar and the North American T-39 Sabreliner. 

A private jet was for 4 to 20 people, but most have since favoured 4, 8 and 12 seats.

France had developed a 4 seat touring version of its two seat military trainer the Morane-Saulnier M.S.760 Paris, which could be said to be the first private jet in 1956.

The Biz Jets. Part-One.

Business.

From almost day one in aviation the idea of the business plane was born, for the business man to get from A to B without the bother of being with other people. Early flight was initially either for the very rich or for military uses, it was not until the 1920's that new types of aircraft allowed for longer and longer distances to travel.

From cross Channel to Continental flight, some business people preferred travel with the post rather Handley-Page types than mixing and this continues today. Early aircraft were limited, but during World-War-II )1939-45) this type of travel came to the fore. British PM Mr. Winston Churchill prop-seated in a Douglas  DC-3/C-47 around the world negotiating an effective alliance against Adolf Hitler. The U.S and Soviet Russia followed.

Alternative Concepts.

Why replace the Bicycle?

Do you ever watch those science and tech programmes on you Televisions, ipads, computers and Sat-TV, that show some silly alternatives to the Bicyle?

I have come to the conclusion, that many of these new high-tech inventions could cause one more serious harm to our bodies than improve our health. Many of these alternatives have come to the fore, to encourage us to try and excercise. But then why don't you just get a bike, or a dog and go for a walk!

If we want to be serious then to start with a saddle is perhaps the best idea, from there we can develop a lighter machine. The fold up is perhaps the greatest invention for the bike, then comes those ultra-light racing bikes. But still it retains its basic shape, my challenge to you out there 'great inventors is to improve what you have, while retaining the flexability of what you have.

It will only be time, that will show us what we can do with two wheels, to make it 3-4 or more, but remain a human powered vehicle?

The Mini Bus.

People movers.

Humanity has taken full advantage of the Automobile concept and has developed it in many ways. The 'Chara bang has lead to the coach for touring and long distant driving, while the bus is more of a suburban beast. Enabled to stop and start at short distant stops, wither single or double deckers.

It was in the 1960' and 70's that the concept of the mini-bus was introduced into the U.K by a van conversion with seating, but it was to be the Ford Transit van that epitomised this form of travel until the Japanese entered the market with even smaller van alternatives.

Today the people carrier and SUV has attempted to replace the mini van by offering seven seats in to the realm of the family car, but the small bus seating between 12-22 remains a very viable form of moving people in the back streets of your towns and the country side.

Speed here is not an essential factor, but rather the turning circle of the size and ability to manoeuvre in small spaces.

Hiace, Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, Ford, Volks Wagen and many others form the mains suppliers world-wide.