Runflier Stalker Takes Flight

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Transportation

Russian Designer/Inventor Alexander Begak has designed the Runflier Stalker, the next generation of his Evolution. The airborne vehicle takes off from a short runway and can travel almost a thousand miles without refueling at a speed of up to 124 mph. It is made of Kevlar and weighs only about 300 lbs. Because it is made of the plastic material, it is invisible to radar and can take photos both day and night, as well as perform mapping and patrolling duties. Look for the Stalker in a war near you.

Read More | Inventor Spot

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (1)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Star Wars Landspeeder

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Movies, Transportation

Daniel Deutsch, a designer with the ultimate in talent, built a fiberglass and aluminum replica of the Star Wars Landspeeder in his garage. With an electric drive system, it can hit a top speed of 25 mph, and can go for a few miles with one charge. Even at that slow of a pace, we bet Mark Hamill would still take it around the block. It joins Deutsch’s collection of other clever stuff, such as the R2-D2 shown (Joey Fatone not included.)

Read More | Daniel Deutsch

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Martin Jetpack Takes Off, Barely

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Science, Transportation

Yesterday, inventor Glenn Martin displayed his jetpack at the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The machine is five feet high, has rotors in two large ducts, a 200-horsepower engine, and rests on 3 legs. It weighs about 250 lbs. and provides 600 lbs. of thrust. Martin has spent 27 years developing his baby and plans to sell them next year for $100,000.00 each if all goes well.

Martin’s wife was the first guinea pig and dubbed it “The Beast.” Fortunately, it also has a parachute for an emergency landing that we figure won’t be needed as the jetpack only flew about 3 feet off the ground. We give the man props for the attempt anyway. Check out the video if you would like to see the launch.

Read More | N Y Times

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Israeli Guardium, 4-Wheeled Robotic Soldier

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science

It appears that is isn’t just the U.S. military using robotic vehicles. The Israeli Guardium is a 4-wheeled robotic soldier, designed to replace humans in scary places. It is operated via command room with a joystick and is mounted with 360º cams, night-vision, and for the tight spots, machine guns. The bot has pre-planned routes and navigates through traffic. With a price starting at $600,000, we say we will gladly use our taxes to purchase a few for both sides and bring our guys home.

Read More | New Launches

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (3)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

X Prize Offers A Million for Green Car

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Transportation

The green heat is on. To continue a quest for a car that can make it up to 100 mpg, The AXP (Automotive X PRIZE) promises $10 million to the company that can make a “safe, affordable, and desirable” vehicle for middle America. There are two categories, mainstream and alternative.

The foundation putting up bucks was created by Peter Diamandis when Charles Lindbergh went after the $25,000 reward for flying from New York to Paris. We figure there are plenty of creative Gear Livers that could use the bucks and certainly can come up with their own idea or two by 2009.

Read More | MSN

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

HumanCar Is Hybrid Transportation

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Transportation

They may look a bit strange, but each of Charles Greenwood’s HumanCars is a hybrid electric vehicle with an exoskeletal safety cage chassis, dual electric motors, a variable human power input, patented Body-Steering chassis and SyncGuideway compatibility as standard equipment. You can also go for optional GPS, iPod plug-in, and power windows, locks, mirrors, and wipers. HumanCars are available in three models, the FM4 Troublemaker, the Rod, and the LMV Imagine. At a base price of $15,000.00, you can pre-order for their 2008 Earthday debut this April.

Read More | HumanCar

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Zoombak Tracks Cars, Pets

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: GPS, Internet, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi

Zoombak understands that two of your best friends are likely to get lost, your pet and your vehicle. Their assisted GPS locator can help you find both. When installed in your car, boat, or bike, should it come up missing or is out of its “safety zone” that you set up, you can track it via their site or 24/7 toll-free number, and eventually through your mobile phone. The cost of the device is $249.95 with a service charge of $10.00 per month. The same service applies if you want to invest in the 2.5 oz. water-resistant pet version for $199.99. We wonder what happens if you forget your pet inside your car and it is stolen.

Read More | Zoombak

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Proteus Heads For the Water

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation

Developed for biological studies, water exploration, rescue, and the military, the Proteus has begun taking a few test drives around the States. The wave adaptive modular vessel can travel up to 5,000 miles on 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Its debut was in New York and it is planning on working its way to San Francisco in January before it moves on to Washington, D.C.

At a size of 100 x 50 feet and a cost of about $1.5 million, the vehicle has metal and fabric pontoons with hinges for skimming up to 30 knots (34.5 mph) while cushioned by shock absorbers. It also can be fitted with different detachable cabins for up to 12 passengers. Named after the Greek sea god who could alter his appearance, we think the Proteus will look a bit strange at first glance and just may scare off the enemy without doing anything but hanging out.

Read More | Live Science

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story