Imaging radar coming of age?

We’ve looked at high-resolution imaging sonars in a previous article. They can produce almost photographic-quality images of shipwrecks underwater. (Click the pictures to enlarge them.) Now it seems that airborne radars are evolving along similar lines. The USAF’s Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program, or MP-RTIP has been under development since 2000. So far about $1.2… Continue reading Imaging radar coming of age?

Another famous ship’s grave discovered

This year has seen a bumper harvest of famous warships rediscovered. We’ve already looked at HMS Hunter and HMAS Sydney in these pages, and seen how modern imaging sonar can reveal hitherto unforeseen details of ships at the bottom of the sea. The latest discoveries are of HMS Exeter, a York-class heavy cruiser: and HMS… Continue reading Another famous ship’s grave discovered

Sonar’s come a long way

I’ve been fascinated to discover the advances in high-resolution imaging sonar that have come along over the past few years. My interest was sparked by the recent discoveries of the wrecks of HMS Hunter in a Norwegian fjord, and HMAS Sydney off Australia. Both were located by sonar, and have been photographed. Having blogged about… Continue reading Sonar’s come a long way

One step closer to Heinlein’s “Starship Troopers”

Those of us who know and love the great Robert Heinlein’s science fiction will remember the Mobile Infantry of “Starship Troopers” (not the ghastly movie of a few years ago, which did more to damage the Master’s work than just about any other film adaptation of an SF novel, but the original book, of course).… Continue reading One step closer to Heinlein’s “Starship Troopers”

PCU Independence

Just in from a buddy (thanks, Jack!), these pictures of the Pre-Commissioning Unit Independence, the General Dynamics entry in the US Navy Littoral Combat Ship selection contest. When commissioned, she’ll be the USS Independence. Click each picture for a larger view. Strange-looking beast. I’m still not altogether happy with the whole Littoral Combat Ship idea:… Continue reading PCU Independence

Staff one-liners

I meant to link to this earlier, but it slipped my mind. Still, better late than never! Over at Nobody Asked Me, the author recently published a great list of staff one-liners overheard at meetings. A few examples: “When you get right up to the line that you’re not supposed to cross, the only person… Continue reading Staff one-liners