Boeings Airborne Laser (ABL) will locate and track missiles in the boost phase of their flight, then accurately point and fire the high-energy laser, destroying enemy missiles near their launch areas.

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In a study that would make Willy Wonka proud, an engineer from the University of Hertfordshire demonstrated on BBC1’s Bang Goes the Theory that a rocket-powered bicycle fueled with a mixture of toffee and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) could reach speeds up to 30mph. [St. Alban’s Review]

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Tags: Aerospace, And Now, Energy, Environment

Have you ever been stuck in traffic and wished that your car could just take to the skies?

In 2011, the Transition may make it happen. It’s a drivable aircraft currently being developed by the company Terrafugia.

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Filed under: Aerospace, Civil, e-News, Transportation | 3 Comments »

Tags: Aerospace, Aviation, Cars, Civil, Mechanical, Transportation

In 2007, Barrington Irving became the first African-American to fly a plane around the world solo — and also, at 23, reportedly the youngest.

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Tags: Aerospace, Transportation

Ancient Olympians saw no need for clothes, but today, sports apparel is an important part of athletes’ performance. Maybe too much so, some say.

In February 2008, Speedo released a new racing suit that caused an uproar in the world of swimming. The LZR racer, worn by 23 world-record-breaking athletes in the Beijing Olympics, was developed with the help of NASA scientists. It is designed not only to reduce drag but also to align a swimmer’s body into the most hydrodynamic position. Researchers at Speedo used computational fluid dynamics – a branch of mechanics that uses mathematics to model the flow of water and other fluids – to engineer the suit. Results were amazing. But the LZR boosted pool performances to such an extent that officials began to question its legality.

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Tags: Aerospace, Sports, Technology