My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on February 17, 2006

Automotive News published a story shedding a few more details on Volkswagen’s new Golf-sized SUV code named “Concept A.” VW brand chairman Wolfgang Bernhard indicated that they wanted to have a vehicle that would compete with the BMW X3 (I’m not sure they can?) and referred to the Concept A as the Touareg’s “Little Brother.” Cute, huh?
🙂

The Golf sized SUV will be unveiled publicly at the Geneva Auto Show the final week of this month and begin production as a 2007 vehicle. According to Bernard it will be marketed “with a reasonable price” and will be a “go-anywhere” coupe. The photo above is of the concept, although according to Jason Stein of Automotive News, “the production version of the one-off show car will be less flamboyant in production form.”

Powertrain options are stated to be initially VW’s 148 hp 1.4 liter direct-injection Twin Super and Turbo charger engine that is found in the European Golf GT. The supercharger offers low end pull and the turbo charger kicks in at the higher RPMs. Stein reports that it is rumored the Golf GTI 197 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter and the Golf GTD’s 170 hp 2.0 liter turbodiesel could be offerred.

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Posted By RichC on February 16, 2006

Thanks to EAA friend Mark Keener and his scrutiny of all things aviation, a video clip of Larry Neal flying his Super Sky Cycle was brought to my attention – its an interesting flying motorcycle prototype nearing kit production. I know what you’re thinking, “But Rich, the media has been telling us about these kinds of things for decades, why is this any different?” Maybe it’s not, but on the surface, it looks pretty good.

The Super Sky Cycle design by Larry Neal was issued U.S. Patent No. 6,978,969 on Dec. 27 2005 and will help open the door to technology protection in regards to his rotorcraft. What’s particularly unique is that this motorcycle looking ‘flying machine’ is that he has a patent that covers a vehicle with a folding rotor shaft and transmission to power either the drive propeller or wheels.” According to Neal, “The problem with flying cars in the past was what to do with the wings once you were on the ground. With a gyroplane, just fold the rotor blades and drive on down the road. Using rotor blades for the wings of a flying car makes the fly-drive Super Sky Cycle a new kind of vehicle.”

Larry Neal and investors in ButterflyLLC, plan to market their “fly-drive” vehicle as an experimental kit. In a press statement that explains a few of the components that are incorporated in the Super Sky Cycle. It is powered by a Rotax 582 engine (commonly used in a variety of Ultralight Aircraft) and uses a three-blade 60-inch propeller and unpowered folding rotor blades for lift. Although this patented flying motorcycle is based on the Monarch Butterfly experimental aircraft, the Super Sky Cycle has just recently made its maiden flight. (December 23, 2005) Neal’s new fly-drive vehicle is capable of flying as slow as 20 mph, cruises at 50 mph using half throttle, and tops out at 65 mph. It has been designed to land in about 20 feet and when folded will fit in a standard garage.

I’m slowly progressing on a plan based experimental airplane project myself (Sonex), and like all aviation enthusiasts continue to admire almost all personal flying machines. In my blog, I’ve enjoyed commenting on 1930’s aircraft which have similarities to Larry Neal’s projects, like the Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro, or pondering the vision of a company designing the AMV-211 concept. It is interesting to monitor and contemplate what the future of personal aviation has to offer.

Want to know what Larry Neal is planning next? All one has to do is to see what on the workshop table. (ie. a two-place Super Sky Car!)

For those of you thinking about attending “Sun’n Fun” fly-in at Lakeland, Florida (April 4-10), be sure to say hello to Larry Neal and check out his Super Sky Cycle. BTW … he plans on demonstrating it in both flying and driving modes.

Larry Neal and his Super Sky Cycle – WFAA News Clip

Category: Aviation, Video | 6 Comments »
Tags: larry neal, super sky cycle

Posted By RichC on February 16, 2006

Ready for something different? How about a bedtime story about an Octopus and a Shark.

Category: Environment, Nature | No Comments »
Tags: great white shark, sharks

Posted By RichC on February 15, 2006

Belco Holdings Limited announced that it has entered into a contract with Current to Current Bermuda Limited, a subsidiary of the U.S. firm Current to Current Corporation based in Massachusetts, to purchase electical power generated by underwater currents. Power should be available by the end of 2007 through a generator and turbine sunk in the sea off Bermuda. This will be the first commercial venture of its size to displace a portion of the islands electrical energy needs.

Yesterday Belco executives revealed how they intend to capture ocean currents and that they initially plan on generating nearly ten per cent of the Island’s electricity needs. The agreement is a 20-year deal and is a fully submersible ocean power system. This is a radical step in generating clean electrical power. The planning has yet to be completed and final permissions and site location will be needed from government of Bermuda, although the Belco president and chief executive officer Garry Madeiros said he was confident the plans would get the green light According to Belco executives, if this pilot generator is successful, further underwater units could be sunk to meet more of Bermuda’s electricity needs.

The underwater generator is 150ft long and contains a four-blade turbine inside. Mr. Madeiros was quoted at saying that this deep sea electric generating system is “mind-boggling,” and that “This is cutting edge technology, not used anywhere else. One can’t help but get excited by this technology.”

Bermuda has taxed its current fossil fuel electrically generation system many times, experiencing a blackout in July of 2005. As the price of fuel rises, so does the cost of Island electricity and reliance on one single energy source. This techology “theoretically” could change that dependency over night.

Bermuda was chosen as the first country to pilot test generating power from ocean currents. The generator will be approximately 75 and 200 meters below sea level and will provide power to a substation on land. This will feed straight into the Belco’s power grid. Placing the generator at these depths means that they will not be affected by sea storms or hurricanes. It would also be sited too deep for divers to make contact. Energy experts from Current to Current will now investigate where the strongest currents are relation to several south shore locations and then recommend the best sites to the Bermuda government.

The inventor, Dr. Manfred Kuehnle, has hundreds of patents to his name, including the first optical spy satellite for the US Government and the first readable credit card machine. Dr. Kuehnle created an innovative gearbox in the underwater power unit, allowing it to capture currents to provide large volume electricity production, suitable for commercial use, unlike other ocean current devices. This particular unit will be built in America and barged to Bermuda. Once in place, it can be remotely controlled and monitored by both Current to Current and Belco.

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Posted By RichC on February 15, 2006

(left to right) Tony Anderson, Fayette Co. Commissioner; John Carey, Senator; John Schlichter, State Rep; Steve Durham, ASAlliances; Fred Dailey, Director, ODA; Mike Wagner, Ohio Corn Growers; Dwayne Seikman, Ohio Corn Growers; Ruth Kimmelshue, Cargill Ag Horizons; David Williamson, ODOD

The Tri-State Clean Fuels Network announced the ground-breaking for Ohio’s 100-million gallon per year Ethanol Facility in its February 14, 2006 newsletter. This is good news for Ohio and those interested in cleaner, renewable, domestic fuels that will run in existing dual fuel vehicles. (for a listing check the Department of Energy website)

A crowd of over 100 gathered in Bloomingburg, Ohio to participate in the ceremonies marking the construction of a 100-million gallon-per-year ethanol production facility. The facility, financed by ASAlliances Biofuels, LLC, is expected to generate affordable renewable energy, create 58 jobs and provide a market for 40 million bushels of corn per year. The Bloominburg facility will help meet the country’s growing appetite for affordable, cleaner-burning, renewable energy sources. One bushel of corn produces 2.8 gallons of ethanol. For every 37 gallons of ethanol produced, one barrel of imported crude oil is saved. Domestic demand for ethanol is expected to grow well into the future. Ethanol’s production capacity is expected to double in seven years.

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Posted By RichC on February 14, 2006

The U.S. now has an estimated 7066 pairs of nesting Bald Eagles in the lower 48 and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today reopened the public comment on its 1999 proposal to remove the bird from the endangered species list. The director Dale Hall states that “The recovery of the bald eagle, our national symbol, is also a great national success story and the actions we take today reemphasize the management efforts that have proven so successful in recovering eagle populations. Should the eagle be delisted, we expect that the public will notice little change in how eagles are managed and protected.”

When wildlife is ‘delisted’ from the Endangered Species Act, animals and birds like bald eagles will continue to be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Both acts protect bald eagles by prohibiting killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs.

According to Sci-Tech Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also proposing a regulation to clarify the term “disturb” under BGEPA that is consistent with existing Federal and State interpretation. “Under the clarification, “disturb” would be defined as actions that disrupt the breeding, feeding or sheltering practices of an eagle, causing injury, death or nest abandonment. This is the standard the Service has used informally over the years and how states have interpreted the statute. The proposed regulation defining “disturb” would codify it.”

The low point for the Bald Eagle was in 1963, when only 417 nesting pairs were known to exist in the United States. At one time, the bald eagle flourished in every state except Hawaii. Once measures were taken to reduce pollution and clean up our use chemicals in farming, the recovery of the bald eagles re-established in most areas at an impressive rate. Most environmentalist contribute the ban on the pesticide DDT in 1972 as the turning point in saving this endangered species.

Sci-Tech Today reports that if the bald eagle is delisted, the Service will work with state wildlife agencies to monitor the status of the species for a minimum of five years, as required by the Endangered Species Act. A draft monitoring plan is expected to be released for public comment should the species be delisted. If at any time it becomes evident that the bald eagle again needs the Act’s protection, the Service will propose to relist the species.

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Posted By RichC on February 13, 2006

Update Feb 14: Paul Hackett has changed his plans to run for Senate with some arm twisting from Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and New York Senator Charles Schumer. Hackett indicated his frustration saying “For me, this is a second betrayal,” Hackett said. “First, my government misused and mismanaged the military in Iraq, and now my own party is afraid to support candidates like me.”

Rumors are swirling that Paul Hackett (see Cincinnati Enquirer blog) might change his mind about running for a Senate seat and will return to fight with Rep. Jean Schmidt (R) for the Ohio 2nd district seat instead. It would be a wise decision if the Democrats in Ohio are to unite in the coming year. Paul Hackett probably has a good chance of defeating Jean Schmidt considering how close the race was last time when Schmidt had the coattails of President Bush.

We’re a few days away from a necessary decision by Hackett that will determine where the Dems will position themselves in the next election. Most Democrat would like to avoid a costly primary considering Hackett’s Senate bid has struggled since Rep. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat with a $2.4 million dollar war chest. (Hackett has $230,000 in which to run his campaign) Democratic primary is set for May 2 and most Democrats do not want a party battle, preferring the campaign be reserved in hopes to defeat Republicans.

Interestingly the Mayor of Cincinnati, Democrat Mark Mallory, issued a statement early today and then retracted (modified) it a few hours later. It reads:
“I applaud Paul Hackett for making the difficult decision to step out of the race for the US Senate and to step in to the race for the 2nd Congressional District. Paul’s passion and dedication will make him an excellent Congressman for Ohio. It is time for Democrats to come together and focus on providing a clear vision for the future of Ohio and the country.”
The later statement then reads:
Please note the corrected statement.
Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory issues the following statement about Paul Hackett’s decision to enter the race for the 2nd Congressional District.
“I encourage Paul Hackett to make the difficult decision to step out of the race for the US Senate and step in to the race for the 2nd Congressional District. Paul’s passion and dedication will make him an excellent Congressman for Ohio. It is time for Democrats to come together and focus on providing a clear vision for the future of Ohio and the country.”

The next few days should be interesting for those following Ohio politics.

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Posted By RichC on February 13, 2006

EAA284 had a good turnout this past Sunday afternoon at Red Stewart Field. February 12th at 2PM was our regularly scheduled meeting and thanks to Les Garber’s presentation it was both interesting and educational. Les, the author of “The Wright Brothers and the Birth of Aviation,” gave an outstanding presentation on the amazing engineering aspect Orville and Wibur Wright demostrated in achieving powered flight. He lectured with a Powerpoint presentation as well as several mockup models demostrating the many hurdles faced by the Wright Brothers.

I’ll included the Huffman Prarrie flight narrated by Tim Gaffney of the Dayton Daily News below.

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Tags: eaa284, flying, red stewart

Posted By RichC on February 12, 2006

Last week at the National Biodiesel conference in San Diego, Singer/ Songwriter and Activist Willie Nelson filled his tour bus and announced a new BioWillie location … San Diego, California. According to the National Biodiesel Board, the conference was an outstanding success. Perhaps Willie Nelson said it best, “It is the future. (refering to biodiesel) Nelson continued to say, “Through biodiesel, we can reduce dependency on foreign oil and adopt an energy source that’s clean renewable and helps family farmers find new uses for their products.”

As of this past Wednesday, southern California diesel owners can now fill their cars and trucks with BioWillie branded biodiesel. The 72 year old Nelson has been actively promoting biodiesel as well as running it in his personal vehicles and tour bus. This renewable alternative to petroleum is environmentally friendly, domestically produced, and made primarily from soybeans in the US. (although many other vegetable based oils can be used) According to the U.S. Department of Energy, biodiesel is America’s fastest growing alternative fuel and sales has tripled in this past year to 75 million gallons. It still only accounts for less than one percent of the diesel fuel sold nationwide, but is receiving support from environmentalist to midwestern farmers … from the politicians on the left to those on the conservative right. Even President Bush endorses biodiesel and on many occasions mentions it in speeches. Most recently he has used the national stage in addressing our “nation’s addiction to oil” and has effectively laid the groundwork for development of biofuels.

The BioWillie brand, known as B20, is a blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel and is made from soybean oil and is currently available in Texas, South Carolina, Georgia and now California.

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Posted By RichC on February 11, 2006

Although Google news tells me there are over 2000 news stories about the record breaking flight of Virgin Atlantics Global Flyer piloted by Steve Fossett, I felt it necessary to close my mutiple posts with a follow up comment. (I’m sure for details there are plenty of news stories) Nevertheless, the experimental Scaled Composite plane did break the distance recorded held by the planes designer Dick Rutan and copilot Jean Yeager in 1986 by completing 26,389 miles nonstop on a single tank of fuel.

Fosset took off from the Kennedy Space Center, circled the globe once and continued across the Atlantic this morning to England. His trip wasn’t without stressful moment that included the loss of 750 lbs of fuel on takeoff, turbulance over India that threated to tear the plane apart and the loss of electical power while beginning decent from an altitude of over 50,000 feet.

Steve Fossett decided not to land at his scheduled airport (Kent, England) but made a Mayday call and an emergency landing at Bournemouth, England. His unscheduled landing with an ice coated canopy on only reserved battery powered electronic was a stressful end to a long and tiring flight. The GlobalFlyer touched down at 5:07 p.m (12:07 p.m. Eastern time), blew two tires and left spectators waiting at the Kent International Airport.

Although I’m not sure that the Guinness Book of World Records award is what stimulates Steve Fossett to make such flights he was presented with the record upon arriving to a news conference at Kent Airport less then a year after receiving an award for setting the world record for the first solo, non-stop, non-refuelled trip around the world.

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