It is quite some time since I had the chance to write another blog post. Having a long weekend with not so spectacular weather allowed me to spend some more time behind the screen and dig into a recently published article from the consulting firm McKinsey titled "Are droids the future of last-mile logistics: Lessons … Continue reading Why delivery droids don’t matter
The aircraft year in review
Overall, the year has been challenging for the civil aircraft industry. Let’s have a quick look at what happened for the major players: Boeing 2019 has been a troubling year for the aircraft manufacturer Boeing. First of all, after the two crashes with the 737 Max, most authorities including the FAA suspended the airworthiness certificate … Continue reading The aircraft year in review
Mapping out the Brazilian Railway system
Within the first year of Bolsonaro’s presidency in Brazil, it became apparent that he seeks to pursue a pro-resource and pro-industry course. This is reflected by increased investment plans in mining and agricultural usage of land in the amazon rainforest. Creating large amounts of produce for export of course requires affordable capacity for transport. It … Continue reading Mapping out the Brazilian Railway system
Creating open source jet-engines
Just yesterday, some early results of a US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) project have been published. The idea of project was to create a low-cost, expendable engine by separating the development from the production/procurement costs. So what does this mean in particular? Rethink innovation The development of a new engine, especially when it comes … Continue reading Creating open source jet-engines
Where does the air cargo grow in the future
Just over the weekend, Volga-Dneper, a staple in spezialized air cargo annonunced to reduce their staff and temporarily ground two Antonov AN-124 as one could read in the press. The company apparently stated a reduced demand due to the US-China trade dispute and the respective reduced need for cargo shippments. On the other hand, a … Continue reading Where does the air cargo grow in the future
Westbahn procures 15 new Stadler KISS 3 trains
On 22. July, Westbahn, the open access provider in Austria, and Stadler Rail announced the procurement of 15 new Stadler double deck EMUs for its operations. The cost of the procurement was undisclosed, but Stadler beat the Chinese supplier CRRC. Why does it matter: Westbahn was tainted to buy trains from CRRC, helping them to … Continue reading Westbahn procures 15 new Stadler KISS 3 trains
DB starts printing 3D metal spare parts
Last week, DB informed that they are taking 3D printing into the syllabus of its vocational training and have started to print 3D spare parts for its ICE series of trains. The objective is to make around 10,000 different spare parts available via 3D printing by 2021. Why it matters: Looking at classic obsolescence topics … Continue reading DB starts printing 3D metal spare parts
Composite wings for the next narrow body aircraft?
This summer, GKN Aerospace announced that they are researching the case of an optimized carbon reinforced wing for a next Airbus single aisle, narrow body aircraft under the "wing of tomorrow" program. Why it matters: The next topic in aviation after a new engine option for the 777 and the A350 is definitely a new … Continue reading Composite wings for the next narrow body aircraft?
Skoda going more digital
This Monday, Skoda announced that they are integrating Lokel into a new Skoda Digital subsidiary. This newly formed group with around 70 employees will be responsible for their TCMS, diagnostic systems and multimedia systems. Why it matters: Skoda transitions with this strategic move from a "classic" small OEM in the rolling stock industry being a … Continue reading Skoda going more digital
Why the US never manages to purchase modern rolling stock
When I recently read that NJ Transit is signing the contract to purchase new double-deck EMUs, I was positively surprised. Not only did they manage to purchase an electric multiple unit (EMU) which is much more suitable for commuter and regional transport, but they also went for a double-deck configuration permitting more capacity at the … Continue reading Why the US never manages to purchase modern rolling stock
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