jili games jili slot 777
It has been 21 years since the Concorde supersonic passenger transport last flew in November 2003. Although the Concorde is not the direct focus of this article, its operation as a supersonic transport is instructive in an experimental research project undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), with industry partner, Lockheed-Martin. The aircraft's maiden flight is now penciled in for early 2025. NASA's project is called the Quiet SuperSonic Technology Flight Demonstrator. NASA contracted with Lockheed-Martin's Skunk Works in Palmdale, CA., to design and make the X-59 QueSST demonstration aircraft. In theory, its odd shape is aerodynamically designed to reduce the sonic boom to a soft thump. As for the role of NASA's two F-15s in X-59 testing, they are the project's chase planes and instrumented data collection platforms. The aircraft will test new technologies to reduce the sonic boom to a dull thud and gather data to support eventual supersonic flights over land. Introduction One of the many challenges British Airways and Air France dealt with in operating the Concorde in supersonic flight was the sonic boom resulting from breaking the sound barrier. When the Concorde commenced passenger service in 1976, noise pollution was becoming a hot topic. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had already published regulations stipulating noise abatement requirements at several congested airports with increasing urban density in the surrounding area. The FAA ultimately restricted Supersonic flight in the National Airspace System (NAS) in 1973; certain controlled military airspaces were exempt. To many members of the public, the supersonic Concorde represented the ultimate in noise pollution. There was no surprise when the FAA declined to issue a waiver lifting the supersonic restriction for the Concorde's flight over land. The result was: British Airways would fly from London-Heathrow (LHR) and Air France's hub was Charles de Gaulle Airport. Both airlines were permitted landing rights at Washington-Dulles Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport. Many years later, the FAA permitted both airlines to fly sub-sonic to Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport (DFW). Even though the Concorde still had to fly subsonic over land, the benefit of a non-stop flight to/from a central airport like DFW, removed the lost time making a connecting flight at IAD or JFK. The Concorde's supersonic passenger service has been gone for more than two decades, but the public still has a desire to seek the benefits of supersonic travel in the United States. The Concorde took three hours to fly from New York City to London, instead of the usual seven hours. Flying a non-stop conventional flight from Boston-Logan (BOS) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about six hours. Flying the same route at Mach 2 (1,325 mph) and 60,000 ft, the flight time is two hours and 45 minutes. Thousands of travelers in the U.S. would readily spend the extra money to fly coast-to-coast at 1,325 mph. NASA flew the Tupolev Tu-144's final flights as a testbed to develop the next generation of supersonic passenger aircraft. The Supersonic "Problem" As much as there is an existing demand for supersonic passenger service, regardless of the cost, there are just as many people who think it will never happen due to numerous perceived non-starters. Interestingly, the majority of negative comments come from folks who are unlikely to be aeronautical engineers. Here is a sample comment from a naysayer who was the first one to pop up in my browser. On Reddit, a user's handle, " Delphius 1 ," said: "Realistically, even with reduced noise supersonic technology, likely not, not for decades to reach the same volume to premium payout as subsonic transportation. Flights over general populations are the real problem here, until supersonic travel over them is accepted, it won't happen." At the time the Concorde discontinued its service 21 years ago, and up to the present day, Delphius 1's comments are not inaccurate. The idea of transcontinental supersonic flight could easily remain in stasis for another 20 years without any research and development (R&D) into mitigating sonic boom noise pollution. But this would be ignoring the fact that technological advances have solved many problems that were more vexing than mitigating supersonic noise pollution. The supersonic aircraft was not as beloved as many people think. NASA's X-59 QueSST Flight Demonstrator The FAA poses numerous restrictions on the use of the National Airspace System (NAS). Two longstanding NAS restrictions are supersonic flight and drone operations. In the past 10 years, there have been significant modifications to FAA regulations to accommodate drone operations. This did not happen without major strides in drone technology. Similarly, NASA, the FAA, and air carriers recognize that advancements in aviation technology have been moving along steadily and that flying supersonic in the NAS is likely achievable with some focused R&D. Industry technologists understand that the near-term solution is reducing the supersonic noise signature of aircraft destined to have a supersonic flight envelope. Over 50 charter trips were offered via Concorde, connecting passengers to unique destinations worldwide. If NASA and its partners want to solve the supersonic-over-land conundrum, a limited amount of R&D could be done by simulation and a wind tunnel. Since the Concorde is no longer able to provide high-speed and high-altitude research flights, NASA recognized they needed a testbed aircraft capable of sustained Mach 2 flight at 60,000 ft. The Lockheed-Martin X-59 is the intended demonstrator aircraft for studying the mitigation of sonic boom noise pollution. The X-59 will undergo its own flight testing before any sonic boom research. The first flight is scheduled for mid-2025. Next steps for the X-59 Project The X-59 QueSST is the R&D test aircraft; but how would the project engineers study the sonic boom from the ground, 11 miles (60,000 ft) away? The only answer is to install the necessary test equipment in another Mach 2 aircraft. They needed a supersonic chase plane. When casting about for a supersonic chase plane capable of flying higher than 60,000 ft, it quickly came down to only one aircraft, a two-seat Boeing F-15D Eagle. The F-15's service ceiling is 65,000 ft., but not in sustained flight at Mach 2. With a maximum fuel load and no external stores, the F-15 can fly 15 minutes at 60,000 ft and Mach 2 before the pilot has to break off for refueling. With proper flight test planning, NASA will conduct sonic boom testing in 15-minute sessions. NASA had one more problem to address: a deficient life support system aboard the F-15 chase planes. NASA's concern was the hypoxia risk for F-15 aircrew members. The Air Force's Handbook of Aerospace and Operational Physiology, 2nd Edition, defines hypoxia as: A state of oxygen deficiency in the blood, cells, or tissues sufficient to cause an impairment of function. More simply, hypoxia means "reduced oxygen" or "not enough oxygen." Since the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation, a reduced level of mental function while flying can result in an airborne mishap. The problem with hypoxia is that it usually occurs gradually. Pilots are trained to recognize the onset of hypoxia, including, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and tunnel vision. % of Oxygen Blood Saturation Effects of Hypoxia (low blood oxygenation) 93% or higher No ill effects 93% to 80% Low light (Night Visual Sensitivity) 80% to 72% Impaired recent memory and difficulty with simple math 72% to 59% Altered judgment & impaired physical coordination 59% to 46% Unconsciousness in Hours 46% to 21% Unconsciousness in Minutes 21% to Zero Unconsciousness in Seconds F-15s typically fly with their cockpit pressurized to 8,000 ft MSL. Above 8,000 ft., it is standard procedure for the crew to wear their oxygen masks to mitigate the possibility of becoming unconscious due to rapid depressurization. If the F-15 depressurizes below 40,000 ft., the standard life support system will aid the aircrew's respiration by providing "Positive Pressure Breathing" (PPB). When depressurization occurs above 40,000 ft, the PPB function begins to struggle to push enough oxygen to avoid hypoxia. Brian Griffin, deputy operations leader for NASA's Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Project said: "Pretend you're breathing through an inflated balloon. If you don't control it [Positive Pressure Breathing], the air in the balloon will rush back into your lungs. And to exhale you have push harder than the balloon is pushing back at you." Griffin's colleague, Ben Cacanindin, the X-59 aircraft operations engineer, described the application of PPB at 60,000 ft as " like sucking on a leaf blower! " To cope with a possible F-15 cockpit depressurization while flying chase at 60,000 ft. NASA decided to upgrade the life support system to provide an even higher PPB oxygen flow. Rather than investing the time and expense to design a new life support system, the project team decided to adapt the system currently aboard the F-22 fighter jet. The F-22 had its own pilot hypoxia problem, too, but it was resolved in 2012. All F-22s were subsequently retrofitted. Adapting the more robust life support system to the F-15 took quite a bit of work to figure out how to install the added system components. Subsequent flight testing of the F-15 chase plane demonstrated that it is prepared for its role in low boom testing whenever the X-59 QueSST is ready. Provided the X-59's flight testing shows the plane is safe to fly, sonic boom testing will commence in 2026.
Trump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon
Willy Adames agrees to $182 million, 7-year deal with the Giants, AP source says Willy Adames has agreed to a $182 million, seven-year deal with San Francisco, providing the Giants with a power-hitting shortstop in the prime of his career, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical. ESPN first reported the move. The 29-year-old Adames is coming off his best offensive season in the big leagues after hitting .251 with a career-high 32 homers and 112 RBIs with the Milwaukee Brewers. Georgia QB Carson Beck knocked out by hand injury in SEC championship game against Texas ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will not return after he was hit on his throwing hand on the final play of an ugly first half in the Southeastern Conference championship game against Texas. Beck was hit by outside linebacker Trey Moore, forcing a fumble recovered by Anthony Hill Jr., who then lost the ball on an errant attempt to extend the play with a lateral as time expired. Beck was one of the last players to return to the field following halftime. Backup Gunner Stockton led the offense to a touchdown on the Bulldogs’ first drive of the second half. Arizona State makes College Football Playoff with 45-19 win over Iowa State in Big 12 title game ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Big 12 newcomer Arizona State will represent the conference in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Cam Skattebo ran for 170 yards and two scores while adding a touchdown catch the 12th-ranked Sun Devils beat No. 16 Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship game. The Sun Devils with 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham are 11-2 after being the preseason pick to finish at the bottom of their new 16-team league. They have won six games in a row. Iowa State is 10-3, already the first 10-win season in the program's 133-year history. LA Galaxy strike early, hold off New York Red Bulls 2-1 to win their record 6th MLS Cup championship CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic scored in the first half, and the LA Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes with goals from their star forwards, the Galaxy nursed a lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league’s biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable charge through the playoffs ended one win shy of the founding MLS franchise’s first Cup championship. No. 16 Iowa State falls short in Big 12 title game again, this time with CFP at stake ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The stakes were higher for Iowa State, and the outcome was the same as the first for the Cyclones in their second trip to the Big 12 championship game. And the 112-year wait for a conference title will go on. No. 16 Iowa State was playing for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff in a 45-19 loss to 12th-ranked Arizona State. Four years ago, neither Iowa State nor Oklahoma had a realistic path into the four-team tournament before the Sooners' 27-21 victory. The Cyclones haven't won a conference title since going 2-0 in the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1912. Big 12's Yormark brings up hard choices for fans before sparsely attended title game ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — College football fans are facing some hard choices in the expanded playoff system with some teams set to play away from home multiple times. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark raised that point No. 12 Arizona State's 45-19 victory over 16th-ranked Iowa State. The announced crowd of 55,889 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys appeared far smaller. Yormark says he remains committed to having a Big 12 title game. Besides the issues of fans, there have been suggestions that some leagues might be better off without title games as it relates to playoff hopes. Lindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn finished in the middle of the pack in a pair of lower-level downhill events as she competed for the first time in nearly six years. The 40-year-old Vonn is on the comeback trail after stepping away from the sport because of injuries. Vonn wasn't concerned with times and places in the races so much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races she had enough points to enter World Cup events. Justin Thomas with big drives and a few big putts takes 1-shot lead over Scheffler in the Bahamas NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Justin Thomas has a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler going into the final round of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Thomas is using a slightly longer driver and has been blasting away. He also was helped by two long putts on the back nine that carried him to 66 at windy Albany Golf Club. Scheffler muffed a chip on the 13th hole that cost him the lead and he never caught up. He still shot a 69 and will be in the last group with Thomas on Sunday. Tom Kim had a 62 and was two shots back. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy gets restructured deal after 3-9 season, according to reports Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy will be staying on with a restructured deal. That's according to news reports published on Saturday. The deal reportedly will shift some of his salary to revenue sharing with players. The Cowboys were among the preseason favorites in the Big 12, but a rash of injuries and problems at quarterback tanked the team, and the Cowboys went 3-9. The school's Board of Regents held a special meeting on Friday morning regarding his status, but no immediate action was taken. The fact that Gundy has 169 wins in 20 years plus a hefty buyout likely saved him from being fired outright. Norris takes pole for season-ending Abu Dhabi GP and Hamilton 18th in Mercedes farewell ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Lando Norris took pole position for the last Formula 1 race of the season alongside teammate Oscar Piastri to put McLaren on the verge of a first constructors’ title in 26 years. Norris’ last lap put him .209 of a second faster than Piastri, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. .020 further back. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton qualified 18th for his last race with Mercedes after a bizarre incident wrecked his final qualifying lap. A plastic pole marking the inside of a corner was knocked loose by Kevin Magnussen’s Haas and Hamilton drove over it.
Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host dies at 83
(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .