Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Peruvian motorists provide emergency light for plane on runway - video screencap

Life can be a little trickier in the remote villages of Peru. When doctors recently needed to fly a mother, her newborn child and a teenager all in need of emergency medical care from Contamana to a hospital in the middle of the night, the situation looked dire. The local airstrip that serves as the community's lifeline to the outside world has no lighting, and without the ability to see, the pilot had no way to get the plane off the ground safely. That's when a local radio station put out a call for help.

Nearly 300 vehicles showed up with their headlights blazing to light the way, allowing the plane to take off and the patients to get the medical attention they needed. The community wrangled up cars, motorcycles and rickshaws to give the aircraft a clear view of the runway in just 30 minutes. You can watch a quick BBC news report of this heartwarming display of humanity in the video below for yourself.

Continue reading Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off

Watch hundreds of Peruvian motorists line runway to help emergency plane take off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftcars light a runwaycontamanaflyinghumanityperurickshawvideoFri, 05 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531734/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/watch-hundreds-of-peruvian-motorists-line-runway-to-help-emergen/20531734/article-detail.xml 20531734 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rickshaw-runway-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rickshaw-runway-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Robbie Maddison practice two-wheel hoonage in an aircraft graveyard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Motorcycle rider Robbie Maddison doing a wheelie inside a plane's carcass - video screencap

The worlds of motocross and rallycross are already quite intertwined, so DC Shoes has apparently decided to go a little further by putting together a Gymkhana-style event for dirtbikes. For this video, Australian stunt motorcycle rider Robbie Maddison is let loose inside of an airplane graveyard making for some interesting, fun-to-watch stunts.

Maddison starts off by tackling some whoops made out of external wing fuel tanks, and the action just gets better from there as he uses planes and various plane parts. (Note: Although the entire video is almost 11 minutes in length, it takes about two minutes for the action to get started and there are almost four minutes of credits at the end).

It isn't clear if DC Shoes plans on creating a series like it has with Ken Block and Gymkhana, but we sure wouldn't mind seeing this kind of action on a regular basis. Check it out for yourself in the video posted below.

Continue reading Watch Robbie Maddison practice two-wheel hoonage in an aircraft graveyard

Watch Robbie Maddison practice two-wheel hoonage in an aircraft graveyard originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air.craftaircraftairplane graveyarddc shoesmotocrossmotorcycle stuntsrobbie maddisonstunt ridingstunt videovideoTue, 12 Feb 2013 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458323/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/watch-robbie-maddison-practice-two-wheel-hoonage-in-an-aircraft/20458323/article-detail.xml 20458323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/robbie-maddison-air.craft_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/robbie-maddison-air.craft.jpg <![CDATA[Researchers developing washless coating for cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/researchers-developing-washless-coating-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/researchers-developing-washless-coating-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/researchers-developing-washless-coating-for-cars/#commentsFiled under:


We could have easily filed this under "Too Good to Be True" or "Snake Oil," but it sounds legit, and certainly has our attention. Researchers in The Netherlands' Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) have developed a self-healing vehicle coating, meaning that one day, you may not have to wash your car.

Catarina Esteves of the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at TU/e and her team claims to have invented a solution to the problem of minor scrapes. Apparently the nano-capsule technology features special chemical groups that are able to re-orient themselves in the event that a surface with this compound is scratched.

The potential automotive use for this technology is obvious; it allows for the development of coatings that are not only water-resistant, but scratch resistant. A minor rain shower is all it would take to keep the car clean.

The implementation of this technology is not limited to the automotive world - it can also be employed on contact lenses, smartphone screens, and solar panels.

The benefit it could provide to the aviation industry would be two-fold. A plane employing this coating would not only need less frequent cleaning, but the inability for algae and dirt to build up means that the aircraft would allow for less wind resistance, resoling in more fuel efficient flying.

Researchers developing washless coating for cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftcar washnanosmartphonesolartechnologyThu, 26 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20284650/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/26/researchers-developing-washless-coating-for-cars/20284650/article-detail.xml 20284650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jettawash01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jettawash01.jpg <![CDATA[Brabus turns its attention to custom jets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/brabus-turns-its-attention-to-custom-jets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/brabus-turns-its-attention-to-custom-jets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/brabus-turns-its-attention-to-custom-jets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Brabus Private Aviation

If you're looking to give your Mercedes-Benz an added dose of performance, look no further than Brabus. The aftermarket tuning house specializes in customizing Daimler's finest, and doesn't stop at upgrading the engine and running gear, either. With packages like the iBusiness suite, Brabus will turn your S-Class, for example, into a 219-mph high-tech office on wheels. In other words, it'll make it more like a private jet. But what if you want your jet to feel more like your customized Mercedes? Brabus can help with that, too.

The new Brabus Private Aviation division is set up in response to customer demand and follows a similar project launched recently to outfit yacht interiors. It allows discerning and well-heeled clients to either retrofit the cabins of their existing private jets or commission the accoutrements to be fitted to new aircraft direct from whatever aerospace concern is building their new private jet.

The focus is on both luxury and business capabilities, which Brabus is currently displaying with two concepts at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva. Scope 'em out in the high-resolution image gallery above, the press release below and the dedicated website beyond the link.

Continue reading Brabus turns its attention to custom jets

Brabus turns its attention to custom jets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftairplaneaviationbrabusbrabus aviationbrabus private aviationjetplaneThu, 17 May 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238670/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/brabus-turns-its-attention-to-custom-jets/20238670/article-detail.xml 20238670 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/brabus-aviation-4web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/brabus-aviation-4web.jpg <![CDATA[FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/fia-tests-fighter-jet-canopy-for-use-in-formula-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/fia-tests-fighter-jet-canopy-for-use-in-formula-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/fia-tests-fighter-jet-canopy-for-use-in-formula-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

FIA fighter jet canopy impact test

F1 cars keep getting safer every year. Their carbon-fiber tubs have been strengthened to the point that they're nearly indestructible. Helmets and the HANS neck supports they're attached keep improving. Despite all this, there's still one principal weak point inherent to the design of a grand prix racer: the open cockpit.

If you've ever sat back and wondered why F1 cars stick with open-cockpit designs when drivers are injured - or narrowly escape injury - by airborne cars (or parts thereof) striking their helmets, you're not alone.

The FIA Institute is testing designs to potentially outfit future F1 racers with closed cockpits. The question is, what kind? Many Le Mans prototypes (like the Audi R18 and Peugeot 908) use curved polycarbonate windshields, but in its research, the FIA Institute also looked to fighter jets for their canopy designs. Follow the jump to see what they discovered.

Continue reading FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1

FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerospaceaircraftcanopyf1fiafia institutefighter jetformula 1formula onejetjet fightersafetyvideoSun, 17 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19993059/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/17/fia-tests-fighter-jet-canopy-for-use-in-formula-1/19993059/article-detail.xml 19993059 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fia-canopy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/fia-canopy.jpg <![CDATA[More HondaJet info, images released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/more-hondajet-info-images-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/more-hondajet-info-images-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/more-hondajet-info-images-released/#commentsFiled under: ,

The HondaJet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The HondaJet has begun ground and stress testing in advance of its flight exams, and in the processits specifications have been finalized. The paint scheme seen above has been chosen as the standard for the general aviation aircraft, "further enhancing the HondaJet's unique image of dynamic performance." And in addition to the specs, the interior has been finalized. While you obviously wouldn't call it spacious, it's very well done. It all looks so good, in fact, that when you're trying to find an exciting Honda your best bet might be to look in the sky. Full details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: HondaJet begins testing


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading More HondaJet info, images released

More HondaJet info, images released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftairplaneaviationhondahondajetTue, 19 Oct 2010 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19679001/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/19/more-hondajet-info-images-released/19679001/article-detail.xml 19679001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/hondajetint_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/hondajetint.jpg <![CDATA[Saab sponsors Reno air show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/saab-sponsors-reno-air-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/saab-sponsors-reno-air-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/saab-sponsors-reno-air-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nurturing (or exploiting) its aerospace roots, Saab is sponsoring the Reno National Championship Air Races currently underway in the Nevada desert as part of its "Born from Jets" marketing campaign.

The air show features the Thurderbirds (the US Air Force aerobatics squad) along with the Saab Performance Driving Team in from Sweden who will be demonstrating the 9-3 Aero V6 Turbo sport sedan on the runway during the show. Saab will also be on site with a unique trailer that sets up as an aircraft hangar-like exhibit featuring interactive displays of Saab's line-up.

Saab was founded in 1937 as Svenska Aeroplan AktieBolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company Limited) and branched into cars ten years later. Today the automotive division is owned by GM, while the aircraft company is owned separately. Fortunately you don't need a pilot's license to drive a Saab, or the local country club parking lot would look more like the set of Top Gun.

[Source: GM]

Saab sponsors Reno air show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerospaceairair forceaircraftAirForceairshowcargmjetrenosaabshowthunderbirdsThu, 14 Sep 2006 18:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/668841/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/14/saab-sponsors-reno-air-show/668841/article-detail.xml 668841 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/9-5_jet_car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/9-5_jet_car.jpg -1 2