Safety Precautions to be Taken by a Submarine
6/25/2023
- A submarine must be rated for the depths it is going to be used for.
- A submarine should have proper controls rather than a gamepad.
- Listen to whistleblowers who bring up safety issues.
- An international regulation body for commercial subs used in international waters should be set up.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Alexander Graham Bell
6/20/23
An avid Scottish-American inventor
- Created telephone
- Created the first wireless phone communication
- Founded Bell labs responsible for MANY, MANY innovations (MOSFETs, User Interface).
- Founded AEA- Aero Engineering Association, important for working out issues with early airplanes
- Electric microphone adoption.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Adapting to the Modern Plane:
2/2/2023
Currently, airplanes are using more, better- and high-quality technology to aid pilots. This has increased the safety of the airline industry and provided a host of benefits. However, one key aspect that must always improve is pilot training. Specifically, pilots must be trained and educated on all potential failures of the aircraft. A pilot will need to learn how to identify when a system is down, and how to compensate. Basic instrumentation and techniques will continue to be a must for pilot training. Furthermore, pilots need to understand the basics of each system to properly diagnose an issue. This includes a holistic view of each separate system and how each system interfaces with every other system. Due to more computerization of aircraft, lessons in how the computers work, effect aircraft performance and computer defects will be very important in the future.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Lippisch Aerodyne:
2/1/2023
In the 1970’s , established German inventor Alexander Lippisch created an interesting aircraft for the West German Government. This aircraft, the Lippish Aerodyne, attempted to solve the issues of Vertical Take-Off and Landing and provide a cheap, reliable aircraft. Lippisch designed this aircraft without a wing to reduce the drag the aircraft would receive. This design used a ducted fan to control the thrust provided by the engine, with a rudder to aid in turning the aircraft. The result speaks for itself: an aircraft that can hover in one place and fly like a plane by redirecting its thrust. Flaps at the end of the Lippisch Aerodyne allowed one to redirect the flow of thrust, generating lift and thrust as necessary. Although the Lippisch Aerodyne was not developed fully, its achievements are felt to this day in all VTOL aircraft.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Clark, Anders. “Bizarre Aircraft: the Lippisch Aerodyne”. Disciples of Flight. https://disciplesofflight.com/bizarre-aircraft-lippisch-aerodyne/
Louis Blériot:
1/30/2023
Louis Blériot is one of the most important founders of modern aviation. Louis Blériot was an intelligent child, by age 10 he had moved to attend a boarding school in Notre Dame. Louis Blériot started his career as an engineer, and became successful when he engineered the first headlamp for a car. Using this invention, Louis Blériot established a successful company to supply headlights to Renault and Panhard-Levassor. Using the success of this company, Blériot decided to establish an aircraft company, and partnered with Gabriel Voisin. The company was called: Atelliers d’Aviation Edouard Surcouf, Blériot et Voisin and developed two Antoinetter powered aircraft. None of the aircraft developed by Blériot and Voisin achieved success, and soon Blériot started his own aviation company. This company, Recherches Aeronautique Louis Blériot was the first company to make a powered monoplane. From then on, Louis Blériot iterated more on his aircraft from the Blériot IV to Blériot VII, each aircraft improved on the monoplane idea. Blériot got his best publicity stunt when The Daily Mail published a contest for an airplane to cross the English Channel. The prize was originally 500 pounds, and the deadline was the end of the year 1908. No one completed the challenge, so The Daily Mail upped the reward to 1000 pounds and extended the deadline to the end of the end of 1909. On July 25th, 1909, Blériot took his Blériot VII and crossed the English Channel. The stunt took Blériot 36 minutes and 30 seconds and was completed without a compass or any instruments. There was only the vague direction of the English coast, and the help of a sea going vessel to aid Blériot in this journey. To make matters worse, Blériot had injured his foot the day before, and the pain was unbearable for him. After flying over the open water for quite a while, Blériot spotted the English coast. Blériot was hailed as a hero, and celebrated by both Britain and France. Immediately after crossing the channel, Blériot’s company took off. Many countries including Britain, US and France placed orders for Blériot aircraft. The First World War brought a flurry of contracts for Recherche Aeronautique Louis Blériot as many Entente countries ordered aircraft. Even before the war, Blériot aircraft was popular for aero sports. Louis Blériot would pass away in August 1st 1936 due to a heart attack. The innovations, flights and contributions of Louis Blériot or still felt around the world today.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Weiss, Arturo. “The Story of Louis Blériot’s History-Making Flight Across the English Channel”. July 25th 2022. https://simpleflying.com/louis-bleriot-first-cross-channel-flight/
Hoddenbach, Corey. “Louis Bleriot: Inventor, Designer and Daring Pilot” Disciples of Flight. https://disciplesofflight.com/louis-bleriot-inventor-designer-and-daring-pilot/
Military Use of the Glider:
1/26/2023
The military use of gliders was brief but profound in the Second World War. Gliders were used to land concentrated airborne forces. The first nation to develop and use military gliders was Germany. This was due to the Versailles Treaty, which limited the German air force, and attempted to prevent a buildup of German arms. Even the Soviet Union developed gliders capable of carrying military personnel. The first military use of the glider came in the battle of Eben Emael, where German paratroopers used gliders to land behind Belgian fortifications. Glider troops and pilots became known for their bravery, as many glider pilots had to return to friendly lines after delivering their cargo. This was a difficult task, some pilots relied on borrowed transportation, and eat the few rations they carried. Furthermore, many glider pilots were lost when the glider landed. For example, one of the dangers military gliders faced was called Rommel’s Asparagus. This Asparagus was a collection of wooden poles with metal wiring connecting them. These poles were designed to destroy allied military gliders as they landed, and were laden with artillery shells and explosives. Other dangers for gliders included: anti-aircraft fire, tow rope breaking, landing in water or landing in dangerous territory. An added difficulty for WW2 gliders was the fact that they had to be towed long distances by another aircraft. This caused issues, as the towing aircraft had the right to decide when to release the gliders. There are instances when glider pilots had to convince towing aircraft to continue towing them until they reached land. Gliders were used by airborne forces throughout World War 2: allied invasion of Sicily, D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden and many more. However, after the Second World War, glider-based forces fell out of favor. Gliders served for a brief, but important, time in military history.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Apple, Carolyn. “World War II: On a Wing and a Prayer: A Closer Look at Military Glider Aircraft” Delaware Gov. https://history.delaware.gov/world-war-ii-on-a-wing-and-a-prayer-a-closer-look-at-military-glider-aircraft/
MacRae, Michael. “The Flying Coffins of World War II”. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Feb 15 2012, https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/the-flying-coffins-of-world-war-ii
Rolls-Royce Engines:
1/21/2023
Early in its existence, Rolls-Royce made a name for itself through high quality engines. These engines would be used primarily in aircraft and land vehicles. Rolls-Royce established a market for its engines during the First World War. The first engine Rolls-Royce made for aviation was the Rolls-Royce Eagle. In the Second World War, Rolls-Royce made the famous Merlin engine. Rolls-Royce even developed the jet powered Welland. Post World War 2, Rolls-Royce attempted to compete in the aviation engine business by providing Lockheed with a powerful engine for its L 1011 program. However, cost overruns in the development of a new engine bankrupt Rolls-Royce and the company was nationalized. 1973 marked a change in company direction Rolls-Royce was sold to Vickers Ltd. After the sale, Vickers looked for buyers for the automobile division of Rolls-Royce. These buyers came in the form of BMW and Volkswagen group, both of whom bought the Rolls-Royce automobile division. Soon Rolls-Royce joined the International Aero Consortium, a group of European, American and Japanese companies, and developed the V2500 turbofan engine. After this change, Rolls-Royce limited, the engine company, acquired Alisson Engine Company, increasing its line up of engines. From then on, Rolls-Royce has been a well-known aviation company.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Amir, Amir R. and Weiss, Stanley I.. "Rolls-Royce PLC". Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Jan. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rolls-Royce-PLC. Accessed 21 January 2023.
Rotodyne:
1/19/2023
A rotodyne or autogiro should use a flexible design. On one hand, the design should allow an operator to carry passengers from one destination to another. Autogiros can be used to provide a cheap, dependable alternative to traditional delivery systems. Specifically, for small loads with city to city travel a Rotodyne like autogiro would be ideal. This design would allow the operators to use a makeshift delivery zone and operate a flexible delivery service. Such design should augment the current supply system providing an alternative. For passenger transport, an autogiro should be focused on city to city travel, or intranational travel. This will use the benefit of a autogiro
Airbus:
1/18/2023
In 1970, Airbus Industry was founded as a group of European aircraft manufacturers. Airbus was founded as a co-owned company that shared ownership with French, German, and Spanish European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS). EADS owned an 80% majority, with BAE Systems owning a 20% minority stake. Airbus aimed to fill a portion of the aviation market forgotten by Boeing: The short to medium range market. Airbus successfully introduced the A300 to the world, and established itself from there. Airbus incorporated lighter and advanced aviation technologies in their products, gaining an edge on Boeing. Currently, Airbus is the only other largest player in the aviation industry. Airbus even launched the A380, a competitor to the Boeing 747 in large haul capacity. However, the A380 was not a commercial success for Airbus.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Weiss, Stanley I. and Amir, Amir R.. "Airbus Industrie". Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Dec. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Airbus-Industrie. Accessed 18 January 2023.
Rotodyne 3:
1/9/2023
The Rotodyne was developed from a previous Fairey aircraft, the Fairey Girodyne. The success of an autogiro system depends on how it is used. Autogiros succeed in short haul trips, small trips with 10-15 passengers. Specifically, the Rotodyne was designed for travel inside a city or interstate travel, not international travel. An autogiro can be used to create sufficient corridors to cities and reduce the use of jet engines. Furthermore, the use of different sources of power, such as electricity or alternative fuel, should aid safety in autogiros. Autogiro’s provide a safe and economical option for small to medium flights. Overall, autogiros have a niche but important role in aviation. Before the Rotodyne can be released for public use, rotodyne technology and construction must be perfected. Once the Rotodyne is perfected and ready to be released for public use, a whole industry for Rotodynes will be created. Rotodyne creation and manufacturing industry should be started. Rotodyne industry for pilot education should be started. Rotodyne industry for safety technology and practices. Luxury flights through Rotodyne can be started.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
The History of Aeroplane Technology:
1/9/2023
Aeroplanes have a long and important history in the world. The science and technology of flight, aerodynamics, hot air balloon flight, and meteorology are important to aeroplanes. Specifically, it is important to learn about how key figures such as Daniel Bernoulli, Leornard Euler, Isaac Newton, Christiaan Huygens, and Galileo Galilei contributed to our understanding of air. Furthermore, the works of George Cayley, Otto Lilienthal, Clement Ader, and Alexandr Mozhaysky are crucial in the development of the airplane. Specifically, George Cayley’s discovery of three different systems to create a mechanical aeroplane is invaluable for all aircraft. Lastly the contribution of Alberto San Dumont in the field of airplane development should be remembered.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Bilstein, E. Roger. “history of flight” https://www.britannica.com/technology/history-of-flight
Rotodyne 2:
1/8/2023
The use of an autogiro produces benefits not shared by a helicopter. Firstly, for certain distances an autogiro can be more economic. This is due to the lack of a motor powering the propeller, making the aircraft lighter. Secondly, the autogiro produces less strain on the aircraft due to the lack of a motor for the main propellor. Lastly, the tip jet configuration of the Rotodyne allows the jets to provide power without directly needing fuel.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Tegler, Eric. “The Fairey Rotodyne, the Vertical takeoff and landing airliner time forgot.” February 16th 2020 https://arstechnica.com/cars/2020/02/the-fairey-rotodyne-the-vertical-take-off-and-landing-airliner-time-forgot/
Alternative Fuel For The New Jet Age:
1/6/2023
Jet powered plane owners and operators can leverage the benefits of alternative fuels for jets. SAF offers a new, eco-friendly way to power jets. These fuels are often derived from biomass, such as corn grain, cooking oil and other biological waste. Not only do SAF fuels provide an environmentally friendly fuel source, but also more fuel for jets. These fuel alternatives can provide more energy than traditional jet fuel and reduce the cost of operating a jet. However, it will still take time for alternative fuels to become more advantageous than traditional fuel. Currently production is a key issue for alternative jet fuels, since not enough biofuel is produced through farming.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel”.https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/sustainable-aviation-fuels#:~:text=SAF%20is%20a%20biofuel%20used,compared%20to%20conventional%20jet%20fuel.
Stratton, R.W. “Alternative jet fuel feasibility”. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 13 April 2014 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967070X14000493
Fairey Rotodyne, Resurgence of a Failure
1/4/2023
During the 1950’s, British aircraft company Fairey introduced the world to the Fairey Rotodyne. The Rotodyne generated immediate interest with its promise: a small vertical take-off and landing aircraft that could service medium haul routes. Specifically, the Rotodyne promised the ability to and land take off from any location. However, even with this promise, the Rotodyne failed to catch on, and was ultimately canceled. The reasons for this failure are many, such as Fairey’s acquisition by Westland to the need for improved engines. Instead, the idea of a medium haul autogiro aircraft has made a comeback. Autogyro aircraft are aircraft that use a rotary unpowered wing to fly. Instead of an engine rotating the blades, the flow of air over the blades creates rotation, thus creating lift. Autogyros provide a low speed, cheap alternative for medium haul routes. Currently, autogyros are making a comeback, as small quick transport for urban areas. Only time will tell if another Rotodyne enters the market.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Kelsall, Henry. “This Is Why The Fairey Rotodyne Concept Failed”. HotCars, Mar 19th 2022 https://www.hotcars.com/this-is-why-the-fairey-rotodyne-concept-failed/
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "autogiro". Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Dec. 2013, https://www.britannica.com/technology/autogiro. Accessed 4 January 2023.
Adams, Eric. “Old Gyrocopters Could Be the Funky Flying Cars of the Future.” Wired, Aug 12 2019, https://www.wired.com/story/gyrocopter-jaunt-skyworks-flying-car/
DC-10 An Important Lesson in Safety
1/4/2023
When McDonnel-Douglas introduced the DC-10 to airlines, they believed they had a winner. At first, everything seemed to go great, airlines were piling up orders, planes were delivered and McDonnel-Douglas was making money. However, deadly accidents occurred suddenly, creating safety concerns for McDonnel-Douglas. The first few accidents came from design flaws of the DC-10. The DC-10’s cargo doors had a propensity to open in mid-flight, leading to explosive decompression. Such a decompression resulted in the several deadly accidents. This forced a redesign of the cargo doors. However, this redesign did not solve the problem, as more DC-10s had similar cargo door issues. Compounding this issue was the fact that the then head of the FAA and McDonnel-Douglas made a silent agreement: the FAA would not ground the DC-10 and McDonnel-Douglas would issue service bulletins to airlines to prevent future accidents. Soon another issue came up, one concerning the maintenance of the DC-10. The DC-10 came with directions on how to maintain the aircraft. These instructions were not followed, and resulted in the deadliest air accident in US history, when a United Airlines DC-10 lost its left engine. A subsequent investigation by the NTSB revealed that improper maintenance caused the crash of the United Airlines flight. The DC-10 accidents is a good example of how safety measures of the airlines depend on both parties, the aircraft manufacturers and the aircraft operators.
Thank you,
Rohit Daniel
Sources:
Beresnevicius, Rytis. “Can Reputation Bring Down an Aircraft? Exploring DC-10’s Story”. Aerohub Time, September 3rd 2020, https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/25809-dc-10-reputation-problem
“SCANDALS The Great DC-10 Mystery”. Times, April 8th 1974, https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,908559,00.html
Loh, Chris. “The DC-10 Grounding-What happened?”. Simply Flying, June 7 2020 https://simpleflying.com/dc-10-1979-grounding/