PEOPLE AND PLACES: The future of war or a flight of fancy?

The £2.5 million fighter jet system that’s so precise it's affected by the MOON'S gravity

To counteract shifts in gravitational pull, engineers build Typhoon on 'floating' concrete rafts with laser trackers and computer-automated jacks
This £2.5 million system means the jet is accurately aligned
Elsewhere, the jet fighter can reach supersonic speeds in 30 seconds
And the Typhoon helmet lets pilots 'see' through the bottom of the jet

Aside from making a fighter jet lightweight, agile and astonishingly fast, engineers of one the world's most advanced aircraft have another, more surprising issue to contend with: the moon.

BAE System's Typhoon is so accurate that even the movements of the tide can disrupt the jet fighter's positioning and accuracy.

To counteract even the slightest shifts in gravitational pull, experts must build the jet on 'floating' concrete rafts that move in sync with the moon.

The Typhoon (pictured) is powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines. It is 49ft (15 metres) long from tip to tip and the material is 'no more than the thickness of a match stick.' This helps its ‘fly by wire’ computer system to accurately control the aircraft, designed to be unstable but hugely agile

These rafts measure 59ft (18 metres) long and 9.8ft (3 metres) thick and are used to house the measuring equipment.

Two laser trackers and nine jacks are positioned on a single surface, to make sure all movement is relative, and they control the alignment of the barges by cancelling out the subtle effects of the moon and the tides it creates.

This means the jet will be in 'near perfect alignment whatever the moon may be doing,' said Martin Topping, Head of Typhoon Maintenance and Upgrade.

'Every time the moon pulls the tide in and out, the ground under our feet actually moves by between one and two millimetres, he continued.

EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON FACTS

The Typhoon is powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines.

It is 49ft (15 metres) long from tip to tip and the material is 'no more than the thickness of a match stick.'

This helps its ‘fly by wire’ computer system to accurately control the aircraft, designed to be unstable but hugely agile, and this build accuracy can save enough fuel to fill up an average family car, or around 60 litres.

The Typhoon can take off in less than 8 seconds, achieve supersonic speeds in under 30 seconds and reach altitudes of 36,000 feet Mach 1.6 in under two and a half minutes.

It is able to pull up to 9G, which creates a pressure equivalent to 30 African elephants.

To counteract even the slightest shifts in gravitational pull, engineers build the jet on 'floating' concrete rafts.

These rafts measure 59ft (18 metres) long and 9.8ft (3 metres) thick and are used to house the measuring equipment.

'That might not sound a lot, but given the tolerances we are working to on Typhoon, two millimetres is two millimetres too much.'

Lancashire-based BAE Systems paid £2.5 million ($3.7 million) for this setup and said the 'result is one of the most perfectly aligned fast jet airframes in the world.'

The Typhoon itself is 49ft (15 metres) long from tip to tip and the material is 'no more than the thickness of a match stick.'

Elsewhere, the Typhoon can take off in less than 8 seconds, achieve supersonic speeds in under 30 seconds and reach altitudes of 36,000 feet Mach 1.6 in under two and a half minutes.

It takes light from the Sun eight minutes to reach Earth and the firm said the Typhoon can travel from London to Paris in the same time.

And it can fly from Lands End to John ‘O Groats - a total of 603 miles (970km) - in under 30 mins.

It is able to pull up to 9G, which creates a pressure on the wings equivalent to 30 African elephants.

And pilots fly with the Typhoon Striker helmet.

Facing directly into the sun, or even when it's dark, their location as well as potential threats are shown on this helmet's visor, and pilots can see thermal images through the use of Night Vision Goggles.

To counteract even the slightest shifts in gravitational pull, engineers build the jet on 'floating' concrete rafts (pictured). Two laser trackers and nine jacks are positioned on a single surface, to make sure all movement is relative, and they control the alignment of the barges by cancelling out subtle effects of the moon and tide

This means the jet (pictured) will be in 'near perfect alignment whatever the moon may be doing,' said Martin Topping, Head of Typhoon Maintenance and Upgrade

Pilots fly with the Typhoon Striker helmet wired to the plane to let pilots lock onto targets with 'just a look' and a voice command. It also lets pilots 'see' enemy aircraft through the body of the plane. A radar in the nose detects enemy aircraft and projects its image to the pilot's visor

The helmet is wired to the plane to let pilots lock onto targets with 'just a look' and a voice command. It also lets pilots 'see' enemy aircraft through the body of the plane.

For example, a radar in the nose of the Typhoon detects enemy aircraft hidden from the pilot's view. As the pilot looks towards the position of the enemy aircraft, its image is projected on the visor.

They can then lock-on to the aircraft by voice command, which means the enemy is also tracked by the aircraft's weapons systems.

Sensors on the helmet 'talk' to the fixed sensors on the aircraft so the Typhoon always knows exactly where the pilot is looking.

Weapons sensors on the Typhoon track enemy aircraft and missile information and feed it back to the plane, which is directly wired to the helmet.

. Lancashire-based BAE Systems paid £2.5 million ($3.7 million) for this setup (pictured) and said the 'result is one of the most perfectly aligned fast jet airframes in the world'

Sensors on the helmet (pictured) 'talk' to the fixed sensors on the aircraft so the Typhoon always knows exactly where the pilot is looking. Weapons sensors on the Typhoon track enemy aircraft and missile information and feed it back to the plane

Inside the cockpit, BAE Systems has designed lighting that is clear and legible at all times.

The company's Ambient Light Facility in Warton is specifically designed to replicate the full range of lighting conditions of each journey.

This specialised facility has been used by firms that make displays for bank ATM machines as part of a group called Sunshine Club.

The cockpit is made of glass and includes a wide-angle Head Up Display (HUD), full-colour Multifunctional Head Down Displays (MHDDs) and Helmet Mounted Symbology System (HMSS).

The cockpit is made of glass and includes a wide-angle Head Up Display (HUD), full-colour Multifunctional Head Down Displays (MHDDs) and Helmet Mounted Symbology System (HMSS). These displays and computer systems provide pilots (pictured) with information from sensors and flight instruments

Inside the cockpit, BAE Systems has designed lighting that is clear and legible at all times. The company's Ambient Light Facility in Warton (Chris Gerrard, lighting test engineer is pictured) is specifically designed to replicate the full range of lighting conditions of each journey

These displays and computer systems provide the pilot with information from sensors, flight instruments and aircraft mission computers. A parachute is inside the ejector seat on the aircraft.

And to reduce pilot workload, the Typhoon has a Voice Throttle and Stick (VTAS) system which means the pilot can keep his hand on the throttle and operate the majority of the aircraft’s controls from this position.

Additional commands can be given through voice activation.

It is worn as part of the Typhoon jet fighter pilot's suit.

In this suit there is a single connection to 'feed the pilot' with air, oxygen and radio connection and the suit's trousers inflate to counteract the loss of blood from the head to the feet when the aircraft hits G force.

This image reveals the various components of a Typhoon jet fighter test pilot's suit. A parachute is inside the ejector seat on the aircraft. There is a single connection to 'feed the pilot' with air, oxygen and radio connection. The suit's trousers inflate to counteract the loss of blood from the head to the feet

Device would protect vehicles and buildings from explosion shockwaves

Boeing granted patent for device to shields vehicles against shockwaves
The device uses sensors to detect an explosion and anticipate blastwave
An 'arc generator' uses lasers, microwaves or electric current to ionise the air in front of the shockwave so that it deflects and reflects the energy
The arc of ionised gas - or plasma - would also absorb shockwave energy
Boeing says it can protect tanks, buildings, ships, aircraft and submarines

A force field that can protect vehicles from the destructive blastwaves thrown out by explosions has been development by aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

The company has been granted a patent for a device that appears to work like the fictional shields seen in science fiction movies like Star Wars and Star Trek.

The system works by using an 'arc generator' to rapidly heat the air in front of a shockwave creating a cloud of electrically charged gas.

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Boeings patent proposes creating an arc of plasma in front of vehicles, like that shown in the diagram above, that can defect and absorb the energy shockwaves from explosions, helping to reduce the damage they cause

This, Boeing says, creates a buffer that can refract, deflect and absorb the energy contained within the shockwave.

They say the device could be mounted on vehicles such as tanks and armoured personnel carriers, buildings, aircraft, ships and submarines.

THE ARMOUR THAT CAN REPEL FIRE

British military scientists have been working on a new type of armour designed to repel incoming fire from vehicles.

The armour, developed by researchers at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) would use pulses of electrical energy to defelct rockets, shrapnel and other ammunition that might damage a vehicle.

Engineers behind the techology claim it is possible to incorporate supercapacitors into the body of a tank or armoured personnell carrier to turn it into a kind of giant battery.

When incoming fire is detected, the energy stored in the supercapacitor can be rapidly dumped onto the metal plating on the outside of the vehicle, producing a strong electromagnetic field that creates a momentary forecfield capable of repelling incoming metal.

If timed correctly, the scientists behind the technology say it could help to prevent rocket propelled grenades and shells that detonate on impact from reaching their target.

They claim the device could work both in the air and underwater, helping to protect assets from rockets, landmines, torpedoes and Improvised Explosive Devices.

Writing in the patent, Boeing said: 'The majority of the damage caused by explosive devices results from shrapnel and shockwaves.

'Damage from shrapnel may be prevented by, for example, physical barriers. 'Shockwaves are travelling discontinuities in pressure, temperature, density and other physical qualities through a medium such as the ambient atmosphere.

'Shockwave damage is more difficult to prevent because shockwaves can traverse an intermediate medium including physical barriers.

'Damage from shockwaves may be lessened or prevented by interposing an attenuating material between the shockwave source and the object to be protected.'

Blastwaves thrown out from explosions often cause more widespread damage than the immediate blast area, often structural damage to vehicles and buildings.

The high pressures and temperatures created by shockwaves can also cause secondary explosions.

Recent research has also shown that blastwaves can cause devastating internal injuries to soldiers, particularly when in the enclosed space of a vehicle.

Boeing's patent proposes using lasers (shown above) or microwaves to create plasma to slow the shockwave

Boeing's patent proposes using sensors that can detect the light or other electromagentic radiation - such as microwaves or infrared light - thrown out by explosion.

This would then trigger an 'arc generator' to produce a temporary force field between the vehicle or building and the advancing shockwave.

It says this could be created using lasers or microwaves to rapidly heat the air in front of the vehicle to produce an area of electrically charged gas, or plasma.

This change in medium would interfere with the oncoming shockwave and help to deflect its force from hitting the vehicle, says Boeing.

It also claims that the arc generator could create a powerful electric current within just a few milliseconds to create an electric art through the air.

This graphic shows how lasers could be used to create a plasma shied protect a vehicle from a shockwave

The USS Enterprise in Star Trek (pictured)used a force field to help protect it from torpedos and phaser blasts

Spacecraft, vehicles and even individual robots in the Star Wars films (pictured) had their own shields

This would heat the gas and change its density to interfere with the path of the shockwave.

Boeing also proposes that the arc generator could be a gun that fires multiple pellets on converging paths, leaving a trail of ions in their wake like tracer bullets.

These would form conductive channels through the air through which a voltage could be traced.

It also says the arc generator could also fire projectiles training conductive wires that would also heat the air to create a medium that would remove energy from the shockwave.

The patent said: 'When the shockwave created by an explosion reaches the arc, the shockwave deforms the arc in directions perpendicular to the conductive channels.

This diagram shows how a arc generator could be mounted onto the side of a vehicle to protect it from a blast

'Specifically the shockwave pushes the ionised air created by or making up the arc inward and the current tends to flow where the air is ionised.

'This movement by the shockwave may do mechanical work against the magentic field force and remove energy from the shockwave making it weaker.'

It also says that by forming the shield in the shape of a convex lens, it can deflect the energy from the shockwave.

As the density of the charged air in the forcefield is different from the surrounding air it would also cause the shockwave to be refracted.

The future of war or a flight of fancy? Giant Russian plane is designed to carry tanks to combat zones at supersonic speeds

PAK TA plane is a conceptual aircraft intended to carry 200 tonnes
It would reach speeds of over 200mph (2,000km/h) with a long range
Could deliver an army anywhere in the world in around seven hours
Commentators are sceptical the hybrid electric plane will get off the ground

developing swarms of small drones for combat, spying on warzones as well as dropping payloads.

But Russia has reportedly set its sights on a supersonic behemoth, which could strike terror into the hearts of any enemies in the future.

Called the PAK TA, the conceptual aircraft is designed to carry troops and tanks at supersonic speeds and could take to the skies as early as 2024.

But some commentators say it’s unlikely that the plans will get off the ground.

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A conceptual aircraft called PAK TA (illustrated by Alexey Komarov, Customer and Technical Manager at Volga-Dnepr Group) could be used to deploy Russian troops anywhere in the world in just seven hours

The concept comes from the country’s Military-Industrial Commission, RT reported, and the design, drawn by a technical manager at Volga-Dnepr Group, shows a futuristic, plane with a cavernous fuselage complete with a large opening and jagged wings.

The plane is an unusual shape because it is intended to carry up to eight Armata tanks - which have yet to be built – complete with ammunition to anywhere in the world at supersonic speeds.

It would fly at speeds of over 1,200mph (2,000km/h) despite carrying a payload of up to 200 tonnes (200,000kg) with a range of more than 4,350 miles (7,000km).

Meet, PAK TA, Russia's concept supersonic tank-carrying plane

The plane is an unusual shape because it is intended to carry up to eight Armata tanks - which have yet to be built – complete with ammunition to ‘anywhere in the world’ at supersonic speeds. This illustration shows a cavernous opening at the back of the aircraft

The programme envisages that 80 of these new aircraft (illustrated) would be built by 2024, enabling Russia to be able to drop a ready-made army wherever it may be needed in under seven hours

PAK TA SPECIFICATIONS

Conceptual: The PAK TA aircraft is only a concept.

Purpose: The aircraft is designed to carry troops and tanks at supersonic speeds, so that a small army could be deployed anywhere in the world in just seven hours.

Speed: The plane would fly at supersonic speeds of over 1,200mph (2,000km/h).

Payload: Up to 200 tonnes (2 million kg) which is enough for several tanks and ammunition.

Range: More than 4,350 miles (7,000km).

Power: A video hints that the plane could be partially electric.

Timing: The PAK TA programme envisages that 80 of the aircraft would be built by 2024.

The speed is comparable to that of a light fighter jet, leading some commentators to brand the plans improbable and more of a flight of fancy than a serious plan.

The top speed of the US’ largest transport plane – the C-5M Super Galaxy – is 518mph (834km/h) PopSci reported.

The design, imagined by an employee of a Russian aircraft company, also hints that if the plane were to be built, it would be partially powered by electricity.

While batteries can power small electric planes, the technology is unlikely to develop quickly enough to drive a huge supersonic craft, like the PAK TA.

The programme envisages that 80 of these new aircraft would be built by 2024, enabling Russia to be able to drop a ready-made army wherever it may be needed in under seven hours, Expert Online reported.

The vehicles could load cargo autonomously and be able to airdrop tanks and men onto tricky terrain.

The aircraft (illustrated) would fly at speeds of over 1,200mph (2,000km/h) despite carrying a payload of up to 200 tonnes (2million kg) with a range of more than 4,350 miles (7,000km)

The design (pictured) also hints that if the plane were to be built, it would be partially powered by electricity. So while batteries and electric batteries can power small planes, the technology is unlikely to develop quickly enough to drive a huge supersonic craft, like the PAK TA

‘With the development of a network of military bases in the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia, which is expected to be completed during the same time period [by 2024], it’s obvious that Russia is preparing for a full-scale military confrontation of transcontinental scale,’ Expert Online reported.

The PAK TA project is thought to have been underway for several years and is designed to replace the current generation of air freighters - Ilyushin and Antonov cargo aircraft.

The only operating aircraft that can carry a comparable amount of weight is the Antonov An-225 Mriya, which is a one-off and is built for the Soviet Buran space shuttle programme.

Rise of the iSoldier: British military kitted out with high-tech vests, augmented reality helmets and wearable chargers

The Broadsword range includes a wearable power pack called the Spine
It uses e-textiles woven from conductive yarns to wirelessly charge devices
BAE's inductive seat charger transfers energy from a vehicle to the vest
And all of this energy use can be monitored using a smartphone app
Other equipment in the range includes Q-Warrior augmented reality visor

British troops could soon head into battle kitted out in the latest state-of-the-art wearable technology.

BAE Systems has created its Broadsword range of devices that revolve around a vest called Spine.

Spine uses so-called e-textiles to wirelessly charge military equipment - and this energy use can be monitored using a smartphone app.

BAE Systems has created its Broadsword range of devices (pictured) that revolve around a vest called Spine. Spine uses so-called e-textiles to wirelessly charge military equipment and gets its energy from an inductive charging seat All of this energy use can then be monitored using a smartphone app

Other equipment in the range includes the Q-Warrior augmented reality headset and car seats that wirelessly charge the wearable technology.

Spine was developed by the London-based defence firm with Surrey-based Intelligent Textiles Design.

It can power up and transfer data to and from equipment such as radios, cameras, smart helmets and torches, as well as smart weapons - effectively working as a portable hotspot.

Spine was developed by the London-based defence firm with Surrey-based Intelligent Textiles Design. It can power up and transfer data to and from equipment such as radios, cameras, smart helmets and torches, as well as smart weapons - effectively working as a portable hotspot

Eight devices can be plugged in and charged at any one time, and the vest's electrically conductive yarns can also be used to charge other gadgets wirelessly. This image is a grab from the Spine's connected app. It shows how much power the vest, and individual gadgets, have

A total of eight devices can be plugged in and charged at any one time, and the vest's electrically conductive yarns can also be used to charge other gadgets wirelessly.

BAE'S BROADSWORD RANGE

BAE Systems' Broadsword range of devices revolve around a vest called Spine.

Spine uses e-textiles to wirelessly charge military equipment - and this energy use can be monitored using a smartphone app.

Eight devices can be plugged in and charged at any one time, and the vest's electrically conductive yarns can also be used to charge other gadgets wirelessly.

Elsewhere, the Q-Warrior see-through augmented reality display integrates with the Spine and smartphone to overlay useful information such as GPS locations, temperatures and other data.

BAE has additionally created an inductive seat charger that automatically transfers energy from a vehicle to the vest.

This means the Spine never runs out of energy and can be charged as soldiers travel around battle zones.

And all this power usage can be managed using a smartphone app.

Elsewhere, the Q-Warrior see-through augmented reality display integrates with the Spine and smartphone to overlay useful information such as GPS locations, temperatures and other data.

BAE and Intelligent Textiles Design said that although the technology is designed for the armed forces - and conforms to the standards set by the Ministry of Defence - it could also be used by fire and rescue services and the police.

The inductive charging equipment pouches (pictured) provide power to equipment batteries from the Spine. The power is inductively transferred into the equipment through a modified attachment

Elsewhere, the Q-Warrior see-through augmented reality display integrates with the Spine power and network to overlay interesting information such as GPS locations, temperatures and other data

'Current integration of body worn equipment has not been addressed as a platform design and has resulted in an unwieldy cable harness,' said BAE.

'The weight of current equipment carried by the soldier is far in excess of what is considered fit for purpose.

Broadsword is a product family of interconnecting components for the next generation of soldier systems.

'[It] delivers ground breaking technology to the 21st century warfighter.'

Futuristic design, concepts BAE systems have been considering

BAE and Intelligent Textiles Design said that although the technology is designed for the armed forces (illustrated) - and conforms to the standards set by the Ministry of Defence - it could also be used by fire and rescue services, and the police