These flying cars to be launched in 2020?

After 15 years of developing flying cars, the Urban Aeronautics optimistic to launch their flying car. The flying car named 'The Cormorant' can carry weights up to 500 kilograms and capable of flying at speeds of 185 kilometers per hour.

Rafi Yoeli, founder and CEO of Urban Aeronautics, stands next to a prototype of the Cormorant, a drone, at the company's workshop in Yavne, Israel December 22, 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1hctX5)

According to the founder and CEO of Urban Aeronautics, Rafi Yoeli, the car that use an internal rotor can evacuate victims of armed conflict. In addition, these flying car can be used by the military as a vehicle to avoid the bombs.

"Just imagine, this car can pass through a bomb planted in the city and other dangerous chemical ingredients to be controlled remotely," said Yeoli as quoted from Reuters on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

A prototype of the Cormorant, a drone, is pictured at Urban Aeronautics' workshop in Yavne, Israel December 22, 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1hctX5)

The owner of the company was convinced that the vehicle has a size of a family car, could soon be resolved. Even so, he explained there are some improvements to be made before it is finally launched to the market. Yes, the Cormorant previously called AirMule has a size of a family car and weighs about 1.5 tons. Up to recent research, Yoeli has spent about 14 million dollars, equivalent to Rp.188 billion.

Nevertheless the two creations of Yoeli, until now not yet meet the standards of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The test results in November 2016 said there was a problem regarding the data sent by the sensor device of the flying car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | REUTERS]

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Seeing the flying electric-powered bike

You may have heard riders saying that bike riding feels like flying a small plane at low altitude. What if I tell you such thing is possible if you have some US. $100,000 (or equivalent to Rp.1.3 billion) laying around? 

The Flike is a flying motorcycle you can have for $100k in future. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1fyZpd)

The Flike is the first manned tricopter concept demonstrator hovers and built in Hungary. As quoted from Autoevolution on Friday, November 18, 2016, the Flike is a crossover between a motorcycle and a helicopter, allowing you the pleasures of both sports in one transportation device.

The vehicle similar to the large-sized drone, was created only for one person only as its rider or pilot. With three large propeller, in which the propeller has two electric motors and make it able to fly for an hour.

The flying motorcycle is claimed can be flown up to a height of approximately 30 meters, while its speed able to reach up to 100 kilometers per hour. But unfortunately, this flying bike does not have a proper and safe cabin for the rider or pilot.

With its three blades, this flying motorcycle is able to lift a rider with a maximum weight of 100 kg. Do you want to have it? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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Lexus spaceship featured in an upcoming Hollywood sci-fi movie

Collaboration between the auto makers with the movie makers are already common. Usually, the latest cars starred a particular television series. You can see an example of some of the Hollywood's box-office movies such as "Fast and Furious", "Transformers", or "James Bond".

But, what if the film tells the story of the 28th centuries? Of course there is no manufacturer that has been producing or designing a car for use in next few centuries. In addition, by using a car with today's technology for the film tells the story of human life in the next 700 years certainly not realistic.

Lexus future spaceship named SkyJet had been featured in Luc Besson's upcoming sci-fi movie. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1g0qzQ)

Lexus faced this challenge when collaborating with renowned movie director Luc Besson in making the movie titled "Valerian and the City with a Thousand Planets," a science fiction film that will be aired in July 2017 and is an adaptation of a comic titled "Valerian and Laureline".

In the film, starring by Clive Owen, Ethan Hawke, and Rihanna, one of the future vehicles of Lexus has been shown up on the screen. The vehicle named SkyJet was designed by Lexus in collaborating with creative team of Valerian movie.

Front view of Lexus SkyJet 28th centuries spaceship. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1g0t5u)

SkyJet itself was designed by Takeaki Kato, head engineer of Lexus and a Japanese design firm who commissioned to design a picture of the universe in the 28th century. They created a spaceship with one passenger that streaking like a jet, but still similar to the Lexus cars that existed now.

In the trailers that have been released, the car looks like flying whales streaking in a corridor of the city of the future named Alpha. If you are observant, you will see the Lexus logo on the tip of the SkyJet snout.

"In this partnership, we look for a brand that pioneered the innovation and technology, which is more focused on the future rather than the past," said Luc Besson in a statement. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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These aircraft offer an amazing experience

Windspeed Technologies, an aerospace company currently designing an airplane that has a solution to reduce boredom when inside the cabin. Windspeed are designing SkyDeck aircraft, which is basically the equivalent of aeronautics for the panoramic sunroof.

The SKyDeck offer an amazing experience while on long-distance flight. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1dD5Iq)

As reported by Autoevolution on Monday, December 14, 2015, the basic idea of ​​making this aircraft is to be entertained while on the flight, which is often tedious if in the long-distance flights. Windspeed have a solution that passengers do not feel bored while traveling.

Therefore, the aircraft is designed to use a transparent canopy and passenger seat therein that may arise to the top of the plane' cabin in order to see the scenery while traveling. After making the development of more than one year, the project is finally ready to be implemented.

The transparent canopy located on the SkyDeck, will be as strong as the other aircraft exterior parts. The materials used are also able to withstand all kinds of bad weather.

The biggest problem in coming up with a functional design is aerodynamic interference with the aircraft's tail. It's not like doing spacewalks, but at least you'll pay less for an amazing experience. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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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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JAS39 Gripen NG has been rolled out in Linköping

After nearly 13 years on, here it's the JAS39 Gripen NG (Next Generation) the latest and greatest fighter jet version made by Sweden aircraft manufacturer Saab has been launched for the first time from the production hangar, in Linköping, Sweden. The JAS39 Gripen NG launching ceremony was held on Wednesday morning, May 18, 2016 in front of about 100 journalists from around the world and high-ranking officers of invited countries.

SAAB JAS39 Gripen NG (Next Generation). (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aPJZ8)

According to Haakan Buske, CEO of Saab, who witnessed the JAS39 Gripen research and development, which is the commitment of Saab, has always been developed with the latest technology charge of all aspects. Although not a big bodied and the most powerful, yet JAS39 Gripen known also has the capability that should not be underestimated.

JAS39 Gripen NG can also be referred as JAS39 Gripen E/F (E for single-seat and F for double seat), which are still capable of qualified in-class multirole combat aircraft, for the operation of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and observations and air patrols in order to achieve air supremacy.

SAAB JAS39 Gripen C/D. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aPJZ8)

While the launch ceremony held at the JAS39 Gripen NG production hangar, outside Flygvapen Museum by displaying two mock-up (full scale model) of the JAS39 Gripen jets. The museum is located at the runway where the planes made by Saab usual be tested before it was handed over to the customer. Inside the museum are stored and laid out the aerospace history of Sweden.

The Gripen evolution. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1aPLZ2)

The first is JAS39 Gripen C/D and adjacent JAS39 Gripen NG. Both appear in the actual size and some mock-up materials made of real materials. Both of these mock-ups appear in different colors though equally dominated by gray. JAS39 Gripen C/D performed in the usual gray camouflage and JAS39 Gripen NG in digital camouflage specifically designed for it. In plain view, there are a few that stand out. Among them, in the cockpit  of JAS39 Gripen NG, there is only one large-sized head-up display/HUD, than three units pinned on JAS39 Gripen C/D.

The content of fighters management and avionics technology also been several steps ahead conceived its "big brother,' JAS39 Gripen C/D ie NetCentric Warfare. This technology's job to keep everything in the multirole mission operating system that run by JAS39 Gripen NG remains flexible and ensure the stability of data traffic in its datalink functions.
Here is championed by Saab to address the needs of the operator will be the permissibility fighter jets said to be "intelligent", ie the exchange of data takes place simultaneously in the country's defense system. So that is seen and read one JAS39 Gripen NG increasingly sophisticated and increasingly stable and can be simultaneous read and analyzed by the command center, or tanks on land, ships at sea, even a point defense batteries.
There were several countries are considering using the SAAB fighter jets, such as Slovakia has been decided to choose JAS39 Gripen, as well as Brazil bought 28 JAS39 Gripen NG and eight JAS39 Gripen F, Thailand bought eight JAS39 Gripen C and four JAS39 Gripen D, United Kingdom renting one JAS39 Gripen D for their fighter pilot school, Czech Republic hired 12 JAS39 Gripen C and two JAS39 Gripen D, Hungary hired 12 JAS39 Gripen C and two JAS39 Gripen D, as well as South Africa bought 17 JAS39 Gripen C and nine JAS39 Gripen D. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SAAB]

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