Controversy over Lithium Extraction!

 Some alternatives to Lithium are being trialed?

But the mining of this dangerous material, which has much safety coverage in Europe has not in Africa and nothing is being done to improve the situation by governments, but rather counting the big bucks that they are pulling in for their own benefits!

For now this is the cheapest alternative for Electric powered vehicles, but nations in Europe are adopting Hydrogen and other wind sails to end the need for Lithium production and exploitation?

But Lithium and Cadium are still needed for Mobile Phones and computer chips and is extensive in the space industry, so what appears to be humanitarian may not be so much true as many want others to think!

Road Trains. Part-Four.

Africa.

The Continent of Africa today cannot do without the truck, because it has given up much on its one time colonisers railways. Expense to maintain and get parts was one problem for many of the lesser developed nations, while on the other they just did not have the ability to maintain tracks and signals.

So the truck has become the new transport and in many parts there are seasonal convoys, which get bogged down by mud. But the Africans have on great advantage over many other nations, in that no problem cannot be solved. They are extremely resourceful in finding away out of a problem. 

This is because they have to keep those vital links open and keep the goods that are essential moving back and forth. The Iveco truck is one of the most favoured for the variety of roles, there are also many Soviet and Chinese vehicles. Nearly every other vehicle is a Toyota and perhaps the odd civil Landrovers.

High Speed Trains. Part-Two.

The Future for Every Nation?

It would seem to be the most popular idea today that every nation should have their own version of the well known and established high speed trains, but is this really possible? 

Larger countries have the space and the need for this type of travel, because their remain many people with a fear of flying that demand ground speed and comforts.

But some countries do not have the ability or the present need for such systems and perhaps never will have either? The Channel Tunnel between Great Britain has demanded that the European network be extended into HS2, thus connection Scotland and Wales with European cities. Similar projects have worked for Denmark and Sweden, but at this time both Turkey and Ireland, Iceland and Finland are exempt from being connected.

Many nations have done their own things and are perhaps behind in speed, rather than length of track age and perhaps see no need for anything further at the moment. 

Freight perhaps will benefit from high speed, over the vast inland areas of Africa, Asia, Australia and the American continents, but they will not be replacing cargo shipping.

Road Trains. Part-Two.

Problems.

The problems with road traffic is the quality of the roads, from Highways to dirt tracks. This is what limits the use of heavy haulage traffic who need to keep on the smooth, rather than getting stuck on broken ground. 

Russia, China, America, Brazil and many other better developed nations can take advantage of this type of long distant haulage and there are many new concepts coming on the the commercial market. The moving of machinery is the main need for some road trains, but it can be animals and general goods that would be cheaper than flying or sailing them in?

The one disadvantage seems to be the side moving bus development is still not available to heavy haulage and would be of benefit to expand into countries with worse road conditions?

Air Frieghters. Part-Three.

Enter the Jet Age.

The 1950's was the start of real cargo flying, this was for two reasons the first being that aircraft were now much larger and second the Jet age had began.

Many World War-II aircraft continued to be in demand such as the C-47/C-46 and there civil versions DC-3/4. Many were to find their way to the outback and remote location workings in Australia, Canada, Africa and South-Central Americas.

From the outset of the British Comet, French Caravelle and early Boeing and McDonnell-Douglas aircraft cargo could now be moved much faster on trans-ocean crossings. Meat, flowers and medical goods were able to arrive fresh in the same 24-hour period.

Air Ambulance.Part-One.

Helicopters verses Aircraft.

Which is better? 

Both, because one helicopters can recuse/land from/in confined spaces. Aircraft can travel long distances. The Air Ambulance is one of the best invention adaptions in aviation history. From city copters to out back bush flying doctors, a whole host of machine types are employed. Light is perhaps a key essential here in this vital role, while pilot skill is another.

Nearly every nation now employs some form of aircraft to do this role, civil and military. The Cessna generations have proved invaluable in remote areas in Australia, Africa and Equatorial jungle. While the European EC-135/145 Helicopters are the most popular in Air Ambulance roles.

The U.S Sikorsky AH/UH/S-60 and the Russian Mil Mi-17 and derivatives possibly cover all other areas.