Engineering news
SpinLaunch tests 'slingshot' rocket launch system
Space.com
Californian start-up SpinLaunch has tested its novel rocket launch system, which spins small rockets up to hypersonic speeds before launching them towards space. The test on 22 October reportedly reached an altitude of “tens of thousands of feet”.
Rolls-Royce gets government backing for small modular reactor plans
Professional Engineering
A Rolls-Royce led consortium has received £210m in new government funding for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). The money, matched by over £250m from the private sector, will fund design of the Rolls-Royce SMR and take it through the regulatory process to assess its suitability for deployment in the UK.
Hermeus reveals hypersonic prototype aircraft
Aerospace Manufacturing
American firm Hermeus has revealed a full-scale prototype of its hypersonic aircraft. Designed to travel at Mach 5, the autonomous QuarterHouse craft will validate the company’s proprietary turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine.
Data key to reducing building emissions, IMechE report says
Professional Engineering
The government should require all building owners and operators to regularly report energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a new IMechE report has recommended. Standardised data – alongside ‘smart’ technologies such as sensors, digital twins and the Internet of Things (IoT) – would help reduce emissions from the ‘built environment’, according to "Decarbonising building operations: Data as a driving force in reducing greenhouse gas emissions".
Airbus powers helicopter engine with 100% sustainable aviation fuel
Aerospace Manufacturing
Airbus has powered an engine on an H225 helicopter with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company aims to certify its helicopters to fly with 100% SAF within the decade, up from a 50% blend with kerosene now.
Spacecraft heat shields tested in nuclear fusion reactor
Professional Engineering
Materials used in spacecraft heat shields have been tested in the high temperatures of a nuclear fusion reactor. Aimed at improving heat shields and enabling exploratory missions to planets and moons with extreme atmospheric conditions, the work was carried out by scientists at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility at General Atomics, in San Diego, California.
Ricardo targets 5% electric vehicle range boost
The Engineer
British engineering services firm Ricardo aims to increase electric vehicle range by 5% and reduce cost by 10% with a project focused on optimising thermal and energy management systems. Engineers will use digital modelling techniques to improve the systems.
Tomorrow’s Engineers Week celebrates ‘net zero’ pioneers
Professional Engineering
Pioneers working on zero-emission aircraft and energy-efficient farming are among the engineers being celebrated during Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (8-12 November). The event, led by EngineeringUK, kicked off with a series of educational films showcasing the engineers at the heart of ‘net zero’ efforts. The week is aimed at inspiring a new generation into the profession, highlighting the creative and problem-solving aspects of the industry.
London to test electric double-decker
The Engineer
A full-electric double-decker bus will be trialled on the streets of London early next year. A zero-emission drivetrain by Norfolk firm Equipmake will power the Jewel E vehicle.
Mellor to launch new all-electric bus range
Professional Engineering
Mellor has also announced plans for a new range of single-deck battery electric buses. The Rochdale, Greater Manchester, firm will launch the range next year, with further details due to be announced in December.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.