Rigid sky-train to fly through magnetic rings on sticks
When a forum was held for ways that would link Las Vegas and Los Angeles via rail, there were many proposals.
First up, according to the [Las Vegas] Sun, was Robert Pulliam of Houston firm Tubular Rail. Tubular Rail’s proposal is to build a series of magnetic hoops mounted on tall support pillars. A rigid mag-lev train would fly along the line spearing through the hoops. It would be supported by at least three rings at any given time, with the “rails” (actually part of the train) propelled along at 150mph by magnetic motors in each ring tower.
Govt.-backed body to oversee JAL turnaround
According to the Nikkei business daily, a government-backed body would oversee the Japan Airlines turnaround.
JAL is set to slash its debt under the government’s guidance and come up with a drastic restructuring scheme, the Nikkei said Sunday. The decision to put JAL under ETIC’s supervision will be announced as early as this week, the paper said.
Southwest Airlines unveils its Green Plane for testing lighter and more eco friendly interior materials
Southwest Airlines has rolled out a 737 ‘Green Plane’ that has “environmentally responsible cabin interior materials and passenger comfort products.”
All of the initiatives being tested, when combined, are expected to equate to weight savings of almost five pounds (2.27kg) per seat, says Southwest, thus saving fuel and emissions, along with adding recyclable elements to the cabin interior and reducing waste. In addition, the airline is about to start a more robust onboard recycling programme that will allow it to capture more recyclable material.
(Photo: caribb/Flickr Creative Commons)
