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space metals
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Airplanes
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space metals
fuel cells
DOT Says Fuel Cells Can Fly; FAA Still Afraid They Might Fry
The US DOT has approved transportation of methanol fuel cell cartridges in your baggage and carry-on luggage, according to one fuel-cell maker. If you're lucky enough to own a fuel-cell system, you'll definitely be able to fly with it come October, when the ruling goes into effect. But this ruling only allows you to carry the cells, not use them on the plane. I looked into it, and the FAA, a division of the DOT, is still apparently evaluating the fire hazards associated with in-flight operation. More »
boeing dreamliner
How to Equip Your Dreamliner (Including 23" Displays for First Class Seats)
Probably trying to polish its current poor image, Boeing invited Fortune Magazine to get an inside look into the Dreamliner factory, secret orgy quarters, and the showroom, in which—after spending $150 million on an empty aircraft—you have to pick the seats, including their A/V entertainment equipment (like whopping 23" LCD monitors in first class), and even the coffee maker. Head to Fortune to see the entire video and gallery. [Fortune]
hidden high mile club
Dreamliner's Secret Crew Quarters Should be Called Orgy Room
Here's one of Boeing Dreamliner's most closely guarded secrets: the Orgy Room. Boeing likes to call it "the Crew Quarters" but, come on, what images does this cozy compartment, hidden in the top of the composite fuselage bring to mind? Here's a hint: it has six tightly packed beds for flight attendants, who use them to "have siestas" when the flights are too long. What. Ever. [Fortune]
huge rc planes
Top Gun 2008: Biggest RC Airplane Competition in the World
They may not be made of LEGO or Star Wars-related, but if you like amazingly detailed, huge aircraft models—like the SR-71 above—head to Lakeland, Florida, and Top Gun 2008: the 20th anniversary edition of the biggest RC model competition in the world. It starts tomorrow, five days of pure nerdgasm watching the most stunning remote control aircraft in the world. More details, plus a gigantic gallery from 2007 after the jump. More »
airplanes
The History Behind the F-35B Vertical Lift: from Napkin to First Supersonic Plane
Dr. Paul Bevilaqua is the aerodynamicist who designed the F-35B shaft-driven lift fan years ago at Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin's advanced technology program. His invention changed short-take off and vertical-landing (STVOL) planes forever, making the Lightning II the first supersonic aircraft with this capability. To honor him, Lockheed Martin has released this new video, in which Dr. Bevilaqua explains how the project went from "napkin to production." More »
airplanes
It may not be as fancy as first class accommodations, but Delta's new "Cozy Suite" seats promise to make economy class seating less of a hellish, crippling nightmare. The major feature of the design is a staggered layout that increases privacy while simultaneously creating a space for weary travelers to rest their heads. It also allows passengers to enjoy 31-inches of leg room (2-inches better than the competition) and the ability to recline without disturbing the person behind them.
More »
Delta "Cozy Suite" Seats Make Economy Class Semi-Tolerable
It may not be as fancy as first class accommodations, but Delta's new "Cozy Suite" seats promise to make economy class seating less of a hellish, crippling nightmare. The major feature of the design is a staggered layout that increases privacy while simultaneously creating a space for weary travelers to rest their heads. It also allows passengers to enjoy 31-inches of leg room (2-inches better than the competition) and the ability to recline without disturbing the person behind them. More »
cellphones
Roll Out Of Air France's In-Flight Cellphone Service Experiences Turbulence
Air France's in-flight cellphone trial has finally taken off, but with bumpy results. The New York Times hitched a ride on the French carrier recently and found several bugs in the system: More »
3:30 PM on Sat Apr 19 2008
By Elaine Chow
7,671 views,
22 comments
question of the day
Should Congress Ban Cellphone Calls on US Flights?
Europe may be ok with passengers making in-flight calls on their cellphones, but at least a few members of Congress have the foresight to see how this situation could become problematic in the US. A new bill has been introduced that promises to ban cellphone calls on US flights, but not text messaging and web surfing. The bill has yet to be passed, but the question is: Do you support a ban? More »
6:30 PM on Wed Apr 16 2008
By Sean Fallon
8,423 views,
115 comments
airplanes
Boeing Dreamliner Turns Into Nightmareliner After New Delay
We have been following the Boeing's 787 Dreamliner for a long time. It's a beautiful aircraft, which allegedly provides with a much-better flying experience—less noise, bigger windows, more space, and better fuel efficiency—thanks to its new construction processes and technologies. However, a new delay in its LEGO-like manufacturing process shows that Boeing is having very serious difficulties with its mass production, which will put them a whooping 18 months behind their original schedule. More »
bad days
Remember when we told you about the B-2 Stealth Bomber that crashed in Guam, turning 1.2 billion dollars of plane into a fiery wreck? Well, now we have pictures of it, and it ain't pretty. Feast your eyes on one of the most expensive accidents ever and be thankful it wasn't you who had to explain what happened to your boss. Hit the jump to see a shot of what a B-2 Bomber looks like when it isn't a steaming pile of scrap metal.
More »
This is What a Wrecked $1.2 Billion B-2 Bomber Looks Like
Remember when we told you about the B-2 Stealth Bomber that crashed in Guam, turning 1.2 billion dollars of plane into a fiery wreck? Well, now we have pictures of it, and it ain't pretty. Feast your eyes on one of the most expensive accidents ever and be thankful it wasn't you who had to explain what happened to your boss. Hit the jump to see a shot of what a B-2 Bomber looks like when it isn't a steaming pile of scrap metal.
More »
airplanes
Fantasy Open-Air Seats Airplane Will Never Fly, Unfortunately
For some reason, Spanish designer Jaime Hayon decided to put the weirdest elements he could find in this airplane concept, made of white gold and fiberglass tiles for a ceramics company called Bisazza: the nose looks like a F-18 Hornet, then it has an Y-Wing cockpit, wings with propeller wings and love missiles, a B-52ish tail, and—the best part—open-air seats. More »
cellphones
More »
Europe Approves In-Flight Cell Calls, Travel Gets Even More Annoying
Be happy to arrive late to every cellphone technology party, America, because the European Union has just approved the use of cellphones in airplanes. Effective immediately, any compliant aircraft will allow for in- and outbound calls using regular cellphones starting at 9,800 feet. The technical requirements are quite simple.
12:05 PM on Mon Apr 7 2008
By Jesus Diaz
8,190 views,
70 comments
Latest by jkr: @x23: oh thank god, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt, since I couldn't figure out if you were joking. more »
crazy
More »
Airplane Cabin for Sale Will Make You Apartment Commander
If you are looking for a complete apartment makeover and a cheap private plane, head to eBay now because someone is selling the interior of a passenger airplane. The 19-square-foot "real Boeing aircraft model Airbus aircraft seats" includes everything but the trolley dollies: first class double seats, two fully-equipped airplane toilets, kitchenette, storage lockers, and onboard in-flight video equipment. Jump for more pics and the sellers' psychedelic "business ideas" for this contraption.
flying
Aircell Gets Two Key Approvals from FAA, Paves Way for In-Flight Broadband
Aircell, a company setting up a broadband network for use while flying, just received two critical FAA approvals that clears the way for the rollout of in-flight broadband in the near future. The first approval allows Aircell to run its network on commercially operating Boeing 767-200 planes, while the second authorizes the company to manufacture aircraft parts in its Bensenville, IL plant. Both are pretty important, clearly, so it's good to see that we're heading in the right direction towards you beautiful people being able to leave comments on Giz from 30,000 feet. [Aircell via SlipperyBrick]
no glue, no glory
More »
F-22 Raptor Airframes Falling Apart Due to Bad Glue
According to a just-released Air Combat Command report, 30 of the F-22A Raptors delivered by Lockheed Martin use "inadequate adhesive" in their airframes. That means two things in plain language: bad glue; and big trouble.
showers
Emirates Air In-Flight Showers Cost $18,000 (Plus Enviro Guilt?)
Starting October 1, if you're flying first class from Dubai to New York on an Emirates Air A380, you'll have the option of grabbing a hot shower midflight. It'll cost you $18,000, but some showers are worth it, am I right? "No!" say those party poopers in the environmental lobby. More »
airplanes
