Articles tagged with Aircraft
Researchers at MIT and NASA have developed a new morphing wing architecture that could greatly simplify the manufacturing process and reduce fuel consumption. The wing's shape can be changed and twisted uniformly along its length by activating two small motors, allowing for improved agility and aerodynamics.
Research by RMIT University and others found technical problems caused 64% of drone accidents, prompting calls for improved airworthiness requirements and mandatory accident reporting. The study highlights the need for robust communications systems to prevent accidents in the rapidly growing drone industry.
Scientists from the University of Warsaw have demonstrated that turbulence can be detected using existing navigation data, which could allow pilots to avoid turbulence and forecast its occurrences. The new method uses flight parameters broadcast by commercial aircraft and has shown accuracy of only 20 km.
A new study suggests that a sonic net around airfields can prevent collisions between birds and aircraft, reducing the number of birds in the area by 80%. The noise levels emitted are equivalent to those of a conversation in a busy restaurant, deterring bird species at high risk of strike such as starlings.
Scientists have developed a liquid-like substance called self-lubricating organogels (SLUGs) that can make wings and surfaces so slippery that ice cannot adhere. The SLUGs technology has potential applications beyond aircraft, including antifouling coatings in packaging, paints, and more.
Researchers use satellite data to quantify cloud base updraft speeds and aerosol particles' ability to create cloud droplets, providing critical information for understanding climate change. The study aims to reduce the uncertainty around global warming estimates by 1.5 to 4.5 degrees by the end of the 21st century.
Researchers found that airlines focus on near misses linked to past accidents, but overlook those that haven't yet caused an incident. Airlines can improve by expanding data collection and vigilance towards deviations from normal procedures.
Researchers at MIT have developed a queuing model that predicts taxiing time, allowing air traffic controllers to direct departures more efficiently. The model led to significant fuel savings in tests at various US airports, with each gate-held aircraft saving 16-20 gallons of fuel.
A Dartmouth-MIT study finds that the DOT rule significantly increases passenger delays due to increased flight cancellations, despite reducing long tarmac delays.
Researchers create novel VTD mechanism for conventional propeller engine UAVs, allowing redirection of thrust to improve maneuverability. The proposed technique demonstrates improved performance in plateau missions with enhanced stability and control.
A UCL-led team used sophisticated imaging to track the degradation of disposable Lithium batteries in real-time, revealing internal structural damage that affects performance. The study provides valuable insights for manufacturers to predict battery performance and optimize material design.
NCAR will develop a revolutionary forecasting system to predict wildland fire behavior in Colorado, capturing critical feedbacks between fires and local weather. The system will provide unprecedented detail about interactions between weather and fire, helping firefighters and the public.
A new approach calculates an objective probability of treatment effectiveness, potentially revealing up to 20% of older treatments were mistakenly labelled as ineffective. Researchers may be dismissing treatments with small degrees of effectiveness due to flawed evaluation methods.
Hurricane Patricia intensified rapidly off Mexico's southwestern coast, breaking records for the strongest Eastern North Pacific hurricane. NASA satellites and instruments tracked its rapid intensification, revealing frigid cloud top temperatures that enabled heavy rainfall.
NASA imagery suggests Hurricane Joaquin's strongest winds are in the north and northwestern quadrants, stronger than 36 meters per second. The hurricane is currently a category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph.
Carnegie Mellon University has established an analytics lab with Boeing to develop AI-powered solutions for aerospace data. The lab aims to capitalize on the vast amounts of data generated in aircraft design, construction, and operation, enabling safer, more reliable, and efficient aircraft operations.
A new article in the New England Journal of Medicine offers life-saving guidance on handling mid-air medical emergencies. Healthcare providers are urged to plan ahead, using good judgment to protect themselves and others.
Danny degenerated into an elongated area of low pressure near the Windward Islands, producing 2-4 inches of rain over several islands. A second low-pressure system is developing in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, with potential for tropical depression or storm formation
Researchers analyzed toilet waste from international flights to identify disease-causing microorganisms and resistance genes. The study found geographical differences in resistance genes and microorganism prevalence, highlighting the potential for airports as global surveillance sites.
A team of University of Miami researchers conducted an airborne experiment on low-lying clouds in the Pacific Ocean to better understand their effects on global climate. The project uses advanced technologies like Doppler cloud radar and aerosol lidar to study cloud structure, aerosols, and precipitation.
A Northwestern University team has confirmed a new way to help the airline industry save dollars while also saving the environment. By manufacturing aircraft's metal parts with 3-D printing, airlines could save a significant amount of fuel, materials, and other resources.
Research found a strong association between road traffic noise and increased waist size and waist:hip ratio, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. The study also suggested that cumulative exposure to multiple sources of noise pollution may pose the greatest risk.
A tropical disturbance in the North Atlantic is gaining definition with increasing thunderstorm activity, posing a threat to southeastern US coastlines. Heavy rains are forecasted over the region within the next several days.
A new mathematical tool calculates turbulent air flow produced by plane wing tips, aiding in improved takeoff procedures and reduced delays. The study aims to establish strict separation standards for different aircraft sizes, enhancing aviation safety.
The LOCUST program demonstrates autonomous collaborative behavior in defensive or offensive missions using information-sharing between UAVs. The technology enables swarms of compact UAVs to take off from various platforms, providing a cost-effective and reduced-risk combat power multiplication.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and Hungarian Academy of Sciences develop a way to map 'reed die-back' using satellite and aircraft monitoring systems. They found several indices related to the ecological status of reed plants, which can be mapped from specific wavelengths of radiation.
Researchers have developed a highly accurate airborne hygrometer, HAI, which simultaneously measures the amount of water present in the atmosphere as vapour, condensation, droplets, or ice. The device provides precise data on natural and anthropogenic cloud formation processes and their influence on climate development.
The HS3 mission investigated the processes underlying hurricane formation and intensity change in the Atlantic Ocean basin. The study focused on four tropical cyclones: Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, and Gonzalo. Data collected by NASA's Global Hawk aircraft revealed strong winds and dry air shifts near Hurricane Cristobal's center.
Researchers found significant safety flaws in popular flight tracking systems, including firmware manipulation and tampering with real-time information. The team recommends securing communication, pairing devices properly, signing firmware updates, and using HTTPS or digitally signed data.
Birds use collapsible wing tucks to respond to turbulent air masses, reducing lift and minimizing jolting. Researchers found that this technique could potentially be used in micro air vehicles to maintain stability in windy conditions.
The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite captured an unusual compact eyewall in Hurricane Simon, which later intensified rapidly. The satellite's radar detected a powerful convective cell with unusually high radar-reflectivity signals.
Researchers developed a nonlinear acoustic technique to detect damage previously invisible to acoustic imaging systems. This breakthrough enables intervention before cracks form and predicts the remaining life of engineering structures.
The NASA HS3 mission is studying the changing profile of the atmosphere to learn more about how hurricanes form and strengthen. The CPL instrument provides a two-dimensional picture of cloud and aerosols, allowing scientists to discriminate between different types of particles and improve hurricane models.
NASA's HS3 hurricane mission and Terra satellite captured detailed data on Tropical Storm Dolly before it made landfall in eastern Mexico. The data revealed Dolly's strongest thunderstorms were around its center of circulation, indicating a more organized storm than Norbert.
NASA's HS3 mission investigates hurricane formation and intensity change using two unmanned Global Hawks, analyzing data on winds, temperature, pressure, and humidity. The mission aims to examine conditions that favor rapid intensification of tropical cyclones.
New research by the University of Southampton suggests that air traffic growth rates will surpass carbon reduction efforts unless demand is substantially reduced. To achieve emission reductions, ticket prices must rise by at least 1.4% annually.
A major field project on the northern Front Range of Colorado will provide needed information to officials seeking to ensure healthy air. The study, FRAPPÉ, uses specially equipped aircraft, networks of ground-based instruments, and sophisticated computer simulations to track summertime ozone pollution.
Researchers found that aircraft can contribute less to global warming by flying routes that avoid forming distinctive condensation trails, or contrails. By doing so, they emit more carbon dioxide but may have a smaller overall climate impact due to the cooling effect of contrails.
NASA is expanding its research on hurricanes and tropical storms with the HS3 mission, using unmanned aircraft and space-based instruments to investigate processes underlying hurricane formation and intensity. The mission aims to determine the effect of the Saharan Air Layer on storm formation and intensification.
NASA's Operation IceBridge concludes its 11-week Arctic field campaign, collecting data on rapidly changing areas of sea and land ice. The mission released two new sea ice data products and provided a professional development opportunity for science teachers.
Researchers at NC State University created modified cockpit displays that significantly improved pilot response times in avoiding crashes. The new system highlighted planes with higher risk of collision, reducing errors and saving lives.
Researchers successfully tested a compact radar system on a small Unmanned Aircraft System to map glacial topography beneath rapidly moving glaciers. The technology promises to make high-resolution ice measurements more accessible to the research community.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Air Force reservists who flew in dioxin-contaminated aircraft after the Vietnam War were exposed to higher levels of dioxin than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the current position held by the Air Force and VA.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a world-first onboard system that enables unmanned aircraft to detect other aircraft using vision while in flight. The system provided real-time warnings back to the ground control station, resulting in a successful collision avoidance manoeuvre. The technology has the p...
The state of Virginia has awarded $2.6 million to operate an unmanned aircraft systems test site, led by Virginia Tech and Rutgers University. The partnership aims to develop autonomous technology with significant economic impact, including 180-860 jobs and $45-164 million in economic activity.
NASA's Operation IceBridge is conducting a daily survey flight through Nov. 26, collecting data on Antarctic land and sea ice. The mission aims to track changes in polar ice, including the Siple Coast and Ross Sea areas.
Researchers have developed a novel plasma actuator with serpentine geometry that can manipulate fluid flows in new ways. Early results suggest this technology could improve transportation efficiencies by reducing drag, noise, and fuel costs.
Research found a possible link between high levels of aircraft noise and increased risk of heart disease and stroke, with risks around 10-20% higher in areas with highest levels of noise. The study controlled for other factors such as social deprivation and air pollution.
Two studies published in BMJ Group found a significant association between aircraft noise exposure and cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research suggests that even low levels of daytime and night-time aircraft noise can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds that living close to an airport increases the risk of cardiovascular hospital admissions among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 6 million participants and found that aircraft noise was associated with a 3.5% higher hospital admission rate for cardiovascular disease.
Tropical Storm Humberto re-formed over two days, with significant changes observed in rainfall patterns by NASA's TRMM satellite. The HS3 mission uses Global Hawk aircraft to investigate storm processes and gather data on the environment of the storm.
Tropical Storm Humberto regained strength after weakening to a remnant low pressure area due to wind shear. NASA's Global Hawk Aircraft gathered data on the environment of the storm, with findings to be analyzed as part of the HS3 hurricane mission.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected powerful thunderstorms with cloud-top temperatures of -63F/-52C, indicating strong uplift and potential for heavy rainfall. The Global Hawk unmanned aircraft is gathering data on the storm, which is expected to pass over or near Bermuda, producing rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches and a storm surge of 2-3 feet.
Data from NASA's Global Hawk aircraft assisted forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in analyzing Tropical Storm Gabrielle. The system showed a tilted structure with southerly to southwesterly vertical shear, and dry air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere.
A new study reveals that Pacific flights create the most amount of ozone, with the highest sensitivity in an area east of the Solomon Islands. Flights leaving and entering Australia and New Zealand result in the largest ozone production, with some flights producing up to 25,300 kg of ozone.
The Rim Fire has burned over 40,000 acres within Yosemite National Park, destroying at least 111 structures. Firefighters are optimistic that containment can be achieved by September 20, 2013, with the rate of spread slowing in recent days.
The Rim Fire in California has burned over 192,000 acres, with 30% containment achieved through aircraft and water/chemical dumping. Large burnout operations are planned for the southeastern edge of the fire in Yosemite National Park, hampered by remote terrain and extreme fire behavior.
NASA's Operation IceBridge will now operate from McMurdo Station in Antarctica, expanding its reach and measuring previously inaccessible areas. The new setup aims to improve knowledge of the continent's ice mass balance.
A study finds that seasonal carbon dioxide variations have substantially changed during the last 50 years, with a 50% increase in high latitude regions. This is due to increased carbon emissions from fossil fuels and land-based ecosystems taking deeper breaths.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that most medical emergencies on flights are well-treated by passengers and flight attendants, with physicians providing guidance via FAA-required emergency medical kit. In nearly half of calls, physician passengers provided medical assistance, while nurses and EMTs helped in another 28 percent.