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New Technology

29 Jul 2019

Image Credit: Airbus

Animals have long-inspired innovative engineering designs as they’ve evolved perfectly, as nature intended. This provides the ideal solution to environmental challenges, something European manufacturer, Airbus, hopes to achieve as they revealed a brand new concept hybrid-electric aircraft.

Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade, unveiled the “Bird of Prey” concept at the Royal International Air Tattoo air show last month. At first glance, it is evident that this new hybrid-electric aircraft got its inspiration eagles, hawks and other aerial predators. Airbus revealed this new concept aircraft with the intention of inspiring the next-generation of aeronautical engineers.

18 Jul 2019

Considering the rapid advancements in technology, it’s easy to forget some of the revolutionary inventions of the 20th century. Some of these inventions have resulted in products or services we take for granted today.

Many emerging technologies can be attributed to one, or several, earlier inventions. A prime example of an obsolete technology that has transformed the modern world is cathode ray tube monitors. While it was prominent in earlier years, they were quickly replaced when LCD and plasma screens were invented.

28 Jun 2019

Aviation connects the world by continuously transporting people and goods across the globe in no time at all. While it may appear efficient, climate change has become a clear topic of debate in society due to a concern over plane emissions.

Large manufacturers in aerospace and aviation are investing more in sustainability as emission targets are increasing. A bold move by Rolls-Royce buying the electric aerospace arm of Siemens clearly shows this intent. In fact, this acquisition could speed up electrification in the aviation sector.

5 Jun 2019

Image credit: Alaka’i

A flying taxi is once again taking centre stage as Alaka’i Technologies have developed the Skai prototype. It is a hydrogen-powered eVTOL flying taxi with an impressive 400-mile range that can comfortably seat five passengers. What’s more is that they are actually in the process of getting FAA certification which means it could be in our skies sooner than we think.

17 May 2019

Img credit: Faradair

Considered as the world’s first real hybrid airplane, the Faradair BEHA (Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft) is a “triple box-wing design concept”. It’s a clever combination of electric motors and a bio-diesel engine fitted with several energy saving and recovery technologies. This includes solar panels on all flight surfaces and high-lift, low-speed flight capabilities.

The concept was first realised back in 2014 when UK firm, Faradair, proposed a Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft (BEHA). They have now announced that their plans are in place for a small BEHA airliner. The hybrid aircraft could be ready to take flight in 2025 as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly airplanes.

9 May 2019
24 Apr 2019

Over the next few decades, the world’s energy landscape as we know it will change dramatically. One decisive change is the ever-growing demand for power which brings about the need for new and better energy innovations.

Wherever there is an increase in access to reliable and affordable energy, people want to enjoy a higher standard of living. While that is certainly a good thing, at the same time, many of the world’s population lack access to even the most basic energy services.

17 Apr 2019

For some time now, many industries have taken to Augmented Reality (AR), or at least, thought about the technology. And why not as the AR market is expected to reach $60,55 billion by 2023 as more tech giants are linked to investments pushing the growth. Some of the major players involved in Augmented Reality investments and acquisitions include Google, Apple, Facebook, Samsung and Intel.

Augmented Reality is also known as spatial computing which is rapidly growing and expanding into several business and industrial applications. Spatial computing is a broad term used to describe how humans interact with computers in the same surroundings. This means that an Augmented Reality system makes it feel as if digital media is physically present thanks to interactive design and gesture.

20 Mar 2019

Image Credit: Austel

When we look at modern naval vessels, the larger and more glamorous ships generally take centre stage including the massive aircraft carriers and the ever-dangerous nuclear submarines. However, if it weren’t for frigates, these super ships would be unable to safely take on the open oceans.

Frigates are also called the “eyes of the fleet” and serve as multi-purposed warships. Their size is essentially in-between a smaller corvette and a larger destroyer where they act independently of the fleet and can free up larger ships in medium-threat areas.

While frigates weren’t suitable to fight with the rest of the fleet in normal battles, they were the perfect solution to long-range solo missions. This included exploration, patrols, escorts, blockades, anti-piracy and anti-slavery missions among others.

26 Feb 2019

Image Credit: Rolls-Royce

The UK Government, with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, has awarded Rolls-Royce Submarines with a £235m contract to support nuclear propulsion systems for the Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines. They have also revealed the name of the third Dreadnought submarine that will add to their already powerful naval defence. It is called HMS Warspite in memory of the last ‘great ship’ built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

As the contract stipulates, Rolls-Royce will deliver the required support, advice and materials to ensure the safety of the propulsion systems. The multi-million-pound deal relates to the current Trafalgar, Vanguard and Astute class submarine fleet until 2022. The contract will also help sustain approximately 500 jobs in the UK mainly in Derby, HMNB Clyde and HMNB Devonport.

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