DARPA’s Communication Parafoil
DARPA’s Towed Airborne Lift of Naval Systems, or TALONS, is designed to carry intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, or other communications payloads of up to 150 pounds between 500 and 1,500 feet in altitude behind ships.
A low-cost, fully automated parafoil system, TALONS could help extend maritime vessel’s long-distance communications and improve their domain awareness. DARPA has successfully tested a hand deployed TALONS prototype for smaller boats, and a mast deployed system for larger ships. However, before taking to the sea, the team tested on land
World’s Most Efficient Ion Engine
According to a University of Sydney researcher, the world’s most efficient ion engine has been built – beating out even NASA’s High Power Electric Propulsion engine, which holds the record for ion drive performance. Dr. Patrick Neumann claims the invention holds the promise of “Mars and back on a tank of fuel.”
Ion engines generate thrust by ionizing a propellant gas and then accelerating that gas through the engine using an electrostatic or electromagnetic field. Neumann’s design uses a solid propellant and an electrical arc to vaporize the propellant into a cloud of ions, electrons, and neutral vapor.
Writing in Gel
Gels made from soft microscale particles can transition smoothly between a fluid and solid state. This makes them a suitable medium in which to form macroscopic structures with microscopic precision.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science recently published a paper describing this technique, called “Writing in the granular gel medium.”
Using this technique, the team at the University of Florida in Gainesville was able to create 3D structures using silicones, hydrogels, and living cells.
The technique could be used to further develop tissue engineering, flexible electronics, particle engineering, smart materials, and encapsulation technologies.
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