ICON A5, a sports car in the sky

Flying an aeroplane is no longer a difficult dream for most people, especially in the United States, as long as it is so difficult to get a pilot's license. In line with the launch of a new regulation by the FAA on rule changes for the category of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) in 2004, where the new rule allows each person can fly a plane without having to go through a long training process and do not need strict medical records are sometimes inhibit them to obtain certification.

ICON A5, a sports car in the sky. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1exfgbl)

For prospective pilots only takes 20 hours of flight training and just have to pay less than $3,500. But there are rules that must be obeyed the SPL (Sport Pilot License) pilot holders. They are only allowed to fly to a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters from the ground and aircraft speed must not exceed a maximum of 222 kph and should not conduct night flights. Similarly, the number of passengers is limited to a maximum only two people including the pilot and the minimum pilot age is 16 years.

ICON A5 with fully wings span. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

The aircraft was first developed by Kirk Hawkins, a former USAF F-16 fighter pilot who was capture business opportunities of the expansion of new generation aircraft based on the FAA's new rule, allowing the vehicle to fly that offers convenience for consumers but has a different attraction to the sport plane in general.

ICON A5 with folded wings span. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

The idea is akin to a person buying a sports car and operating it can quickly. Bailer was intercepted when Hawkisn met with Steen Strand, well known product designer who has 14 years of experience designing sports equipment, Hawkins vision to create 'sportcar in sky' getting closer to reality.

Precisely in 2005, Hawkins founded ICON Aircraft with the developtment facilities located in Southern California. Not without reason this place was chosen as the base aircraft industry. California is known as a state that produces quality human resources in the field of aerospace as well as automotive design center of the world.

Interior view of ICON A5. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1exfgbl)

ICON Aircraft engineering team supported by people who have been involved in the development of phenomenal aircrafts such as Voyager, Global Flyer and Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne of Scaled Composite which located in Mojave, California.

Over the three years since the founding of ICON Aircraft, in June 2008 the hard work of developtment team successfully finished their first aircraft prototype named ICON A5, a petite amphibious sport aircraft with a capacity of two passengers. A month later, on July 15, 2008 ICON A5 flying premiere of a lake in California. Test fly directly addressed by the ICON's test pilot and also Aero engineer, Jon Karkow.

Left side view of ICON A5 Interior. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

The first flight took place properly, the aircraft's performance even more than expected, but still conducted sustainable test until the aircraft ready going into production line. Since the beginning, ICON A5 is designed like a sports car, it could be seen from the shape of the snout and the sloping windshield and a pair of headlights that look like sports car.

ICON A5's simple flight instruments console. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

So see the cabin, sports car feel more resilient feel, its dashboard panel really different than most aircraft. Detail design is perfect, until the pilot is believed to be sitting in the cockpit aboard a sports car feel rather than being steered plane.

Its equipment facilities include a simple analogue flight instruments, pilot's numerous flying aids, LCD multifunction display, plus a port for modern gadgets like iPod and MP3 to listen to music as well as the addition of glass can be removed while the fly.

To make the ICON A5 more practical, Icon's engineers thought the facility for owners and users of aircraft, such as the main wing can be folded manually or automatically. In folded back condition, the plane would have easily raised the trailer and furthermore can be towed by a car from the garage to the airport, river or lake nearby.

Special aircraft carrier trailer has also prepared by Icon Aircraft as an option. Then the landing gear can be retracted when flying or the landing wheels facilities can also be removed completely in Seaplane version.

ICON specs include a maximum speed of 120 mph and maximum range of 555 km. It measures 23' long and 7.1' high, with a wingspan of 34'. Other features include folding wings, retractable landing gear, Seawings platforms for easy access and docking.

The construction of aircraft structures are built using carbon fiber material, make very light weight and efficient in fuel use. By using a single Rotax 912 ULS engine power of 100 hp neatly embedded just behind the cabin that can consume the aviation or general fuel.

As the security features offered on the Icon A5 is a GPS moving map system that can provide information to the pilot about the nature and the local weather conditions in real time, then Wing Angel of Attack (AoA) indicator, patent-pending Propeller Guard and parachute that can inflate mini rockets launched from the roof when the plane experienced engine trouble while flying.

The aircraft with standard fittings sold at the price of $139,000. It is not expensive when compared with a sport car like Ferrari that sold at $224,640. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ICON AIRCRAFT | POPULAR MECHANICS]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Luxury amphibious vehicle

For those of you who has a deep pockets and get bored with a collection of luxury cars, it would not hurt if you try to have one of these amphibious vehicles.

Chicago-based

Mercier-Jones, the world's first supercraft. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1oPp2uY)

start up hovercraft manufacturers, Mercier-Jones offering their new hybrid supercraft product, that has an unusual look as a hovercraft in general is merely pugnacious and "uncomfortable" impressed. Even with its design, this hovercraft can be regarded as the amphibious vehicle's Bugatti.

The supercraft equipped with a powerful 60 hp engine combined with two electric motors that are powered by lithium-ion batteries, Mercier-Jones Supercraft able to spewed a total power up to 102 hp.

Mercier-Jones Supercraft can be regarded as the amphibious vehicle's Bugatti. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1nRyxNL)

It able to traverse any terrain, including land, ice, sand, water and even all terrain conditions that exist among them with a smooth and comfortable, this supercraft will certainly provide a new driving sensation for you.

The supercraft made of sporting carbon fibre body panels affixed to a still chromium alloy frame. Its open cockpit features two seats in tandem and carries an Android OS instrument panel complete with Bluetooth, on-board WiFi, navigation, and heated seats. Its interior is accented with wood inlays.

It is about the length of a Range Rover Evoque and the height of a Ferrari 458 Italia (or L x W x H = 4,318 mm x 2,159 mm x 1,219 mm) and a weight of 318 kg, the vehicle runs at a distance of 193 km at an average speed of 64.37 kph and sold at a price of U.S. $75,000 per unit. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCIER-JONES | THESCOUTLIFE]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

TVR Sagaris: The Lightweight Battle-Axe of British Sports Cars

Savage Precision - In a world where supercars increasingly rely on digital aids and polished perfection, there is something irresistibly captivating about a machine that feels raw, mechanical, and slightly unhinged. British sports cars have long thrived on that rebellious spirit, standing apart from mainstream rivals with character and courage. Among them, the TVR Sagaris occupies a special place — a lightweight battle-axe of a machine that looks as if it was carved for combat rather than comfort.

The TVR Sagaris sat in display at the 2014 Burnley Classic Car Show at Towneley Park. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Built by the British manufacturer TVR at its factory in Blackpool, the Sagaris first stepped into the spotlight at the MPH03 Auto Show in 2003, before a pre-production version appeared at the Birmingham Motorshow. It officially entered production in 2005 and was offered through TVR dealerships worldwide. Developed from the TVR T350 platform, the Sagaris was conceived with endurance racing firmly in mind, blending road-going legality with track-focused engineering in a way few rivals dared to attempt.

The TVR Sagaris name borrowed from a lightweight battle-axe used by ancient Scythian warriors. (Picture from: KumpulanArtikelOtomotifTerbaru)

The name “Sagaris” is rooted in history, borrowed from the sagaris — a lightweight battle-axe used by ancient Scythian warriors, feared for its ability to pierce armor. That imagery perfectly matches the car’s persona. Designed by Graham Browne and Lee Hodgetts, the Sagaris does not whisper for attention; it shouts. Every angle, vent, and slash across its fiberglass body seems purposeful, aggressive, and slightly confrontational, as if challenging both driver and observer to take it seriously.

Left side view of the TVR Sagaris. (Picture from: KumpulanArtikelOtomotifTerbaru)

Visually, the Sagaris remains one of the most intimidating road cars ever produced. Its bodywork is a dramatic composition of deep air channels, muscular haunches, and sharply cut vents. The side-exit exhausts protrude like weaponry, while the low-slung stance gives it a predatory posture whether parked or in motion. Unlike many sports cars that aim for elegance, the Sagaris embraces menace. It looks fast standing still — and even more so in a rearview mirror.

Interior view of the TVR Sagaris. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Those dramatic vents and intake openings are not just theatrical flourishes. Because the car was engineered with endurance racing aspirations, its cooling and ventilation systems were designed to withstand extended track sessions without modification. Airflow management was central to its identity. Interestingly, the final production cars featured subtle but noticeable changes compared to early show models: wing vents were left uncut, mirrors were revised, the fuel filler location altered, and bonnet hinges repositioned. These refinements did little to tame its wild aesthetic but improved practicality and build execution.

The 4.0-liter straight-six engine of the TVR Sagaris. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Underneath its fiberglass skin lies a 4.0-liter straight-six engine capable of producing around 380 horsepower. With a relatively lightweight construction, the Sagaris delivers explosive performance: 0 to 100 kph in approximately 3.7 seconds and a top speed approaching 290 kph. These figures remain impressive even by modern standards. Yet numbers alone fail to capture the experience. With minimal driver aids and a chassis tuned for involvement, the Sagaris demands skill and rewards commitment, offering a visceral connection that feels increasingly rare today.

Rear three quarter of the TVR Sagaris. (Picture from: KumpulanArtikelOtomotifTerbaru)

Inside, the cabin continues the theme of purposeful drama. The layout is driver-centric, with bold shapes and exposed details reflecting TVR’s unconventional design philosophy. While not luxurious in a traditional sense, the interior reinforces the sense that this is a machine built for engagement rather than indulgence. Every control feels deliberate, every surface part of a cohesive identity that prioritizes emotion over refinement. 

Rear view of the TVR Sagaris. (Picture from: KumpulanArtikelOtomotifTerbaru)

In 2008, TVR unveiled the Sagaris 2 prototype as a potential successor, featuring subtle revisions such as a redesigned rear fascia, updated exhaust system, and interior tweaks.  Around the same period, TVR’s future became a topic of speculation. Under new leadership from Les Edgar, the company signaled ambitions to return to the sports car market with fresh models, possibly even revisiting the Sagaris name. | Q80DKxCeEZE |

Whether through revival or reinvention, the legacy of the Sagaris continues to echo in conversations about analog performance and independent automotive spirit. It stands as a reminder that sometimes the most unforgettable machines are those bold enough to be different — sharp-edged, unapologetic, and built with the courage to leave a lasting scar on automotive history. *** [EKA [18072014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | HOTCARS | DRIVE.COM.AU | WIKIPEDIA ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Future Spaceship design

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), an US military research division which engaged in the development of defense technology reveals the Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program. This program is making a new spaceship that is more efficient.

DARPA's XS-1, the design of future spacecraft. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1qMw4Dh)

Design concept aircraft has been shown through a video on YouTube. Visible spaceship with elongated capsules fitted a pair of wings. In the video length is 31 seconds, the new spaceship carrying a satellite to be released in space. Then, the plane returned to Earth for landing like an airplane in general.

As qouted from Gizmodo on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, the XS-1 program presents unmanned space fleet that can be flown from Earth and put a small satellite in space. Reportedly, the XS-1 fleet to fly 10 times in 10 days and can be bolted to the speed of Mach 10+.

This program will reduce the cost of carrying out the space to be less than U.S. $5 million per single flight times. DARPA has given major contracts Phase 1 of the XS-1 for three well-known companies such as The Boeing Company, Masten Space Systems and Northrop Grumman Corporation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIZMODO]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

NASA discovered a mysterious object on Mars

Recently NASA's Curiosity, a rover robot that placed in Mars capture an image of iron meteorite in the land of the red planet. NASA named the mysterious object with the name of Lebanon.

The Lebanon meteorite found by Curiosity. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1zOO9qu)

As reported by The Register on Thursday, July 17, 2014, the Lebanon meteorite found by the Curiosity seemed buried in the Martian sand. The robot which is worth billions of dollars, managed to capture an meteorite image with a width of two meters on May 25, 2014.

To take the picture, Curiosity rely on nuclear energy-based technologies, called Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam). This NASA robot also utilizes Mast Camera (Mastcam) to determine the color and contrast levels on a meteorite body.

Latest, NASA is studying and analyzing the material forming the iron meteorite. "The pictur shows the angle-shaped cavity on the surface of the stone. One possible explanation is that this object is generated from a special joint erosion in the metal crystal boundary stone," said NASA scientist.

Furthermore, scientists say, the cavity in this meteorite contains olivine crystals, which can be found on a rare type of meteorite called 'pallasites'. In 2005, NASA's Opportunity similar meteorite ever found lying on the sand dunes of Mars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE REGISTER]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

The first Filipino supercar

So far, the Southeast Asia countries known as supercar customers, but the other story comes from the Philippines.

Aurelio is 2-door sport coupe and claimed as the first Filipino supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1t6cQda)

In May 2014 Factor Aurelio Automobile (FAA), a local company founded by two young Philippines engineers has been displaying their first supercar concept named Aurelio in the biggest local auto show, Trans Sport Show 2014.

Now, the production version has been completed and claimed to be a first Filipino supercar, or it could also be the first in Southeast Asia. The FAA was founded by Kevin Factor, a 21-year-old engineering student and Aurelio Brendan, the owner of Pacita Fibertech (a local car custom manufacturing).

Front view of Aurelio supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1oKicXE)

Their 2-door sport coupe armed with either a Mitsubishi 4G63T 2.0 liter turbo intercooled DOHC 16-valve engine or a Honda B16A DOHC VTEC 16-valve motor. By adopting a similar design of European supercar. The aerodynamic factors make angled and flat appearance to pursue a lower center of gravity. Further, the biggest advantage of this supercar design derived from the lightweight handmade chassis.

Right side view of Aurelio supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1t6cQda)

Many components of the supercar using fiberglass reinforced plastic and carbon fiber. And Aurelio supercar adopts scissor doors, a VR4 front & rear suspension setup and sits on 18-inch Rota alloy wheels.

Rear three quarter of Aurelio supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1oKicXE)

"We were only planning to make 10 units, so the value of this car can be maintained. If we produce more, the car will lose value because it is not unique anymore," said Factor to Top Gear Philippines at the auto show. FAA predicts, that Aurelio supercar price is approximately 1.6 million pesos, or about Rp. 428 million.

Until now there has been no official statement about the car performance data. But according to many people, for the supercar level, the engine choice does not seem too powerfull. But when looked from the specification, the Aurelio was similar to Lotus Exige, the British nimble sports car, which rely on an optimal combination of a lightweight body with a small engine or as a supercar although a four-cylinder engine doesn't sound overly impressive and the design sends out a bit of a kit car vibe with some Italian influences. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WORLDCARFANS]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.