November 2023 Mechanical Engineering Blog
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November 2, 2023
Honda to Develop New Record Breaking Fuel Efficient Light Jet
Honda to Develop New Record Breaking Fuel Efficient Light Jet
Honda is looking to break records by producing the first ever light jet to be capable of transcontinental travel. The new fuel efficient light jet is known as the HondaJet Echelon, which is marketed by Honda as “ A mid-sized jet experience in the light jet category. According to Honda the Echelon is 20% more fuel efficient than light jets and over 40% more fuel efficient than mid-sized planes. The expected price of the new light jet was around $10 million to $12 million in 2021, however Honda has not confirmed the list price as of recently. The jet is powered by two over the wing engines, which allow it to travel at over 500 mph across some 3000 miles. The jet’s William International FJ44-4C engines are mounted over the wing to optimize space in the aft for luggage and to improve its aerodynamic efficiency. The HondaJet can fit up to 11 people and it offers three cabin options including the executive, dual cabin, and divan layouts. The new HondaJet Echelon will also come with significant safety enhancements which include an advanced cockpit with an intuitive interface that is designed to reduce pilot workload and mitigate risk. Additional safety measures include runaway overturn alerts, emergency autoland, and auto brake. Moreover, several systems have increased electrical architecture, enabling more precise control and enhanced aircraft integration. The HondaJet Echelon is expected to make its first flight in 2026. Learn more here.
November 18, 2023
Innovative Underwater Base is Being Developed for Deep Sea Research
Innovative Underwater Base is Being Developed for Deep Sea Research
Experts at the UK’s DEEP research labs are developing habitable research stations over 600 feet under the sea. This initiative is part of a module-based habitat system currently in development called Sentinel. The undersea habitat bases are intended to be publicly open for various underwater science projects by 2027. The project has been referred to by some as the “international space station for the oceans”. The innovative research facility is said to become a haven for underwater research in the future, and it will also serve as a case study in sustainability and extended stays under the sea. The underwater stations are designed to accommodate six crew members for short-term deployments, and up to 50 crew semi-permanent research stations. The designers on the project are prioritizing safety above everything. Apparently, the goal of the project is to form partnerships with universities and several nations as part of a learning opportunity. The research stations are expected to last at least 20 years, and researchers hope they provide decades of undersea habitat research. Additionally, to have many experienced divers available to transport the modules below the surface and perform maintenance, DEEP has started a training program that will maintain a pipeline of expert divers. Learn more about the project here.
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