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BMW, Boeing weave agreement on carbon fiber recycling research

George Kennedy — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, BMW

BMW has been at the forefront of volume automakers looking to invest in carbon fiber technology. The latest development in the German automaker's efforts is in the form of a joint venture with aircraft giant Boeing. According to a joint press release, the two companies will collaborate on further development of the lightweight material, including production methods and carbon fiber recycling.

The partnership is a fitting one, as Boeing and BMW have both been pushing carbon fiber development in their respective industries. BMW has invested in carbon fiber producer SGL Group, and created the i3 and i8 concepts with heavy use of the material. Meanwhile, Boeing has developed the 787 Dreamliner (seen above), which is 50 percent carbon fiber.

The recycling of these materials, including recycling excess byproduct as well as the product at the end of its use, is essential. According to the press release below, the two companies will together look for ways to reclaim the material at the end of its product life.

Seattle, WA is the corporate home for Boeing, and is a little over 2.5 hours from BMW's Moses Lake facility. Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire helped BMW secure the location for that facility, and and played a roll in putting together this joint venture. "This exciting partnership between two global players was an industry win for our state," said Gregoire, "this will help Washington further develop our capabilities and leadership position in the game-changing technology of carbon fiber."

This development will hopefully yield less expensive production methods, and the proliferation of carbon fiber material in both the aeronautical and automotive industries. Check out more on this development in the press release below.

Continue reading BMW, Boeing weave agreement on carbon fiber recycling research

BMW, Boeing weave agreement on carbon fiber recycling research originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Emergency testing a Boeing's brakes equals awesome

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos

Boeing 747-8 Ultimate Rejected Takeoff test - Click above to watch the video after the break

Modern-day supercars typically come with brake discs and pads made from exotic carbon and steel compounds, and are more than a foot in diameter. As you would expect, they are capable of hauling the exotic machinery they are attached to from speeds of over 200 miles per hour back down to zero with physics-defying alacrity.

But even the most high-tech automotive brakes have got nuthin' on the binders holding back the latest Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the brakes of its massive aircraft, Boeing ground away every last bit of of the carbon surfaces that normally handle braking duties. In other words, these brakes were ready for replacement and would never even have sniffed a runway in real life. In order to pass the test, the 747-8 needs to stop from 200 miles per hour to simulate an aborted takeoff, and it must do so using only its brakes - no reverse thrusters allowed.

Also, it's worth mentioning that the fully-loaded airplane weighs in at more than 975,000 pounds. That bears repeating: A million pounds!

So, does the million-pound airliner pass this ultimate rejected takeoff test? Check out the video after the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading Emergency testing a Boeing's brakes equals awesome

Emergency testing a Boeing's brakes equals awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Aventador's complex construction necessitates 'flying doctors'

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Lamborghini

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The newest raging bull from Lamborghini's stables, the 2012 Aventador LP700-4, is a technologically advanced devourer of roads. Case in point: The 691-horsepower beast boasts a monocoque passenger compartment made out of reinforced carbon-fiber. It was developed thanks to assistance from Boeing and weighs-in at a mere 324 pounds. Because of this advanced passenger cell, the Aventador is light, stiff and very strong.

Cars like this end up in the hands of a privileged few, but they also occasionally end up stuffed into guardrails. So how do you fix an Aventador with a carbon-fiber boo-boo? You have Lamborghini send one of its so-called flying doctors, according to Automotive News.

Armed with a suitcase of tools and an extensive knowledge of carbon fiber repairs, the Lamborghini flying doctor is trained to mend fractured Aventadors. In the States, the damaged supercar is sent to the University of Washington in Seattle. There, the flying doctor can fix any sections of shredded carbon fiber.

We can only imagine who expensive the process of shipping and repairing a 2012 Lamborghini Aventador will be. With a $379,000 price-tag, it has to be a bit more than the local body shop charges to pull out a dent.

Gallery: 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Photos copyright (C)2011 Wolfango Spaccarelli / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Lamborghini Aventador's complex construction necessitates 'flying doctors' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Someone at Boeing wants Mulally back?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Earnings/Financials

A new website has cropped up to attempt to lure Ford CEO Alan Mulally back to Seattle. Evidently someone at Boeing is missing the guy's ability to steer a company in the right direction. The recently launched site features a short list of Mulally's achievements since he's taken the tiller at FoMoCo, all spread out on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner background.

We can imagine more than a few souls at the aircraft manufacturer are pining for the good old days. Boeing has seen delay after delay in the launch of its carbon-fiber Dreamliner leviathan, while Ford continues to make its cousins in Detroit look bad. The Blue Oval posted a $2.7 billion net profit last year, snapping the company out of a downward trend three-years in the making. While Mulally certainly didn't carry the company on his own, it's clear he has made some smart decisions during his time at the helm, and now he's become the poster child for Ford's recent successes.

According to Automotive News, BringAlanBack.com isn't associated with either Ford or Boeing, and no one is saying who owns the site at the moment.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Someone at Boeing wants Mulally back? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Humvee with Boeing Laser Avenger blasts UAVs

Noah Joseph — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hummer, Military

Remember those Saturday morning cartoons from when you were a kid, where futuristic soldiers battled with laser guns? Well if you were wondering what ever happened to that future we were promised, it's here. Boeing's Direct Energy Systems project recently concluded a test in the New Mexico desert where the Humvee-mounted Laser Avenger system successfully shot down three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a demonstration for U.S. Army officers.

The Laser Avenger was initially created to dispose of unexploded ordinance (bombs that didn't detonate) lying on the ground, but given the proliferation of UAVs for both surveillance and weapons deployment, Boeing adapted the lasers to shoot the UAVs out of the sky. The benefit over shooting down the drones with guns or missiles - in startling contradiction to the red lines depicted in the old G.I. Joe cartoons - is that the enemy can't see where the laser beam is coming from, thereby keeping the ground troops' position secure. Pretty awesome, unless you're a UAV. Fortunately UAVs are unmanned by definition, so what we're looking at here is lasers shooting down flying robots. You can check out the details in the press release after the jump if you'd like, but we're going to sit right here in our pajamas until the next commercial.

[Source: Boeing via NextAutos]

Continue reading Humvee with Boeing Laser Avenger blasts UAVs

Humvee with Boeing Laser Avenger blasts UAVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A1GP drag races a Boeing 777 in New Zealand

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Australia

Car vs. Jet. It's an epic battle that never seems to end, with new contenders continuously lining up on the runway. And we love it. Top Gear raced a Bugatti Veyron down the runway and back against a Eurofighter, Lamborghini pitted its jet-inspired Reventon against a Tornado, Audi raced its Le Mans-winning R10 TDI against an RAF Harrier jump-yet at Goodwood and Spyker F1 faced off against a Royal Dutch Air Force F16 fighter. (Volkswagen even pulled a 747 jumbo jet with a Touareg V10 TDI.) Now meet the latest challengers: "Black Beauty", Team New Zealand's Zytek-powered Lola A1GP race car, against an Air New Zealand Boeing 777-200ER.

The showdown took place on the runway at Auckland International Airport between Kiwi racer Jonny Reid and Air New Zealand pilot Dave Morgan as a publicity event to promote the A1GP races in Taupo, New Zealand this coming weekend. The promotional event seems a little at odds with the recent announcement that the series was switching to bio-ethanol for environmental reasons, but you know what? We don't care. (That's what AutoblogGreen is for.)

Neither did the masses of spectators, who reportedly lined up in the light rain by the terminal windows and alongside the airport perimeter to see the race. Two drag races were staged down the runway: In the first run, the A1GP car had trouble gaining traction off the line in the wet and the 777 won (with a light load and a head start, mind you), but in the second round the racing slicks gripped onto the tarmac and the car took the checkered wind-stocking ahead of the jet. A draw, then - we'll just have to wait for the next showdown.

Follow the jump for the video and press release.

[Source: A1GP]

Continue reading A1GP drag races a Boeing 777 in New Zealand

A1GP drag races a Boeing 777 in New Zealand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the day: Sky Commuter Prototype

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc.

Looking for something really exotic? Do your vehicular leanings include more than just cars? If so, have we got the auction for you. What you see here is the very last Sky Commuter Prototype in existence. While we would imagine that this vehicle will end up somewhere in a museum or in the clutches of a rich collector, the auction lister believes that it would be "for the most part functional after learning the power source," for whatever that's worth. Speaking of worth, at the time that this was written, the highest bid was $45,300.00, but we'd expect that to change soon enough. The Sky Commuter is registered with the FAA with a valid number, so it appears that the information in the listing is legit.

Our research is leading us to believe that each and every time one of these machines was lifted off the ground, it crashed. We don't say this very often, but our advice would be to leave this one a true, dedicated trailer-queen.

Gallery: Sky Car

[Source: eBay]

eBay find of the day: Sky Commuter Prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion engine may flying high in unmanned aerial vehicle

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:09:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Ford, Military

In the mid-size sedan segment, there are few more benign engines than those that power the otherwise terrific Ford Fusion. That assessment may not be entirely true after Boeing has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by an internal combustion engine of the Ford variety. While the article doesn't specify which Fusion engine is being used, we'd guess it's the 2.3L Duratec four-cylinder. Ford's Research and Advanced Engineering created the UAV's means of propulsion, which utilizes a multi-stage turbo unit powered by hydrogen fuel. A car engine was used because it has more modern materials than older aircraft engine designs, and they tend to perform well at high altitudes where turbocharging is involved. The Boeing concept performed well during three days of testing at a simulated 65,000 feet, and the ultimate goal is for the UAV to perform for seven days at a time. It seems Ford CEO Alan Mulally still hasn't scratched his aircraft itch after 37 years on the job at Boeing.

Thanks for the tip, Bill!

[Source: Defense Tech]

Ford Fusion engine may flying high in unmanned aerial vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW studio designs jet for fictional Russian billionaires

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW

Imagine you're a Russian magnate with a globetrotting lifestyle. What could be more perfect than your very own Boeing 787? BMW Designworks USA was apparently picturing a cross between a James Bond Villain and a successful Gen-Xer when they dreamt up a custom interior, converting the sky-dwelling bus into a monster executive jet. The interior is ultra-chic with lots of clean white expanses. A window in the floor lets you check on the status of your four-wheeled executive transport -- A BMW, natch.

The jet probably has more square footage than most commoner's homes, and though the entire thing is a flight of fancy, studying the images for details reveals a mobile command post we'd never want to leave. There's hardwood floors, a multi-level foyer, a bar that looks like it came out of some trendy euro nightclub, a conference room, and a several chic living suites. The interior was created for the Hamburg Aircraft Interior Expo, to showcase BMW Designworks's abilities. A seperate entity from the car side of BMW, Designworks has had their hands in the design of tons of cool stuff, from cellphones to John Deere tractors. Maybe they should let Designworks try their hand at the next 7-series?

[Source: Gadling]

Gallery: BMW DesignWorks 787

BMW studio designs jet for fictional Russian billionaires originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Touareg V10 TDI tows a 747

John Neff — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Volkswagen

click on image to enlarge

This bit of news will no doubt be a big badge of honor for the few owners there are out there of the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. VW is hoping the number of Touareg TDI owners will grow, and demonstrated the diesel ute's mighty pulling power recently in a press event that pitted it against the standing weight of a Boeing 747. The Touareg was "lightly modified" with the addition of 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs.) of ballast weight (!) and the fitment of the 4.56 axle from Touareg V8 model. The latter mod turned out to be unnecessary since the driver, Uew Krieghoff, performed the stunt in the low ratio, second gear. Other than that, the Touareg was also fitted with a special tow adapter to marry the two vehicles together and wore outer body panels that made it look the same as the next gen Touareg being launched early next year. The engine, transmission, suspension, tires and brakes were all stock.

The plane used for the stunt was a decommissioned Boeing 747-200 that weighs 155 tons. VW had initially calculated the Touareg could successfully pull 200 tons, and had even done a dry run with a 190-ton Boeing 747-400. Unfortunately, the only plane that could be acquired for the PR stunt was this one that is usually used as a giant prop in films. Apparently it didn't put up much of a fight, as the Touareg towed the jet 150 meters at 5 mph before slowing itself and the plane to a stop with its stock brakes. Impressive indeed, and we think the Touareg V10 TDI has laid down the gauntlet for our domestic heavy haulers. Let's see what crazy objects the Ford Super-Duty, Chevy Silverado HD and Dodge Ram 3500 can tug around.

Follow the jump for more pics of the Touareg's towing exploits.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Touareg V10 TDI tows a 747

Touareg V10 TDI tows a 747 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alan Mulally will make at least $10 million/year at Ford

Erin Mays — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford, Earnings/Financials

New Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally will make some mad cash according to the Detroit News -- at least $10 million clams in compensation, in fact. The high sticker comes as no surprise given the fact that Bill Ford has had such a hard time finding somebody to take over his job, including the likes of Carlos Ghosn and Dieter Zetsche. It also comes as no surprise since Mulally was Boeing's second-highest paid executive at a mere $9.9 million compensation package in 2005, and Ford had no choice but to offer him a better deal.

Among his Boeing perks was a 104-percent pay increase for 2005 over 2004, $83,000 in personal use of the company jet, company cars and club memberships for business purposes. His base pay in 2005 was $825,000.

[Source: Detroit News]

Alan Mulally will make at least $10 million/year at Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Ford robbing Boeing's boardroom?

John Neff — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

A Reuters article released today suggests that Ford's new CEO Alan Mulally could attract a whole group of defecting executives from Boeing Co., Mulally's previous employer. Apparently Mulally is a pretty good guy to work for, being described by Reuters as a charismatic leader with a loyal following accrued over his 37-year tenure at Boeing.

The jury is still out on whether or not Mulally's experience makes him the right man for the job, so one must also ask whether a team of Boeing ex-pats would be better capable of restoring Ford to its former glory or would only make things worse.

While everyone is saying Mulally has valuable experience in manufacturing, operations, labor and supplier relations, etc., in an interview with Bloggingstocks, Brent Wilsey of Wilsey Asset Management makes the very good point that Mulally has never faced more than one competitor: Airbus. Now Mulally will have to face the likes of General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, the Koreans and soon the Chinese in a market that's begin to resemble an overstocked coy pond.

Mulally's impact on Ford, whether good or bad, is at least a couple of years out, so sit back and get comfortable.

[Source: Reuters, Blogginstocks]

Is Ford robbing Boeing's boardroom? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Bill Ford out as CEO of Ford, Boeing President/CEO Alan Mullaly in

John Neff — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

UPDATED - Ford has issued a press release announcing that Bill Ford will step down as CEO of the company his family founded over a century ago and that Alan Mulally, a man with a 37-year record at Boeing, who most recently ran the airplane manufacturer's commercial plane business as CEO and President, will be his successor.

Ford's resignation as CEO was forecasted not only in recent interviews in which he stated outright that replacing himself was a possibility, but also the memo he sent out to employees late last week that outlined three strategies that he felt were critical to the company's turnaround. One of the strategies detailed cultivating better executive leadership from outside and within. Mulally appears to be the outside help Ford believes can help return his company to profitability.

Mulally has faced challenges at Boeing similar to the ones facing Ford Motor Company in the present, including improving customer satisfaction, manufacturing, supplier and labor relations, and fluctuating fuel prices. He also knows what it's like to lead a company on the brink, as Boeing found itself in such a place after the events of 9/11 while facing stiffer competition from its rival Airbus.

Ford will stay on as executive chairman and be behind a desk everyday trying to turn around Ford's fortunes. He stated, "As executive chairman, I intend to remain extremely active in the direction of this Company. I'll be here every day and I will not rest until a prosperous future for this Company is secured."

Ford's complete press release can be found after the jump.

Check out Mulally's bio on Boeing's website here (thanks Speed42).

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading BREAKING: Bill Ford out as CEO of Ford, Boeing President/CEO Alan Mullaly in

BREAKING: Bill Ford out as CEO of Ford, Boeing President/CEO Alan Mullaly in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to join mile-high club in new Airbus

Erin Mays — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, BMW

At its Aircraft Interiors Expo 2006 exhibition in Hamburg next month, Airbus plans to release a mock-up of an interior designed by BMW for its new A350 twinjet. The decision to employ BMW to "help" design the cockpit takes a swipe at the Airbus twinjet's direct competitor, Boeing's 787 twinjet. We're not sure exactly how much input BMW had, but Airbus isn't giving up all of the credit for sure.

The new design is something out of Star Trek's Ten Forward Lounge -- new lighting schemes; futuristic, ergonomically-designed seating; star-strewn aisles; larger-capacity overhead bins, and even the ability to project images like a cloudy sky onto the ceiling, are all part of the package.

More photos courtesy of Airbus after the jump.

[Source: Flightglobal.com]

Continue reading BMW to join mile-high club in new Airbus

BMW to join mile-high club in new Airbus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Mar 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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