Anti-gravity technology. The ability to defy gravity without traditional propulsion, has long fascinated people worldwide. Imagine vehicles that float or move effortlessly, or spacecraft that explore distant planets without big fuel requirements. The potential impact on society would be profound, from transportation and space travel to energy production and environmental benefits. But some believe that…
Category: Aerospace Articles
The Boeing 737 MAX Crisis: A Case Study in Aerospace and Ethics
Background: Race to Compete This article examines the Boeing 737 MAX within the context of the Boeing-Airbus rivalry. While Airbus debuted the A320neo, which improved fuel economy for airlines, Boeing was forced to build a new version of the B737 rather than launch a new aircraft. This development resulted in the 737 MAX, a jet…
Good Morning, Vietnam: The Huey Story
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, commonly known as the Huey, is one of the most recognizable helicopters in the world and an icon of modern military aviation. First developed by Bell Helicopter in the 1950s, the UH-1 became operational in 1959 and was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter mass production. Its name, “Iroquois,” follows the U.S. Army’s…
The Black Box: How It Survives Crashes
When you hear about plane crashes, one of the first things investigators look for is the Black Box, also known as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Despite its name, the Black Box is not black at all. It is actually bright orange to make it easier to find in wreckage.
The Air Mail Scandal: A Tale of Corruption and Reform
In the early 1930s, the United States was experiencing a surge in commercial aviation. As air travel became more accessible, the need for efficient mail delivery by air grew. During this time, Congress passed the McNary-Watres Act, a law granting Postmaster General Walter Fogel Brown significant authority to award airmail contracts. At a meeting dubbed the “Spoils Conference,” Brown chose to…
The Science Behind Flight
Have you ever looked up at an airplane soaring through the sky and wondered, “How on earth does that massive metal bird stay up there?” It is a question that fascinated people for generations, and the answer is in some intriguing science. Let’s dive into the basics of how flight works and uncover the forces…
Did you know? Orbital launches in Europe
Recently, on July 9th, 2024, at 21:00 CEST, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Europe’s newest rocket, Ariane 6 from Kourou in French Guyana. Interestingly, the official spaceport for ESA’s launches is not in continental Europe but in South America, close to the equator. However, did you know there are also rocket launching sites in the old continent?
Did you know: The downfall of low-cost carriers
Over the past few decades, low-cost carriers (LCCs) have revolutionized the airline industry, democratizing air travel and enabling millions of passengers to fly at affordable prices. However, recent trends indicate a troubling downturn for these budget airlines, raising questions about the sustainability of their business model. Low-cost carriers emerged in the 1970s, with Southwest Airlines in…
Breaking the Sound Barrier: A Leap in Aviation History
The sound barrier is one of the oldest aviation challenges referring to the speed at which an aircraft converts from subsonic to supersonic- at 767 mph (1,235 km/h) on sea level. This is considered an impossible and risky aim, as it is quite probable for the airframe structure to collapse and to lose control. Before…
Did You Know? How the Coriolis Force Shapes Your Flight Path
Introduction Have you ever noticed your flight pathway on the in-flight screen and were curious why it appears to bend so much, particularly on long-haul flights? It may appear to be a diversion, but there is a fascinating explanation using a physics principle known as the Coriolis force. Let’s look at how this force affects…