World's largest plane is ready for takeoff

The largest aircraft ever built is now edging closer to completion, the a privately owned company launch spacecraft's Paul Allen, has invited journalists to get first look at 'Stratolaunch'.

The world's biggest plane is set to take off early next year in its first ever test flight. The aircraft, named the Stratolaunch Carrier, is currently under construction at Mojave Air and Spaceport in California, and will eventually have a a wingspan of 385 feet (117 m). (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1crcNI)

With the giant wingspan of 117 m and six engines, the aircraft is taking a new approach in this private space race, with the launch of satellites and spacecraft into orbit from a height. The aircraft will be bigger than the Howard Hughes' H-4 Hercules made in 1947, and an Antonov An-225 Soviet era cargo plane as the current world's largest aircraft.

The idea is for the Stratolaunch Carrier is to act as a giant air pad in the sky, allowing payloads to reach space faster and at a lower cost than existing technologies. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1crcNI)

Stratolaunch Systems is part of Vulcan Aerospace company owned by Paul Allen, cofounder of Microsoft. The company's vision is different from Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, and Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic.

Reporters got their first look at the Stratolaunch plane, which is currently being constructed at a hanger in the US. The private behind the venture say construction of the plane is 76 per cent complete. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1crcNI)

Stratolaunch Systems is the ability to position the giant plane so that the satellite can be directly delivered to a very precise orbit and do it quickly, without problems scheduling a variety of launch and weather related delays, as explained by Chuck Beames, whose oversees the space business of Paul Allen as quoted of the Daily Mail on Monday, June 20, 2016.

The Stratolaunch carrier aircraft's 385 feet (117 m) wingspan compares to 320 feet for H-4 Hercules and 225 feet for Boeing 747-8. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1crcNI)

Instead as satellites, the Stratolaunch aircraft could launch Dream Chaser spacecraft. It can act as a mini-shuttle to achieve the goal of low-Earth orbit and carry back the astronauts or cargo to the runway in 24 hours.

Stratolaunch is a twin bodied aircraft that combines engine, landing gear, avionics and other parts of a Boeing 747 jet couples with the frame, wing and skin are made of lightweight composite. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILY MAIL]

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The 3rd generation of Russian 'doomsday plane' now ready for action

Ilyuhsin Il-96-400 aircraft which are the 3rd Generation of Russian 'doomsday plane' reported is ready for action. Previously, Russian military in 2015 had received Ilyuhsin Il-80 is the 2nd generation plane.

Readiness reports third-generation of Russian nuclear bombers emerged from Igor Korotchenko, a military analyst and chief editor of National Defense magazine. This report follows the delivery of the aircraft by the Voronezh aircraft factory to the Ministry of Defense of Russia on July 27, 2016.

Ilyuhsin Il-96-400, a Russian next-generation 'doomsday plane' finally ready for action. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1co5Wy)

He told Sputniknews that the 'doomsday plane' is designed to provide command and control of the Russian military and strategic nuclear forces in case of a major conflict or even a full-scale invasion of Russia.

Basically, said Korotchenko, this hazardous plane is the balance out of the command and control system and the General Staff of the Russian Defence Control Centre.

"It ensures the inevitability of a nuclear counterattack in the case where any country that uses nuclear weapons against Russia. Basically, this air command post ensures that no attack against our country to escape without punishment. Every country that might threaten the safety or territorial integrity of the Russian federation, which may start a war or a sudden attack, will face retaliation," said Korotchenko that was quoted on Friday, July 29, 2016.

The military analyst was quoted data from the Russian Defense Ministry said that the 'Doomsday Plane' can be shot at an altitude of around 10-12 kilometers. The aircraft has the ability to be the command of all branches of the Russian military, including strategic nuclear forces.

"(The plane) is the full command post that allows to coordinate the actions of the army and navy during conventional war and nuclear," said Korotchenko. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPUTNIKNEWS]

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China ready to produce the world's largest amphibious aircraft

China has completed the construction of the largest amphibious aircraft in the world as the country's attempts to break away from dependence on foreign plane manufacturer companies.

Amphibious aircraft AG600 rolls off a production line in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, July 23, 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cdiN0)

As reported by Xinhua news agency, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has introduced the newest product called 'AG600,' on Saturday, July 23, 2016 in the port city of Zhuhai, southern region of the country. The aircraft has a cruising range of up to 4,500 kilometers and is intended to extinguish the forest fires and rescue at sea.

The aircraft, which has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes and a maximum flight range of 4,500 km, will be used to fight forest fires and perform marine rescue missions. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cdiN0)

According to AVIC's deputy general manager Geng Ruguang, the plane has a similar size of Boeing 737 is the largest aircraft in the world built with the ability to land and take off from the sea. However, with a wingspan smaller than the H-4 Hercules or Spruce Goose were produced in the 1940s for the purpose of military personnel transports. For information, the Spruce Goose the largest amphibious aircraft in the world even it only did one flight in 1947.

The AG600 is by far the world's largest amphibian aircraft, about the size of a Boeing 737. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cdiN0)

As cited of Xinhua, the planes are preferred for the domestic market will be very useful to develop and exploit marine resources. In addition, these aircraft can also be used for environmental monitoring, resource mapping and transportation, and still so far AVIC already getting orders to manufacture 17 units of the new aircraft.

China is currently developing its flight sector to reduce dependency and if it can compete with the renowned plane manufacturers, such as Airbus and Boeing. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | XINHUA]

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Finally India managed to built their own fighter jets

Having developed for over 30 years, finally Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered two units of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) dubbed 'Tejas' to the Indian military. Although mentioned as made in India, not all components of the fighter jet was made in India. For example, its jet engine used for this aircraft was made by General Electric.

Tejas inducted into No.45 Squadron of Indian Air Force at HAL airport in Bengaluru on July 1, 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cHEUt)

Tejas was the second fighter aircraft developed and produced by India. Previously, HAL successfully developed the HF-24 Marut, the bombers were used until the 1990s. And two unit of Tejas fighter jets has received by the Indian military will form a new squadron officially opened on July 1, 2016.

However, the number of Tejas fighter jets in the No.45 Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) named "Flying Daggers" it will be complete in 2020. As an advanced fighter jet, the selling prices of Tejas relatively cheap. Just look, HAL set the Tejas's price of US. $28 million per unit, as compared with US. $40 million for the Sukhoi Su-35 Russian-made jets.

Two of the 15 pre-production Tejas jet fighters produced by HAL and used for test and evaluation. The LCA made its maiden flight on January 4, 2001. (PIcture from: http://adf.ly/1cHGlT)

Although it has completed the first unit, HAL has not stopped to fix their new fighter jets. In the near future the Indian company will finalize cooperation with the Swedish defense contractor, SAAB, to produce the Tejas's electronic radar in India. Saab will also supply a variety of electronic devices needed by HAL in developing their fighter jets.

Many military observers believe the HAL Tejas manufactured to rival the PAC JF-17 Thunder fighter jet developed by China and Pakistan. To build the Tejas, HAL uses composite materials not only make the weight of the aircraft becomes lighter, but also increase the effectiveness of radar.

HAL Tejas will replace the fleet of Sukhoi Su-30 MKII and MiG-29 who will retire later than in 2030. In addition, India also purchased 39 units of the Dassault Rafale, a French-made fighter jet with a value of US. $8.9 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS]

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The Toyota's flying car soon be airs?

No doubt, Toyota is currently regarded as the most popular car manufacturers. The various products were born and has always received great applause from the consumers. And, pretty soon Toyota will re-birth of the most phenomenal product, ie the flying car.

Yes, one of the Japanese famous automotive companies tried to extend their business coverage, one of them by presenting the flying cars. As the flying car name implies, these vehicles are expected to be the future transportation mode that can be run in the streets and fly for through traffic jams.

Back in 2014, Toyota applied for patent that could lead to flying car. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1blrRg)

Toyota hope, they could be brought the flying car in real life in the near future. This was proven by the success of Toyota bagging the patents that features a sketch of their flying car candidate.

As quoted of the Motoring, Toyota's flying cars patents actually been filed in December 2014, but recent been published by the US Patent and Trademark Office titled 'Shape Morphing Fuselage For an Aerocar'.

When viewed from a rough idea, at first glance the Toyota's flying car will come equipped with a tiny propellers located on the side. This flying car is also very flexible, can be used in the ground or air. Therefore, the wings can be folded and hidden in its body panels. If it will fly, the wings will be widened. Conversely, if it is on the ground, the wings will enter into and hidden.

It quite interesting isn't. We'll see soon, how the development of the flying cars of Toyota. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORING | AUTONEWS]

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One of the Google's founders keen to develop a flying car?

One of the founders of Google, Larry Page, secretly obsessed with flying cars. Interestingly he did not create his own company, but by funding two startup at the same time to develop the vehicle.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Google co-founder, Larry Page, has been personally funding two startup companies who are developing flying cars. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1b8Sbk)

In fact, as reported by Bloomberg, Page has codenamed the guy upstairs or `GUS` in Zee.Aero, a startup financed by him. In this company, the specific involvement of Page touted should remain hidden.

It looks real, but does it work? Zee.Aero's mysterious prototype aircraft. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1b8Sku)

The money that has been spent by Larry Page so far is more than US $100 million or equivalent to Rp.1.32 trillion. Of that money, Zee.Aero has made a prototype flight in the airport hangar in Hollister, California, United States (US).

The Zee.Aero aircraft design's unique propeller arrangement allows for vertical take-off and landing. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1b8Sku)

Of that money anyway, this startup now has the research facilities at NASA Ames Research Center campus, Mountain View. Page called as a major donor.

Besides Zee.Aero, Page has financed other startup named Kitty Hawk. The company he funded approximately a year ago. The head office of startup is only half a mile from his office Zee.Aero.

Mentioned, startup which employs approximately one dozen engineers are making "something that resembles a giant version of the quadcopter drone." Unfortunately so far Page, Zee.Aero, and Kitty Hawk, could not be reached. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLOOMBERG | DAILYMAIL]

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