#TNT propulsion experiments

[presswoodterryryan]

The Redstone Rabbit Hole: Crafting Contraptions with Fluffy

By Mr. Fluffernutter Ah, my dear fellow inventors and tinkering tails! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to harness the power of electricity—to build machines, light up entire villages, and create contraptions that work while you sit back and nibble on a well-earned carrot? Well, gather ‘round, for today, we tumble down the Redstone Rabbit Hole! Minecraft’s Redstone is more than just…

[darth-puma-vader]

Chinese scientists successfully detonated a powerful and innovative non-nuclear hydrogen-based bomb that produced an enduring, intensely-hot fireball, the South China Morning Post reported on Sunday, citing a research paper describing the experiment. 

The new technology centers on the use of magnesium hydride (MgH2), a white or silvery crystalline powder that's capable of storing an outsize amount of hydrogen. The material and its extraordinary solid-state storage potential originally piqued scientists' interest for a peaceful purpose: transporting hydrogen to off-grid locations for use generating clean energy and heat by way of fuel cells. Magnesium hydride's storage capacity is far superior to pressurized tanks, SCMP explains. The material is also of interest to scientists in the field of spacecraft propulsion. 

Naturally, scientists recognized that densely-packed hydrogen offers extraordinary explosive potential, and set out to build explosive devices to measure the destructive force. China's pioneering evaluation started small, with a test bomb weighing just 4.4 pounds (2kg). The resulting fireball impressed researchers, producing heat exceeding 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 Celsius). More importantly, the fireball lasted more than two seconds, which is 15 times longer than a comparably-scaled TNT explosion. No nuclear materials were involved.  

[political-affairs]

Cruise missile

 A cruise missile is a guided missile the major portion of whose flight path to its target (a land-based or sea-based target) is conducted at approximately constant velocity; that relies on the dynamic reaction of air for lift, and upon propulsion forces to balance drag. Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high accuracy. Modern cruise missiles can travel at supersonic or high subsonic speeds, are self-navigating, and can fly on a non-ballistic, extremely low altitude trajectory. They are distinct from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in that they are used only as weapons and not for reconnaissance. In a cruise missile, the warhead is integrated into the vehicle and the vehicle is always sacrificed in the mission.

Cruise missile designs fundamentally derive from the German V-1 of World War II. Advances in transistor and computer technology have contributed to self-correcting avionic and aeronautical designs that allow missiles to be guided in flight, as opposed to only at launch. These advances developed into guided missiles and guided bombs, and later into the modern cruise missile.

In 2011, it was estimated that a single Tomahawk cruise missile costs US$1,410,000.[1]

The idea of an "aerial torpedo" was shown in the British 1909 film The Airship Destroyer, where flying torpedoes controlled wirelessly are used to bring down airships bombing London.[2]

In 1916, Lawrence Sperry patented and built an "aerial torpedo", a small biplane carrying a TNT charge, a Sperry autopilot and a barometric altitude control. Inspired by these experiments, the US Army developed a similar flying bomb called the Kettering Bug. Germany had also flown trials with remote-controlled aerial gliders (Torpedogleiter) build by Siemens-Schuckert beginning in 1915.

In the period between the World Wars the United Kingdom developed the Larynx (Long Range Gun with Lynx Engine) which underwent a few flight tests in the 1920s.[3]

In the Soviet Union, Sergey Korolev headed the GIRD-06 cruise missile project from 1932 to 1939, which used a rocket-powered boost-glide design. The 06/III (RP-216) and 06/IV (RP-212) contained gyroscopic guidance systems.[4] The vehicle was designed to boost to 28 km altitude and glide a distance of 280 km, but test flights in 1934 and 1936 only reached an altitude of 500 meters.

Germany first deployed cruise style missiles, during World War II. The V-1, often referred to as flying bomb, contained a gyroscopic guidance system and was propelled by a simple pulse-jet engine, the sound of which gave it the nickname of "buzz bomb".

Accuracy was sufficient only for use against very large targets (the general area of a city), while the range of 250 km was significantly lower than that of a bomber carrying the same payload. The main advantages were speed (while not sufficient to outperform contemporary interceptors) and expendability. The production cost of a V-1 was only a small fraction of that of a V-2 supersonic ballistic missile, carrying a similar-sized warhead. Unlike the V-2, however, the V-1 required stationary launch ramps which were susceptible to bombardment. Nazi Germany, in 1943, also developed the Mistel program which can be seen as a rudimentary air-launched cruise missile, where a piloted fighter-type aircraft was mounted atop an unpiloted bomber-sized aircraft that was packed with explosives to be released while approaching the target. Bomber-launched variants of the V-1 saw limited operational service towards the end of the war.

Immediately after the war the United States Air Force had 21 different guided missile projects including would-be cruise missiles. All were cancelled by 1948 except four: the Air Material Command BANSHEE, the SM-62 Snark, the SM-64 Navaho, and the MGM-1 Matador. The BANSHEE design was similar to Operation Aphrodite; like Aphrodite it failed, and was canceled in April 1949.[5]

During the Cold War period both the United States and the Soviet Union experimented further with the concept, deploying early cruise missiles from land, submarines and aircraft. The main outcome of the US Navy submarine missile project was the SSM-N-8 Regulus missile, based upon the V-1.

The US Air Force's first operational surface-to-surface missile was the winged, mobile, nuclear-capable MGM-1 Matador, also similar in concept to the V-1. Deployment overseas began in 1954, first to West Germany and later to the Republic of China (Taiwan) and South Korea. On November 7, 1956, U. S. Air Force Matador units in West Germany, whose missiles were capable of striking targets in the Warsaw Pact, deployed from their fixed day-to-day sites to unannounced dispersed launch locations. This alert was in response to the crisis posed by the Soviet attack on Hungary which suppressed the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

Between 1957 and 1961 the United States followed an ambitious and well-funded program to develop a nuclear-powered cruise missile, Project Pluto. It was designed to fly below the enemy's radar at speeds above Mach 3 and carry a number of hydrogen bombs that it would drop on its path over enemy territory. Although the concept was proven sound and the 500 megawatt engine finished a successful test run in 1961, no airworthy device was ever completed. The project was finally abandoned in favor of ICBM development.

While ballistic missiles were the preferred weapons for land targets, heavy nuclear and conventional tipped cruise missiles were seen by the USSR as a primary weapon to destroy US naval carrier battle groups. Large submarines (for example, Echo and Oscar classes) were developed to carry these weapons and shadow US battle groups at sea, and large bombers (for example, Backfire, Bear, and Blackjack models) were equipped with the weapons in their air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) configuration.

  General design

Cruise missiles generally consist of a guidance system, payload, and propulsion system, housed in an airframe with small wings and empennage for flight control. Payloads usually consist of a conventional warhead or a nuclear warhead. Cruise missiles tend to be propelled by a jet engine, turbofan engines being preferred due to their greater efficiency at low altitude and sub-sonic speed.

  Guidance systems

Guidance systems also vary greatly. Low-cost systems use a radar altimeter, barometric altimeter and clock to navigate a digital strip map. More advanced systems use inertial guidance, satellite navigation and terrain contour matching (TERCOM). Use of an automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithm/device in the guidance system increases accuracy of the missile. The Standoff Land Attack Missile features an ATR unit from General Electric.

  Categories

Cruise missiles can be categorized by size, speed (subsonic or supersonic), and range, and whether launched from land, air, surface ship, or submarine. Often versions of the same missile are produced for different launch platforms; sometimes air- and submarine-launched versions are a little lighter and smaller than land- and ship-launched versions.

Guidance systems can vary across missiles. Some missiles can be fitted with any of a variety of navigation systems (Inertial navigation, TERCOM, or satellite navigation). Larger cruise missiles can carry either a conventional or a nuclear warhead, while smaller ones carry only conventional warheads.

[josephlrushing]

The Most Protected Armored Civilian Vehicles in the World

The powers that be are often at risk of showing up in public without a suit or bodyguards. Sometimes, this is due to real security issues; sometimes, it’s just a common whim. But nothing will provide a better feeling of protection as your very own, personal armored car with proper features/characteristics and, of course, at a reasonable price.

We are pleased to present seven of the most luxurious armored cars for VIPs that will provide their owners with any level of comfort and protection — if you have the means.

Cadillac Escalade ESV is a car that looks like a luxury limousine from the inside. Don’t be fooled by the leather/wood interior – there several millimeters of bulletproof armor underneath. The vehicle also features high-strength tempered glass and an armor plate at the bottom for protection against explosions. However, the armor does not conflict with the interior decoration and can withstand almost any bullet firing.

AddArmor, a US company from Wyoming that specializes in the armored protection of passenger cars and SUVs, has introduced a new set of improvements called Executive Protection Package for Cadillac Escalade. The emphasis was not only on vehicle protection but also on more luxurious interior design.

The alterations include installation of special plates, made of composite materials, along the perimeter of the cabin, which, according to the company representatives, are ten times stronger and 60% lighter than traditional armored steel, as well as 2-inch thick bulletproof glass. They can withstand gunfire, including assault rifles and handgun bullets up to .44 Magnum.

In the event of an attack, a siren can be activated, and blast protection is also provided. Moreover, the modified SUV has received reinforced brakes and can run with flat tires.

The roof is lifted by 4.3 inches to allow LED lighting and more space above the head. The vehicle also features a 32″ TV, Wi-Fi, an Around View Monitor with night vision, and Sony audio system.

Lexus LS 460 L. The Lexus LS 460 L is the benchmark for making premium cars. In addition to stylish design, comfortable interior, and a “beastly” engine capable of producing up to 389 HP, the vehicle has a high level of safety. Bulletproof windows and a body of the car withstand intense, concentrated fire from 7.62 mm rifles. Moreover, the vehicle will be able to protect against splinters and fragmentation grenade attacks.

INKAS, the company behind this car, preferred to invest in the ability to quickly get away from the chase rather than armor. Although the LS 460 L is partially protected from fire, it will primarily save the owner through high speed.3. Huron APC. They say that only civilian sissies hide the armor under the body… Need to move a valuable cargo? VIP? Particularly dangerous prisoners? Huron APC comes to the rescue! Today, any luxury car can boast with 7.62-mm gunfire resistance – what about 40 mm grenade launchers? In fact, even those are not the limit for the Huron APC.

Most luxury armored vehicles try to disguise themselves as ordinary cars, but Huron APC does the exact opposite. The exterior of the vehicle clearly hints that you don’t want to mess with it. The armor can withstand any kind of gunfire and grenade attacks. Oh yeah, you also have a machine gun mounted on the roof.

Conquest Knight XV. This monster’s outfit includes steel plates, Kevlar layers, and GRP for weak spots, e.g., a bumper. The wheels are reinforced with extra-strong aluminum and virtually cannot be damaged in any way. The interior is simply luxurious, with a satellite TV, bar, water cooler, heated seats, and even a black box.

The Conquest Knight XV is based on the Ford F-550 Super Duty. The “heart” is available in 6.8-liter (gas) or 6.7-liter (diesel) options – in both cases, it’s a Ford unit. Based on the engine, the horsepower is 325 or 300. The vehicle is also equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The natural leather interior features a dual air conditioner, six seats, an Alpine audio system, and an automatic front window-tinting system. A large TV with a satellite dish and an oxygen tank (in case of a gas attack) are also available options. The number of cars produced does not exceed 100 units.

Kombat T98. An indestructible fortress on the outside and a luxurious palace on the inside, the Kombat T98 is designed for the wealthiest people who dream of absolute protection on the road. In addition to power armor, the set also includes gold plated interior and whale-skin seats.

The vehicle is civilian but fully armored, which means that the plates are not hidden under the body, and the body itself consists of armor steel. With all this, the vehicle also does not have the worst design at all.

Paramount Group Marauder. Global Defense, known as the Paramount Group from South Africa, has created one of the largest, most rugged SUVs in the world, the Marauder.

This vehicle is threateningly huge; it makes Hummer H1 look like a toy. The Marauder is 9.8-feet (3 m) high, 21.2-feet (6.5 m) long, and almost 10-feet wide. According to a legendary former “Top Gear” host, Richard Hammond, the Marauder “is the most unstoppable vehicle in the world.”

The off-road vehicle was designed for military use, both in peacekeeping missions, reconnaissance expeditions, and troop transportations. Being fully armored, it also has a V-shaped body designed to repel potential roadside IED (improvised explosive devices) and landmine attacks.

Because of its large cargo surface, the Marauder can carry up to 10 soldiers and their equipment, as well as the driver and commander in the front. The company decided to make a civilian version of the monster truck available at $500,000.

The heart of the “beast” is a good oil’ diesel engine with an output of about 300 HP and 811 ft-lb of torque. The vehicle weighs around 12 tons, depending on what options are installed. Even with that weight, the Marauder can easily reach speeds of up to 75 mph.

The Cummins diesel engine provides low enough torque for the Marauder to overcome various obstacles with virtually no problems.

A few simple facts will tell you a lot about Paramount’s Marauder:

It has infantry, ambulance, and command center modifications.

It can withstand a 30-lb (wheels) and 15-lb (body) TNT explosion, resulting in one of the most protected vehicles in the world.

The travel range can be increased by 310 miles by installing additional tanks.

The Marauder is able to overcome a Ford half its height.

The climate control system ensures comfort inside the vehicle.

The vehicle is able to tow an 18-ton trailer.

A remote fuse blocker, which is often ordered by wealthy owners, is also optionally available.

ArmorMax Dodge Charger Hellcat. The US company has built a bulletproof version of the “charged” sedan Dodge Charger Hellcat. The vehicle can be protected in accordance with class B7, i.e., the vehicle can withstand 7.62 caliber fire shots and grenade attacks under the bottom.

The Hellcat received armored glass, Run Flat tires, flashing beacons, a front-bumper police ram, as well as additional protection of the fuel tank, electronic control unit, radiator, battery, and engine. Moreover, the car can be ordered with a gas-attack protection system that completely blocks the outside air supply and a loudspeaker system.

The sedan’s propulsion system remains the same. The Hellcat is still equipped with a 6.2-liter 8V engine, producing 717 HP and 650 ft-lb of torque. The changes are an AWD and reinforced suspension that matches the increased weight.

What Makes a Vehicle Safe?

According to Jim Malkovich from Mechanicfaq.com and Chris Collard from Consumer Reports, the most important factor of a four-wheeled vehicle is its safety. Let’s find out what makes a car safe.

Car classification and its weight come first – the higher the class, the greater the weight, the safer the car. During an accident, buckled up passengers, sitting in a powerful vehicle, will experience relatively less stress. Life itself and numerous crash tests confirm that. We can confidently state that a full-size off-road vehicle and a heavy sedan of an executive class are in a tangible gain among passenger cars.

The safety of a vehicle also depends directly on the age of its construction. Thus, modern vehicle bodies are equipped with special load-bearing elements able to dampen both the speed and impact energy smoothly. The interior “cage,” including the seats, is built to last, manufactured from high-strength steel to be as strong as possible. The elements of such a “cage” retain the necessary living space for people, even in the most extreme conditions.

It is safer to have a vehicle with the proper-designed chassis. This is due to the ability to stabilize the car after a maneuver or slow down at the right time. Every detail is essential – the ability to make maneuvers, steering precision, rollability, weight, stability, suspension, drifting propensity, the center of gravity, ECU settings, etc.

from Joseph Rushing https://geardiary.com/2020/07/07/the-most-protected-armored-civilian-vehicles-in-the-world/