China is developing a stealth bomber

China is developing a new stealth bomber called the H-20. The stealth bombers development will increase the strength of Chinese strategic bombers, said Bill Sweetman, a military journalist and Richard D. Fisher, a researcher on China's military development as reported by Wantchinatimes.com.

At present, China is still in the development stage for future strategic bombers, as well as the United States also is developing stealth strategic bombers through the Long-Range Strike Bomber project and Russian with the PAK DA bombers program, according to reports Aviation Week & Space Technology.

The H-20 bombers likely to be developed and manufactured by Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation (XAIC), one of the main developers of the China's planes. And H-20 bombers are likely to be configured with low observable features and subsonic speeds.

China is developing a new stealth bomber called the H-20. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/11cvWpu)

According to the report of China Aviation News in January 2014, since 2008 China has mentioned designing the strategic stealth bombers. The design was designed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, which is the parent company of XAIC.

Plan for the future development of China bombers actually also has resonated since October 2013. At the time, Colonel Wu Guohui, a professor of China's National Defense University told the China Aviation News: "In the past China weakened in bomber (aircrafts), but in the future China will develop long-range bombers."

Colonel Wu Guohui explained that stealth bomber has two advantages over ballistic missiles. First, ballistic missiles could be fired only once, while the stealth bomber flown many times. Second, once launched, ballistic missiles can not return to base, while the stealth bomber would return to base if the mission was canceled.

Although the China's Air Force has yet to confirm their plans, but the analysts estimates the H-20 bombers might be done around 2025. In the future, China will require stealth bombers to achieve two strategic ambitions. First, to prevent the US dominated over the First Island Chain, which stretches from Alaska to the Philippines. Second, to further strengthen their leadership in the Far East. China Air Force H-20 along with the aircraft carriers and amphibious assault of China Navy ship will give them a major force projection capabilities.

Like the United States, which has invested U.S. $1.2 billion per year for developing new stealth bomber to replace the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit bomber, Wu said that it is time for China to develop their own bombers. Strategic bombers like the US B2 and China Xian H-6 has now become easy targets for the advanced air defense missile systems today. Similarly, Russia is now developing the PAK DA stealth bombers to meet the needs of future wars.

Although the China's Air Force has yet to confirm their plans, but the analysts estimates the H-20 bombers might be done around 2025. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/11cvWpu)

Currently, only the United States, which has been producing and operating a stealth bomber, such as the Lockheed A-12, Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk and the B-2 Spirit. And now, the B-2 bomber is the only US-operated.

While waiting for the H-20 program finishes, PLA-Air Force continues to develop an upgraded version of the H-6 bombers and upgrade of previous models with the new weaponry. And the China intentions to buy more advanced bomber namely the Tupolev Tu-22m3 was not approved by Russia, making the country has no other choice but to upgrade their existing bombers or develop new bombers. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARTILERI.ORG]

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5 Unique Classic Cars You Need to See

Unique ONES - Delving into the realm of unique classic cars on the internet is an exhilarating journey, akin to flipping through a treasure trove of automotive creativity from bygone eras.

Rows of 5 unique shaped cars that ever made. (Picture from: Story-Cars and Conceptcarz)

Each vehicle tells a story of innovation and bold design choices that set them apart from the mainstream, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors alike. What are they? Let's find out.

1. 1957 Spohn Convertible

One such gem is the 1957 Spohn Convertible, a car whose eccentric design makes it a notable curiosity. Carosseriebau Hermann Spohn, established in 1920 in Ravensburg, Germany, produced this vehicle.

1957 Spohn Convertible. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

With features like a bumper resembling a long beard and mismatched body panels, the car was more of an oddity than a triumph. Despite its peculiarities, the Spohn Convertible, built on a 1939 Ford chassis and powered by a 1953 Cadillac V8 engine, remains a fascinating piece of automotive history.

Rear three-quarter of 1957 Spohn Convertible. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

2. 1959 FMR TG 500 Tiger

The 1959 FMR TG 500 Tiger is another intriguing entry. Designed and built by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau Regensburg (FMR), this microcar earned the nickname "micro muscle car" due to its compact size and surprising power. Weighing only 150 kg and equipped with a 24 hp engine from the VW Beetle 1300, it fetched a remarkable price at auction, underscoring its unique appeal.

1959 FMR TG 500 Tiger. (Picture from: Deseeft)

Although small, this only one car is successfully auctioned at a price of about the US. $250,446 or approx Rp.3 billion. Uniquely, the TG 500's design includes a handlebar instead of a steering wheel and a tandem seating arrangement, blurring the line between car and motorcycle.

Rear three-quarter of 1959 FMR. TG 500 Tiger. (Picture from: Deseeft)

3. 1962 Covington  El Tiburon

If the shark had been transformed into the car, then El Tiburon Roadster is the answer. The If ever a car embodied the sleekness of a shark, it would be the 1962 Covington El Tiburon. Industrial designer Henry Covington, inspired by the aerodynamic principles of Dr. Augustus Raspet, created this vehicle in collaboration with fiberglass expert Glenn Gums.

1962 Covington elTiburon. (Picture from: Conceptcarz)

The El Tiburon's name means "shark" in Spanish, fitting its sharp, streamlined profile. Notably, this roadster lacks a roof or pillars, requiring drivers to remain vigilant and perhaps don a helmet, enhancing its unique, sporty character.

Rear right side view of 1962 Covington el Tiburon. (Picture from: Pinterest)

4. 1963 "Shorty" Mustang

The 1963 "Shorty" Mustang represents a bold experiment by Ford Motor Company. In an effort to compete with smaller cars like the AMC Javelin, Ford created this two-seat fastback from a shortened pre-production Mustang chassis shortened 16 inches and stuffed with a 260-cu.in. V-8 bored and stroked to 302 cubic inches.

1963 "Shorty" Mustang. (Picture from: Hemmings)

It was built under Vince Gardner's design vision included a fiberglass fastback profile, but despite its innovative design, Ford ultimately decided against mass production. Gardner's attachment to the "Shorty" Mustang led him to hide it in a warehouse, preserving this one-of-a-kind car for future generations.

Rear three-quarter of 1963 "Shorty" Mustang. (Picture from: Hemmings)

5. 1974 Fascination

Finally, the 1974 Fascination stands out with its futuristic design reminiscent of science fiction and 1930s illustrations. Created by Paul M. Lewis, the car features a distinctive rounded shape and an elongated rear axle with a pair of tires.

1974 Fascination. (Picture from: Conceptcarz)

Resembling an airplane, particularly with its "jet engine" rear wheel casing, the Fascination embodies the forward-thinking design of its era. Lewis's earlier attempt at building an automobile, the 1937 Airomobile Experimental Sedan, faced financial hurdles, but his vision found expression in the Fascination, a testament to his innovative spirit.

Rear three-quarter of 1974 Fascination. (Picture from: Conceptcarz)

Exploring these unique classic cars offers a glimpse into the creative minds of their designers and the bold, sometimes unconventional, paths they took. Each car, from the Spohn Convertible to the Fascination, tells a story of innovation and individuality that continues to captivate enthusiasts. The journey through automotive history is not just about the cars themselves but also about the visionaries who dared to think differently, leaving a legacy of creativity and daring that inspires to this day. *** [EKA [19112014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | HEMMINGS | STORY-CARS | DESEEFT ]

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These flies are very useful in the waste processing

PT. Gunung Madu Plantation (GMP) Lampung, became a host of the residual plantations waste treatment trial using the black flies (Hermetia illucens) or better known the bioconversion of Black Soldier Fly (BSF).

Hermetia illucens. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1A5xL6F)

"The waste which is processed by the flies were able reduced as much as 80 percent, the rest will become high protein larvae," said Agus Pakpahan, a BSF researcher on Saturday, November 15, 2014. He said, that the processing of residual plantation waste that used the bioconversion of BSF was the first implemented in Lampung.

According to Agus, the fly larvae resulting from the techniques can be used as a high protein animal feed. The flies carrion that can be utilized as materials of bio-plastics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Meanwhile General Manager and Finance of PT. GMP-Lampung, Gunamarwan, adding in once harvest his company could produce 80,000 tonnes of sugar cane residual. He also welcomed the bioconversion of BSF test, moreover it obtained a significant improvement of the land condition after the test.

"The trial results of BSF bioconversion methods have proved able to increase of nitrogen (content) in soil which was originally 0.2 to 1.2 percent. In addition, the soil more crusts and topsoil were originally 10 cm to 14 cm," said Gunamarman.

Besides used to deal with residual waste of sugarcane processed, the company slowly familiarize the employees separating organic and inorganic waste. And then the organic waste will also be processed using these flies, further Gunamarman. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOMPAS SAINS]

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The latest version of KTM X-Bow ready to be built

Super lightweight sports car from the Austrian sportbike manufacturer, KTM, will prepare the latest racing version of the X-Bow (read: crossbow). Development would be done by KTM which collaborated with Reiter Engineering, a German a German motorsport and engineering firm.

KTM X-Bow Racecar teaser image. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1wvOWYG)

The car is scheduled to be offered as a special racing cars to customers in Asia, Europe and the United States will be performing with the roof closed, unlike the original version without a roof and windshield, as shown in the teaser image.

KTM X-Bow GTR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1KSYgmu)

The idea of the construction of the newest X-Bow sports car is reportedly came from Hans Reiter, owner of Reiter Engineering in which the company will handle the affairs of construction, logistics, sales and supply of spare parts. As has been previously known that Reiter Engineering has been involved in the construction of the Lamborghini Gallardo GT3, Murcielago GT1, and Chevrolet Camaro GT3.

"Now is the right time to introduce a revolutionary new vehicle concept to the international motorsport customers. It is an opportunity that does not want to miss and I present my ideas to KTM, "said Hans Reiter.

"I am confident that the new model will attract a lot of interest and will be very successful in the international world," he continued. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WORLDCARFANS]

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When the Russian tanks manufacturer makes the tram

Recently a Russian company, UVZ (Ural Vagon Zavod) showcased the commuter train or tram called the R1 (Russia One) that has a very futuristic looks and has several advantages than the existing today.

From the shape or design certainly cool, but more importantly, there is a technology that can make the train travel is much more comfortable and smoother despite the train tracks in unfavorable conditions.

A gleaming prototype of the Russia One (R1) tram being unveiled at an expo in Yekaterinburg. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1mNYQ6A)

For the front carriage where the driver is located, indeed shaped differently than usual with a slightly sloping windshield, it is useful to give the driver a wider viewing angle (30% wider) and facilitate the driver to see if there are people on his side.

A computer rendition of the interior of a Russia One (R1) tram. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1mNYQ6A)

In terms of aerodynamics does not support at all with such a form, but as this will be used as a commuter train with the speed is only about 24 km/h so there is not needed aerodynamic shape.

Inside, passengers are pampered with some features such as the LED lights that can change color to provide comfort, GPS, air conditioning, anti-bacterial handrails as well as Wi-Fi connection.

The R1 is scheduled to be launched in 2015 to carry passengers ranging from 190-270 passengers once way. As additional information, the UVZ known as the tanks manufacturer so it is not surprising also if the train looks so unique. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | URAL VAGON ZAVOD | THE MOSCOW TIMES]

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The legend of tiny Fiat revived

Fiat will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their classic Fiat 600 hatchback. Hatchback that existed between 1955 and 1969 will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Fiat will be resurrected their cute car that had existed in 1950s and the new model looks still thick retro shades, although the modern elements is also clearly visible.

The original 1955 Fiat 600. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1wvJm8w)

Fiat 600, like other iconic Fiat 500, is a small antique car that proved successful for the Italian car manufacturer in the mid 20th century. Here's the rendering image of the car.

Fiat 600 will comes with 5-door chasis and family-friendly. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1wvJm8w)

As reported by the Indianautosblog on Thursday, November 13, 2014, this retro figure had 5-door configuration. The design is largely inspired from the merger between Fiat 500 is marketed today, the old Fiat 600 in its heyday before. The result? Exotic!

Fiat 600 will comes with retro-styled front door handles and hidden rear door handles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uiuhdK)

Its looks completely minimalist, including the grill which actually looks futuristic. However, with a rounded design overall, Fiat has created a deep impression on a pair of retro rear fender, the body is made inflated like a human thigh.

Not yet known whether the Fiat 600 will use the same engine of the Fiat-owned machine model. But the prediction, the engine will not be far away from that used by Fiat 500 and can also adopted from the Fiat Punto. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INDIANAUTOBLOG | DESIGNBOOM]

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