Here are some links worth a look:
* More Google Maps fun: New Zealand’s Waihopai spy base, which is a favorite attraction for Kiwi anti-war protestors
* The Marines are trying yet another IED-resistant vehicle, the Cougar
* New brakes for KC-135 tankers last ten times as long…which is good since who knows when they’ll be replaced by newer planes
* I can’t do that Dave–Space station gets HAL-like computer
* Russian air force commander General Vladimir Mikhailov accuses America of still fighting the Cold War…and that Russia will soon begin testing new long-range cruise missiles
* Angle the deflector shields!– “Force field” could keep lunar astronauts safe from solar radiation
* This final entry isn’t tech-related, but Intel Dump writer Phil Carter has been activated and will be deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne
–posted by Murdoc
Re. the new USMC vehicle “Cougar“
It’s discouraging how our military planners are just now implementing the development work that went on in South Africa and Rhodesia. 30 to 40 years ago they were building vehicles that were safer, cheaper, and more easily repaired when they encountered a mine.
Who is responsible for such poor equipment choices for our military?
NY Times article offering details of the procurement and business side of safer vehicles:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/26/international/middleeast/26armor.html?pagewanted=3&ei=5088&en=c246d617df298c16&ex=1277438400&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
The article mentions the Humvee, M1117, the Cougar, the Rhino.
I’m a regular Defense Tech reader, but I’ve never seen NZ mentioned before… cool. See the URL for a better view of Waihopai (I took it from a light aircraft). BTW, for the Google-Maps viewers, see if you can find an airbase close to the domes.
Google maps has also added detailed imagery of some parts of East-Central North Korea. This imagery includes two NK Air Force bases and Yongbyon and Taecheon Nuclear Facilities. I never thought I would see such imagery outside of a SCIF.