In this episode of the Engineering Update:
The Navy’s robo-tuna
The Navy is experimenting with a 4-foot long unmanned undersea vehicle designed to blend in with marine life and perform military functions. This so-called “biometric” autonomous vehicle not only looks like a fish, but swims like one as well. The “robo-tuna” doesn’t rely on traditional means of propulsion like propellers or jets, but it actually swims by flipping its tail.
Next generation military helicopter
With an aging fleet of helicopters and an increasingly restricted ability to upgrade old machines, the us government is looking to award a 100 billion dollar contract to the designer of the next generation of military helicopter. In addition to competitors like Sikorsky and Bell helicopter, AVX aircraft is offering a helicopter they claim will be able to reach speeds of 270 mph.
The TSA’s new boarding rules
Passengers at certain overseas airports with US-bound flights will have to contend with a new TSA regulation — passengers flying out of these unnamed hubs will be forced to turn on certain electronic devices, like cell phones, to prove they’re real and not a threat to the plane. If the device doesn’t turn on, it won’t be allowed aboard, and the passenger will presumably be hustled off for questioning.
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense