The popular concept of radar detection can be seen in a hundred movies – a group of serious-looking controllers studies a circular screen intently in a darkened room. They could be civilians or soldiers, but the sweeping radar display is very familiar to most of us. Radar has become an essential tool in the aerospace, marine and even land-based theaters. The concept behind radar is very simple and the name itself – RADAR – is short for Radio Detection and Ranging. Radio waves are emitted … [Read more...]
Designing Munitions For The Last Resort
We all hope for peace and a world free from conflict. Despite this, it is the duty of governments to provide their armed forces with the tools they need to deter aggression from foreign powers who have different aspirations and, if necessary, take action to safeguard the lives of its citizens. It is necessary to design munitions that will be ready in the last resort. Modern weapons and munitions make the most of the latest technology. The driving goal of modern munition design is … [Read more...]
Drones and UAVs
The market for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more popularly known as drones, is growing quickly. Whether used in government or commercial roles, modern UAVs combine the advantages of high-performance aircraft with the functionality of the latest information technologies. Designers of UAVs need connectivity solutions that can deliver the performance that will keep pace with the latest technology whilst providing the reliability needed for airborne applications. Established … [Read more...]
Focus on Avionics
The aerospace industry has had a tough time over the last 12 months. Not only has the commercial aviation market suffered severely from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the industry has not been able to showcase its latest developments. The signs of a recovery are beginning to show. The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo took place in Florida during April, providing enthusiasts and professionals with their first look at new aviation technology for nearly a year. On show was everything from … [Read more...]
Gut-Feel Engineering
The human brain is very good at understanding the world around us. An everyday example can be found when driving a car. An experienced driver will be able to judge how large their car is, and how close they can approach an obstacle. The driver does not need to think about or analyze the situation. Instead, they simply respond instinctively. Other examples can be found in sports. Baseball players regularly hit a ball that is less than 3 inches across, traveling … [Read more...]
Exploring Space from Our Own Backyard
The exploration of space has been a dream of mankind for centuries. Every month that passes marks another anniversary of a step towards our understanding of the cosmos. For example, February 10th 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of a momentous telephone call. On this day in 1961, a call was placed between Washington DC and Woomera, South Australia. What makes this so impressive is that the signals were “bounced” from the surface of the moon as a way to transmit the call … [Read more...]
Testing is Not an Afterthought
Testing is the final step of any manufacturing process, and arguably the most important, and yet it can often be overlooked. Releasing a poorly tested product onto the market has destroyed more than one reputation for quality, and this is even more important in an age when information can be shared globally at the click of a mouse. At the same time, product testing has become hugely more sophisticated as the products themselves have grown more complex. Gone are the days when testing … [Read more...]
A Little Inspiration…
When looking for a new project, how ambitious should you be? Back in 2014, a group of friends came together and collaborated with Mattel toys to send a Superman into space. Combining electronic and mechanical engineering with an eclectic range of other skills, the result was a stunning example of what can be achieved when a small team of motivated individuals works together. The group had something in common - DesignSpark. DesignSpark is the engineering community of global distributor, … [Read more...]
The Smart Grid – Taking Technology Beyond the Factory
The internet of things has revolutionized so many parts of our everyday lives. In the home, our appliances are connected devices that allow us to control lighting, order groceries and provide security even when we’re not home. In the world of industry, the smart factory is changing the way that our goods are made. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) allows manufacturers to be more responsive, reacting to changes in customer demands quickly and economically. The key to these … [Read more...]
Bringing Vision to the Smart Factory
Embedded vision systems are becoming part of everyday life. The development of autonomous cars has caught the headlines, and the use of visual systems will play a key role in their future success. Embedded vision will be combined with other sensors to provide guidance for the vehicle. Systems such as lidar (light direction and ranging) will measure distance, and the embedded vision systems will provide object recognition. With this technology, the vehicle will be able to … [Read more...]