Some of its latest innovations:

• China unveiled its first stealth jet
• Reached the early operating phase of a “carrier-killer” missile, the first-ever capable of targeting our carriers under way from a long distance
• Sea-tested its first-ever aircraft carrier capable of delivering their new missiles

“There’s nothing particularly magical about any one particular item,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia Michael Schiffer told reporters in a Wednesday briefing.

China’s initial military intent seems to be regional. ”China has made less progress on capabilities that extend global reach or power projection,” the report, released Wednesday, reads. “Outside of peacetime counter-piracy missions, for example, China’s Navy has little operational experience beyond regional waters.”

“Although this alone is a serious concern,” the report says, “the accesses and skills required for these intrusions are similar to those necessary to conduct computer network attacks.” It carefully parses Chinese official writings to highlight a growing importance of cyber — far more than the 2010 version did.

“It’s no secret that cyber is a realm where deeper engagement between the United States and China — so that we can work on common rules of the road and a common way forward — is necessary,” Schiffer said.

Related articles

• U.S. warns on militarily strong China (edition.cnn.com)
• China could build a modern military by 2020, says Pentagon (guardian.co.uk)
• China military ‘closing key gaps’ (bbc.co.uk)
• Pentagon Warns China’s Military Is Growing Rapidly (foxnews.com)
• DOD report outlines China concerns (politico.com)

Image via Wikipedia

DARPA has announced the second test flight of the Falcon HTV-2 aircraft.  This unmanned aircraft is designed to fly at speeds up to 13,000 mph (at least that’s what they’re admitting to) and is the result of a project started in 2003 for the US military to be able to reach anywhere in the world in less than an hour.

The Falcon is launched on the back of a rocket and its carbon composite skin is designed to withstand the heat generated by flying in the upper atmosphere at speeds more than 20 times higher than the speed of sound — four miles per second.

With this spur yet another mis-use of technology as we decided to get rid of our ground bases around the world in favor of having a few fast, stealthy aircraft which can deliver a payload instead of having boots on the ground?

Over the last decade we’ve been experiencing the result of relying on intercepted satellite communications over having infiltrated potential enemy organizations.  It’s great to have the ability to put hardware in harm’s way instead of our soldiers, but there’s nothing like the ability of a human to make sure we’re ready, and to make sure we’ve got the right target.

Related articles

• DARPA’s Falcon HTV-2 hypersonic aircraft launches today, does New York to LA in 12 minutes (engadget.com)
• Aircraft to Go From 0 to 13,000 Mph in Test Launch (foxnews.com)
• US military to launch fastest-ever plane (guardian.co.uk)
• Fastest Plane In the World Will Be Tested Today [Video] (gizmodo.com)

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X projects have helped us build some of the most successful technologies ever.  It was an X project that got Lindburg to fly across the Atlantic and it has helped spur our first commercial space program.  But now the X moniker is being lent to a new, hybrid Air Force Jet Fighter, dubbed the “F-X”.

The Air Force’s cheif scientist, Mark Maybury, has been at the drawing board and he’s sketched out a future in which US military jets are equipped with battery-powered flight (backed by internal combustion), an extensive avionics package which includes lasers, radar reflection and evasion, heat detection and even the ability to inject computer malware into enemy computers.  (Think Iran‘s Stuxnet nuclear bug).

Maybury is looking to use super capacitors to store excess energy generated by the jet’s engines to such an extent that they would power all the on-board electrical systems and be able to handle the huge current draws that we expect from the laser and directed-beam energy weapons systems of the future.

Not a bad idea, but also not a big reach idea either.  Improved motor designs, such as a combined-cycle motor are likely to win more wars and save energy while doing so.

Related articles

• New Air Force Jet Concept: Like a Prius, But With Lasers (wired.com)
• How a hybrid works (telegraph.co.uk)

Image by osde8info via Flickr

We’ve talked about “Nett Warrior” on the show before.  The army’s project to equip soldiers with a fully integrated navigation and communications system may be completely changing direction, or even cancelled.

Instead of having an additional 8 pounds worth of equipment to carry with them in the field, why not just carry a smart-phone or tablet computer?

Turns out that almost any of the new Android or iOS based smartphones and tablets can do everything the Army’s multi-million dollar program can do and more.  Sounds like their effort to require soldiers to carry an app-laden smart-phone may be the better solution after all.  And save millions.

Goodbye Nett Warrior, hello commercially-available, off-the-shelf, reliable technologies.

Related articles

• Army Hits Pause on Its ‘Wearable Computer’ Program (wired.com)
• US Army adopts new breed of robotic battle vehicles (digitaltrends.com)
• U.S. Army May Soon Equip Troops With SmartPhones (verigentllc.wordpress.com)

For years, a determined caucus of doomsayers in the U.S. have done their best to raise the alarm about the dangers of a king-sized electromagnetic pulse (EMP) wiping out American electronics. The result: a return, if not quite to the Stone Age, then to the Mad Men Era.

The Chinese are “developing high power radio frequency devices that could form the basis for some types of RF weapons.” the 2001 study says. And Beijing is at least considering an EMP “weapon against Taiwan’s electronic infrastructure,” the 2005 paper notes.

“The most likely configuration is a system consisting of one or more large antennas that would beam HPM [high power microwave] pulses from the earth’s surface toward a satellite in an attempt to negate on-board sensors,” according to the 2001 report. “Other possibilities are a RF missile warhead launched on a direct-ascent trajectory and an RF satellite carrying an HPM transmitter that would be placed in orbit and then upon command would maneuver into the vicinity of a target satellite.”

Related articles

• EMP Talk Gaining Momentum (suburbanprepper.wordpress.com)
• How do you protect a generator from electromagnetic pulses (wiki.answers.com)
• Iran Successfully Tests Nuclear Missiles (pajamasmedia.com)
• Chinese eBombs (wired.com)

Some key features:

• 90 seconds to full charge
• runs for 120 minutes on a charge
• 1/2 the weight of other flashlights I’ve used
• lasts a lifetime – 50,000 charge/discharge cycles (you read that right!)  That’s a charge a day for 135 years!
• powered by three extremely bright LEDs that will last for 24 years when used 40 hours per week

The 135-year lifetime claim rings some alarms with me.  Running companies and helping with marketing for hundreds of them has got me a little jaded.  Ever read “All Marketers are Liars” by Seth Godin?  Let me put it this way: This company doesn’t lie.

The flashlight is using some of the most current technologies available, including LED “bulbs” and quick-charge capacitors in place of batteries.  This gives them the amazing charge time, the reasonable life-per-charge (about 2 hours of use) and the incredible lifetime estimates for the flashlight.

The flashlight comes with a 12 volt car adapter and you can keep it plugged in 24X7 so that it’s ready when you need it.  Remember, it’s aimed at emergency services personnel (how I could have used this flashlight when I was an EMT) — but still, I’d like to see it come with a 110VAC-based charger.  It’s easy enough, though, to keep the charger in the car where it’s meant to be used.

We’ll be giving away one of their flashlights soon, so keep an eye on our email subscribers list to find out when and where.

Speaking of marketing, the company started out providing clothing and accessories for rock climbers and took its name, 511Tactical, from that sport.  I’m also trying out a pair of pants and a shirt that are as rugged as the day is long and are even comfortable!  Just like 511Tactical’s flashlight the pants and shirt they sent along to try live up to every bit of “hype” surrounding them.

Great job guys!

Additionally, their Servace Alloy product is used by some of the most prestigious country clubs in the nation.  They are specialty small electric vehicles that brush and roll clay tennis courts and cause no noise pollution and cost only about seventy-five cents a night to charge.  They also build mini ambulances for use in production plants and large theme parks.  Due to their size they can be used in crowded areas where a full size unit cannot operate.

In 2009 they will introduce a new mini hybrid fire truck specifically designed for the forest industry.  They are the leader in the airline industry where they design an manufacture push back tractors, belt loaders, and high lifts on both their electric and hybrid chassis.

About John:

John graduated from Forest Hill High School in West Palm Beach, Florida and went right into running his own company. John’s company manufactures (and mainstreams) diesel-hybrid and electric vehicles. Their cars, trucks, etc. are pulling US Airways passenger jets on the tarmac at some of America’s busiest airports and are on the short list to save the U.S. military billions in fuel costs by supplying them with vehicles.

About Giliberti:

Giliberti is a research, development & manufacturing company for vehicles in the airline, golf, tennis, and emergency medical services (EMS) industries.

The quality of our vehicles is the highest priority for Giliberti. We work closely with our customers to insure our products are not only the finest built, but are also serve a variety of needs and purposes.

Giliberti’’s mission will always be to develop, design and manufacture efficient, affordable, and reliable electrically powered utility vehicles to meet our customers needs. We have never lost sight of this goal and keep it at the forefront of every project we undertake. Giliberti continues to be on the cutting edge by finding new opportunities to design and develop products to meet niche market needs.

There are now Space Camp programs for Children, Adults and even for Corporate events. Children will learn more about space, space shuttle, robotics, mars etc in these camp programs. These programs enhance teamwork, self-confidence and communication and these will be achieved through state-of-the-art simulations, missions, rocket building and robotics.  For scholarship, photo gallery, international camps, and more information about these camps, visit http://www.spacecamp.com/category.php?cat=Space

Participants will have three fields of specialized study (or track options) to choose from: Aviation, Space, and Robotics tracks.

Aviation Track

Kids will learn flight dynamics, wilderness survival, teamwork, and spend time in high-performance jet fighter simulators. They learn all the skills that an American fighter pilots use to rule the skies.

What makes an airplane fly? It’ll teach them the principles of flight, not in the classroom, but standing next to an F-16 or F-14 planes!

Space Track

In addition to a Shuttle Mission, space track campers go through extensive Mars training to prepare for interplanetary travel. They will learn about the planet, its soil, geology, climate and atmosphere. They will also receive crew assignments, and set ready to go!

Settle into your new home – Mars Outpost – Alpha Station. Explore the surface of Mars. Conduct experiments on the soil and rocks collected, as well as keeping everything on board the Mars Outpost running smoothly. Once the mission is complete, it is time to head home to Earth.

Robotics Track

Kids will learn how to rescue astronauts from the International Space Station! 10 hours of designing and programming a robot using LEGO Mindstorm software and materials.

Kids form team of four to five and create the ultimate robotic rover, using an unlimited array of gears, pulleys, sensors, and other parts. Then they program the robot to perform tasks at the ISS using the latest computer software. They test their creations and compete with other groups to save stranded astronauts and deliver supplies to the space station.

There are 10 space programs to choose depending on your age. All the below mentioned programs follow the above three tracks.

Space Camp program duration is 3 – 6 days. It uses space to excite and educate children ages 9-11 in the fields of math, science and technology. In space camp, everything you will learn about Space Shuttle Systems and life aboard the Orbiter and Space Station. Kids can try out space food, learn to sleep in space and even how to go to the bathroom in space! To know more about the program, click here.

Space Academy is an increased intensity program of astronaut and mission training and academics. Simulated missions to a space station and crew rotation highlight the week. Trainees who want to be Astronauts must learn to think like astronauts and our Space Academy Programs are designed to do just that! This program is kids aged 12 – 14 and length of this program is 6-day and 8-day. Trainees will participate in Shuttle Missions, Space Simulators, build & launch rockets and sample space food. To know more about the program, click here. Participants will go through Team-Building skills, Space Simulators Training and Space Shuttle Mission Training activities which are part of this program.

Advanced Space Academy is for ages 15 – 18 and offers programs for 6-day and 8-day. During this week-long program, trainees get hands-on training, as well as learn about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts must face. Fields of study include Engineering, Space Technology and Aerospace Science. The Advanced Space Academy program is a college-accredited program through the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH). All Advanced Space Academy participants will earn one hour of Freshman-level general science credit from UAH. For details on activities and tracks, click here. Choose your path of study from one of the racks listed below.

• Pilot Track Trainees will take command of an orbiter on its mission to the International Space Station. A pilot will follow the checklist procedures of a mission and be required to make emergency decisions while monitoring and commanding the crew.
• Pilot SCUBA Track Trainees will continue to command or pilot an orbiter and learn Aerospace Science as their core basis for training, but instead of flying the Flight Simulators at Aviation Challenge, they will SCUBA dive in the UAT SCUBA tank.
• Mission Specialist Track Trainees will be instructed in the engineering and design of the shuttle and space station. Repairs to either will be conducted in the UAT SCUBA Tank creating and accurate environment for the space walk.

Parent / Child program is designed to give both of you an overview of space exploration, while experience very real space simulations. Parent Child Space Camp is a weekend for just the two of you, providing the opportunity to become partners in learning. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and lift off! Watch the rocket that you and your child built together soar. Share the pride that your child will feel while manoeuvring the orbiter through space. What better way to build a lasting relationship than through Parent Child Space Camp?

Get ready for a weekend of non-stop activities. Together, you and your child will explore the history – present and future – of space flight. You will also experience the excitement of being there while watching an IMAX movie! See Shuttle astronauts perform missions in space, ride along as Aviators throttle up, or explore the surface of mars.

Participants also get a packet of exciting activities to explore scientific concepts at home. Click here for details on Parent/Child Program activities.

Adult Programs will put your skills, abilities and talents to the test in training simulators and simulated missions. Experience four G’s of force when you blast off 140 feet on SPACE SHOT. Feel what it’s like to walk on the moon in the 1/6th Gravity Trainer, then experience a simulated tumble in space in the Multi-Axis Trainer. You’ll also alternate roles in mission control and shuttle crew during two different Space Shuttle missions.

Witness space exploration almost firsthand in a giant-screen IMAX Spacedome theater presentation. You will also spend time in our world class Space Museum containing America’s largest collection of space artifacts.

Special Programs are for blind and visually impaired and the deaf and hard of hearing, these programs offer all the excitement of Space Camp & Aviation Challenge.

The Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs specifically designed for blind, visually-impaired, deaf and/or hard-of-hearing attendees have attracted students from across the United States and around the world.

Over the years, we have worked closely with several organizations, including the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, and most recently, the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, to develop a meaningful, inspirational experience for these students.

Program highlights may include a presentation by blind and/or deaf NASA professionals on career choices and working in the space industry. Enlarged print, sign language interpreters, attention to mobility hazards and other special considerations are extended to put trainees at ease.

Blind students also benefit from the latest technology in the field, including tactile Braille displays and synthetic speech for computers.

Day Camps offer exciting opportunities for learning, friendship and adventure. It has split into two groups, 7-8 year old and 9-11 year olds. You can choose from any of the three programs – Expedition camp, Space Camp and Aviation Challenge sessions. For more details about this day camps, click here

Educator program offer professional development opportunities for both formal and informal educators, as well as a variety of programs for students.

Corporate program take corporate development training and incentive programs to a whole new level… letting you jump into a flight suit and take on the role of an astronaut or fighter pilot!

For scholarship, photo gallery, international camps, and more information about these camps, visit http://www.spacecamp.com/category.php?cat=Space

If you are a Tech Talk With Craig Peterson show listener, you know that I’m big on volunteering. My wife and I have been co-presidents of the Northern New England Parents’ Association of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. That means we were elected as co-chairs of the Holly Ball…

This year is the 30th anniversary of the New England Holly Ball. For the first time ever, the United States Merchant Marine Academy‘s New England Parents association is hosting the ball, and boy is it tons of work! I’ve been putting some of my Marketing Talent into play and we’re sending out post cards, formal invitations and even email blasts!

If you’d like to help welcome in the New Year in Boston, check it out — buy a ticket (or donate a ticket for a Midshipman or Cadet by selecting “Will not be able to attend” when you buy your ticket). We’ve got a great dinner lined up, dance and more.

A quick summary:

• Formal Pictures available
• Formal Dress Uniform for Midshipmen and Cadets
• Black Tie optional for Parents and Guests
• Door Prizes

Schedule of Events

• Festivities Begin at 6:30 PM with a Reception Hour
• Grand Entry of Midshipmen and Cadets at 7:20
• Pledge of Alligence and National Anthem
• Innvocation
• POW-MIA Remberance Service
• Battle Standard Moment of Silence

• Dinner Service at 7:45
• Recognition of First Class Midshipmen and Cadets 8:30
• Cake Cutting Ceremony 8:45
• Desert Service 9:00
• Drawings 9:15
• Dancing 9:30 – 12:00

Female Cadets may bring Formal Gowns for the Dance
(A changing area will be provided)�