Articles tagged with Aircraft
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.
The HS3 mission will investigate hurricane formation and intensity change in the Atlantic Ocean basin using two unmanned Global Hawk aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with advanced instruments to measure eyewall and rainband winds, precipitation, and atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles.
The HS3 mission will explore tropical cyclones of Cape Verde origins, including Hurricane Nadine in 2012. Researchers hope to obtain a more complete data set to better understand hurricane formation and intensity changes.
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.
Scientists at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a physics-based model to calculate radiation doses from intense gamma-ray bursts in thunderstorms. The model suggests that these bursts, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, emit high-energy particles that can pose a radiation hazard to airplane passengers.
Scientists have transmitted a secure quantum code via satellite, promising secure global communication. The experiment uses quantum states of single light quanta, making data transmission virtually un-hackable.
A Concordia University study found that Canadian aerospace companies can adapt to the global pace by adopting a smaller-is-better approach and focusing on integrated low-cost differentiation strategies. The research suggests that companies should develop marketing plans to convince large global companies of the benefits of working with...
A new laser hygrometer has been proven suitable as a transfer standard for atmospheric water vapor measurements, improving the accuracy of weather and climate models. The SEALDH system has demonstrated excellent performance in field conditions, with a detection limit in the ppm range and an ability to work autonomously.
A robotic laser system developed by Carnegie Mellon University and CTC uses high-powered lasers to remove coatings from fighter and cargo aircraft. The system promises to reduce labor, waste volume, environmental risk, and overall cost, making it an environmentally superior alternative to traditional methods.
Owls' unique wing structure and plumage have inspired researchers to create quieter conventional aircraft. By studying the owl's ability to fly silently, scientists hope to develop aircraft with reduced noise levels, benefiting both humans and wildlife.
Researchers from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln played quarter-second-long white noise clips to test subjects working on arithmetic problems. The researchers found that louder noises caused lower performance and higher levels of annoyance, with sound level ranges affecting participants' perceptions.
The HS3 mission has provided valuable insights into the characteristics of long-lived tropical cyclones like Hurricane Nadine. The Global Hawk aircraft gathered data on Nadine's winds, temperature, and humidity, helping scientists understand how these storms can intensify despite being affected by dry air and strong westerly winds.
The Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission uses Global Hawks to gather critical measurements of wind, temperature, humidity, and aerosol patterns in tropical storms. The mission aims to improve storm predictions and prevent costly coastal evacuations by analyzing previously difficult-to-get data.
The biobased chemical industry is transitioning towards producing ingredients sold to companies making medicines, detergents, and plastics from basic compounds made from sugar. Six companies have already opened manufacturing plants or will soon, with plans for three more by next year.
The new system uses wind measuring instruments and computational formulas to alert pilots to areas of moderate and severe turbulence. It enables pilots to plan better routes, reducing bumpy rides and flight delays.
The ER-2 aircraft will fly test models of two future satellite instruments, the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) and the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL), to gather data on clouds and aerosols. These instruments will be used to improve studies of aerosol transport and cloud motion.
A cost analysis of delivering solar geoengineering materials to the stratosphere shows that it is feasible and affordable, with costs estimated at $1-2 billion per year. The study concludes that using aircraft is the cheapest option, while guns and rockets are more expensive due to lack of reusability.
The Office of Naval Research is advancing an augmented-reality project to change the way warfighters view operational environments. The system will allow trainees to view simulated images superimposed on real-world landscapes, providing a revolutionary training capability with reduced costs and increased flexibility.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is strengthening with NASA tracking its progress, revealing strong thunderstorms and deep convection on August 5. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph on August 5, and it continued to strengthen after passing over the Aqua satellite.
A US Department of Agriculture study found that using lights on aircraft makes them more visible to birds, reducing the risk of collisions. Researchers tested Canada geese's response to radio-controlled model aircraft with different lighting conditions, finding that geese respond more quickly to aircraft with lights on.
The variable camber airfoil has obvious advantages in controlling separation and flight maneuverability. Research shows that the stall type determines the distinction between different camber deformation paths, with trailing-edge stalls being softer and having higher lift.
NASA's Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission will deploy two Global Hawk aircraft to study hurricane formation and intensity changes. The aircraft will sample the environment of storms and measure winds, precipitation, and other factors to improve hurricane prediction.
New York University researchers have discovered that top-heavy structures can hover stably in the air due to aerodynamic forces. The findings suggest a new approach to designing stable flapping-wing aircraft and robots.
A national research team led by CU-Boulder is studying the impacts of environmental factors on Arctic sea ice decline. The MIZOPEX project uses unmanned aircraft, satellites, and ocean buoys to understand sea ice characteristics and changes in the Beaufort Sea.
NASA's GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment will measure light rain and snow in Ontario from Jan. 17 to Feb. 29 using an airborne science laboratory, simulating the measurements to be taken by the planned GPM Core satellite in 2014.
A QUT research team is developing a GPS-based system to aid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in making safer emergency landings. The system will incorporate a camera to pinpoint safe landing options, such as fields or roads, and help pilots navigate away from populated areas.
A new algorithm embedded in flight control software will augment landing approaches on Navy carrier decks, reducing workload and boosting safety. The software ties the movement of the pilot's control stick to the aircraft's flight path, projecting a dotted green line over a target light.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a smartphone app called PASSION that allows deployed sailors to navigate, locate, and track people and assets on ships in real-time. This system provides low-cost, real-time situational awareness for enhanced navigation and force protection.
Researchers create detection tool that spots flight glitches without prior knowledge of parameters to check. The technique uses cluster analysis to identify abnormal flights, allowing analysts to further inspect reports and prevent potential accidents.
Researchers at MIT have successfully demonstrated a software tool called Deck operations Course of Action Planner (DCAP) that aims to ease interaction with autonomous systems on aircraft carriers. The tool provides automated planning, enhanced information displays, and new user interface approaches to increase efficiency and safety in ...
Researchers found WWII bombing raids in Europe impacted the English climate by suppressing morning temperature increases in heavily flown areas. The study provides a unique opportunity to assess the effect of modern aviation on climate.
Scientists use a field campaign to study convective clouds and their role in generating significant rainfall. The Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) combines data from various sources to better understand precipitation physics and improve satellite algorithms.
A new computer-generated forecast provides pilots with critical weather information on the likelihood of encountering in-flight icing conditions. The Forecast Icing Product with Severity (FIP-Severity) offers 12-hour forecasts that help users plan safe flight paths, reducing accidents and costs related to icing hazards.
Research reveals that physician-based pre-hospital critical care support is scarce, particularly evenings and weekends. Critical care doctors are needed to improve survival rates for severely injured patients before hospital admission.
NASA has selected seven contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to various airborne platforms for science research and range support. The BPAs offer a range of instrumentation payloads and access to both manned and unmanned aerial platforms.
Researchers are using image recognition software on unmanned aircraft to monitor Arctic seals in remote areas without risking pilots or observers. The project aims to understand the impact of warming temperatures and sea ice loss on seal populations, with potential applications for predicting future changes in seal habitats.
The NASA GRIP experiment gathered valuable data on Atlantic hurricanes Earl and Karl, capturing rapid intensification and storm development. Scientists analyzed the data to gain a better understanding of what causes hurricanes to form and strengthen.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has secured funding to test and evaluate payloads on small unmanned aircraft. The program will also expand its fleet of Insitu ScanEagles to include new models that can fly in remote and extreme conditions.
NASA satellites and aircraft gathered crucial data on Hurricane Karl's maximum sustained winds of 115 mph as it moved into Mexico's rugged terrain. The storm caused widespread flooding and evacuations, resulting in over 40,000 people being evacuated and eight reported missing.
Hurricane Karl's powerful thunderstorms featured very high icy cloud tops, while moderate to heavy rainfall was observed from the storm. The GRIP mission gathered valuable data on Karl's rapid intensification, which went from a tropical storm to a Category 3 hurricane overnight into Friday.
Tropical Storm Fiona is weakening and stretching out in a north-south direction, according to NASA satellite data. Forecasters expect her to dissipate over the holiday weekend in the Atlantic Ocean.
NASA's six-week GRIP mission will study the creation and rapid intensification of hurricanes, analyzing factors such as cloud droplet concentrations, air temperature, and wind speed. The mission aims to better understand how tropical storms form and develop into major hurricanes.
Global air traffic will significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, doubling or tripling by 2050. The increase in emissions will be driven by the growing number of flights and the lack of improvement in fuel efficiency.
A recent study found that more than 1,013 US patients are admitted to hospitals each year with aviation-related injuries, including lower limb fractures as a common injury among passengers and parachutists. The study highlights the need for improved aircraft design to prevent these injuries.
Research reveals elevated ultrafine particle emissions at regional airports, posing significant health risks to nearby residents. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, highlights the need for increased attention to these overlooked emissions.
Tropical Storm Danny's center has reformed a little farther north than initially thought, according to NASA satellite imagery and aircraft data. The storm's circulation is broad and elongated, making it challenging to pinpoint its center.
Recent NIST airframe tests provide valuable insights into how high-energy interference affects aircraft. The findings will help ensure continued air travel safety and inform the FAA's certification process.
Researchers using NASA's SIERRA aircraft and satellite data to map and measure ice conditions below cloud cover. They found a 74% decline in older ice types since 1988, with only 2% of the Arctic Ocean now covered by these ice types.
Researchers have discovered that dolphins' flippers exhibit aerodynamic properties similar to modern delta wing aircraft. The study found that swept-back flippers are the most efficient at generating lift, with the bottle nose dolphin's triangular flippers being the most efficient overall.
NASA has selected five contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to a variety of airborne platforms for science research and range support. The agreements have a maximum ordering value of $10 million and are valid through February 7, 2013.
A new technology allows student doctors to practice operations on simulators before trying them out on real patients. Researchers found that simulation training improved success rates for inserting central lines into major veins.
Researchers have developed a new method for systematically identifying bugs in aircraft collision avoidance systems and other cyber-physical systems. The approach, led by Edmund M. Clarke and Andre Platzer, has detected flaws in aircraft collision avoidance maneuvers and verified the European Train Control System.
Researchers led by William Krabill are flying over Greenland to measure ice sheet and glacier thickness, using a combination of laser and radar instruments. The mission aims to update measurements from the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) and provide critical data on the future behavior of the Greenland ice sheet.
As flights extend and passengers with pre-existing conditions increase, in-flight medical events become more frequent due to reduced oxygen saturation. Studies show an association between long-haul air travel and venous thromboembolism risk, especially for those with recent surgery or immobilized seating.
The Collaborative Center on Multidisciplinary Sciences (CCMS) will investigate futuristic aircraft designs such as SensorCraft, flapping micro-air vehicles, and supersonic long-range strike aircraft. Initial funding of $2.25 million for five years will support the center's efforts.
Researchers used bimonthly CO2 measurements from 16 aircraft sites to create a monthly 3D picture of CO2 over North America. They found moderate CO2 sink areas, especially in the Midwest and Southeast, which agree with estimates of crop uptake and forest regrowth.
Three Alaska volcanoes erupted in midsummer 2008, with Cleveland, Okmok, and Kasatochi volcanoes making significant changes to the landscape. Researchers from the Alaska Volcano Observatory shared their findings on recent eruptions at the American Geophysical Union's fall meeting.