In the 1960s the USAF and Navy were looking for big, heavy fighters such as the F-4 Phantom II and the F-111 Aardvark, which could fit large payloads and radar systems, and proposed that the future lies in beyond visual range (BVR) engagements with long range systems. We now have the capabilities and the proof…
Tag: aeronautical
Introducing the newly elected AEROUBI & AS Covilhã Local Board
It is with great excitement that we introduce the new local board for AEROUBI & AS Covilhã! We are confident that this dedicated group will lead our association to new heights, building on past successes and introducing exciting new initiatives. Leading the team as President is Tomás Silva. He is joined by Ana Rita Sardinha…
Did You Know? Dual-Purpose Agriculture for Earth and Beyond
Introduction Humanity is entering an era where food security is no longer just an agricultural issue but a defining challenge for our future on Earth and beyond. Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, soil is degrading at alarming rates, and global supply chains are proving fragile in times of crisis. These realities are leaving…
The Airplane Windows: Why Are They Round and Have Tiny Holes?
Did you ever look out of an airplane window and wonder: Why are the windows of airplanes round? And what about the little hole at the bottom? The safety of the aircraft, their ability to withstand and the comfort of the passengers lies in these small details. So let us find out the interesting science and…
Can airplanes fly without a pilot?
It sounds like the start of a science fiction movie. A plane takes off, flies thousands of kilometers, lands perfectly… and not a single pilot in the cockpit. As crazy as it might seem, the question isn’t if it’s possible, but when it will happen. So, can planes actually fly without a pilot ? Let’s…
Douglas Aircraft: Contracts and Conflict in WWII
Aviation Ascending: Douglas Aircraft’s Wartime Expansion During the Second World War, aviation became both a strategic tool and a booming industry. The United States rapidly scaled its aircraft production, and at the center of this transformation stood the Douglas Aircraft Company. Known for producing some of the most iconic planes of the war, Douglas helped…
Aerogels: The Ultra-Light Supermaterial Transforming Space Travel and Earth
Did You Know? Designing spacecraft is all about pushing the limits—keeping things as light as possible while ensuring they can survive the harshest conditions. Every extra kilogram means higher costs, so engineers are always on the lookout for materials that are both strong and ultra-lightweight. That’s where aerogels come in. Often called “frozen smoke” because…
Winged firefighters: make it rain
As wildfires rage on in Los Angeles, the world is reminded once again of the devastating power of nature and the crucial role that aerial firefighting plays in battling these infernos. While LA employs its own fleet of firefighting aircraft such as modified C-130 Hercules Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk or the Leonardo AW138, Canada’s Canadair/Bombardier takes…
Evolution of Aerial Photography
Aerial photography has transformed dramatically since its inception, evolving from grainy black-and-white images taken during wartime to stunningly detailed, multispectral satellite imagery used in multiple domains such as environmental monitoring, urban planning to surveillance. Further, we will deep dive into the history of aerial photography. Early days of aerial photography The roots of aerial photography…
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…