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20 Mar 2019

Image Credit: Austel

When we look at modern naval vessels, the larger and more glamorous ships generally take centre stage including the massive aircraft carriers and the ever-dangerous nuclear submarines. However, if it weren’t for frigates, these super ships would be unable to safely take on the open oceans.

Frigates are also called the “eyes of the fleet” and serve as multi-purposed warships. Their size is essentially in-between a smaller corvette and a larger destroyer where they act independently of the fleet and can free up larger ships in medium-threat areas.

While frigates weren’t suitable to fight with the rest of the fleet in normal battles, they were the perfect solution to long-range solo missions. This included exploration, patrols, escorts, blockades, anti-piracy and anti-slavery missions among others.

26 Feb 2019

Image Credit: Rolls-Royce

The UK Government, with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, has awarded Rolls-Royce Submarines with a £235m contract to support nuclear propulsion systems for the Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines. They have also revealed the name of the third Dreadnought submarine that will add to their already powerful naval defence. It is called HMS Warspite in memory of the last ‘great ship’ built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

As the contract stipulates, Rolls-Royce will deliver the required support, advice and materials to ensure the safety of the propulsion systems. The multi-million-pound deal relates to the current Trafalgar, Vanguard and Astute class submarine fleet until 2022. The contract will also help sustain approximately 500 jobs in the UK mainly in Derby, HMNB Clyde and HMNB Devonport.

11 Jan 2019

Image Credit: IDF

The defence sector is a demanding industry as companies from all over the world compete for new innovations and technologies. From tanks and armoured personnel carriers to autonomous vehicles and helicopters, countries are always looking to expand their defence forces.

We’ve recently covered some really interesting defence technologies ranging from micro drones to UAVs and military robots. Looking at some of the developments from 2018, the Israeli Defence Force springs to mind.

30 Dec 2018

Image Credit: Sikorsky/Boeing

When it comes to military aircraft, vehicles and other emerging technologies, the Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant is the future. This next-generation military helicopter shows just what today’s technologies and advanced systems are capable of. After years of research and development, Sikorsky and Boeing have revealed their master plan for the latest in military aircraft.

21 Dec 2018

Image Credit: Honda

Honda is making headlines once again as they seeking potential business and technology partners for their prototype off-road vehicle. Honda’s Autonomous Work Vehicle combines the automaker’s all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and advanced autonomous technology. Honda R&D Americas have designed the Autonomous Work Vehicles to improve efficiency and safety.

They aim to target public, commercial and consumer enterprises with the potential to support a host of industries. Some of these include search and rescue, firefighting, construction, agriculture, landscaping and snow removal. Honda will feature their Autonomous Work Vehicle at CES 2019 in Las Vegas Convention Center from January 8-11, 2019.

14 Dec 2018

Img credit: sputniknews.com

The defence sector is forever changing and Russia’s new Peresvet laser weapon gives a terrifying glimpse into the future. Russia announced the launch amidst some controversy after the US threatened to withdraw from an arms treaty between the two military powerhouses. Could this be a coincidence? Many people think not. Chances are that it probably fits perfectly with Russia’s plans as tensions between the two countries have increased in recent times.

President Vladimir Putin already promised to deploy several high-tech weapons in the near future when he made his annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly in March 2018. He wants the West to know that Russia is developing new weapons and should be considered a real force if a New Cold War erupts.

30 Nov 2018

Credit: New Atlas

We can never get tired of reading and writing about engineering developments, emerging technologies and the flying taxi. This year has already seen a few interesting concepts from Uber signing with NASA to the CityHawk and Pal-V. And now it is time for Audi to step up to the plate.

The German automaker is living up to their name with the new Pop.Up Next, a hybrid quadcopter and compact two-seater electric vehicle. This is certainly an ambitious attempt but one that seems well worth it considering their partnership with Italdesign and Airbus.

23 Nov 2018

In modern-day manufacturing, technology is forever advancing and it is essential to keep up with the all latest trends. Throughout our history, we have seen a number of methods implemented to manufacture custom parts. Today, CNC machining and 3D printing are seen as two of the most widely used manufacturing processes.

With the rapid growth of 3D printing technology, some believe it has become the first choice for many industries. On the other hand, CNC machining is still considered a reliable standard and there really aren’t many things that don’t involve CNC machined parts somewhere in the process.

Looking at the available technologies and industries utilising CNC machining and 3D printing, how do they work? Which industries prefer one or the other and how do they compare?

16 Nov 2018

Img Credit: Yahoo News Singapore

China continues to impress with their latest innovation, new stealth combat drones known as Tian Ying (CH-7). It featured at the air show in Zhuhai, a biannual event that showcases China’s latest developments in military and civilian aviation. There were several Chinese state-owned arms companies also displaying their drones. It appears China is investing heavily in unmanned aircraft with plans to develop drones capable of flying from one of its future aircraft carriers. Could this be a role for the CH-7 to fulfil?

According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, more than 350 private Chinese firms are now capable of making unmanned aerial, surface or ground vehicles.

9 Nov 2018

Military vehicles and robots date as far back as WWI with small, remote-controlled and tracked, disposable explosive devices. WWII saw even more innovative designs with the Soviet Army developing full-sized remote-controlled tanks between 1930 and 1940. Even the Brits had a hand in remote controlled tanks with their Matilda MK2 Infantry tank, the ‘Black Prince’.

While nothing compares to modern day military vehicles and autonomous systems, our history is filled with incredible engineering feats. With so many different autonomous military vehicles and systems, we’re only focusing on a few of the standouts.

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