Kotukunui - Slashdot User

NASA Tests Flying Airbag 118

Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday December 09, 2009 @03:10PM from the drop-the-cloud-anchor dept.

coondoggie writes "NASA is looking to reduce the deadly impact of helicopter crashes on their pilots and passengers with what the agency calls a high-tech honeycomb airbag known as a deployable energy absorber. So in order to test out its technology NASA dropped a small helicopter from a height of 35 feet to see whether its deployable energy absorber, made up of an expandable honeycomb cushion, could handle the stress. The test crash hit the ground at about 54MPH at a 33 degree angle, what NASA called a relatively severe helicopter crash."

Comment Re:Credit Card miles (Score 1) 408

by Kotukunui on Monday June 08, 2009 @05:39PM (#28257113) Attached to: In the next 12 months, I expect to travel by air ...

In New Zealand, the Air Traffic Control system has been contracted out to a company called Airways. You pay fees to the company whenever you go to a towered airport or fly IFR. They send a bill to the registered owner of the plane. It is entirely "user-pays". In the USA it is my understanding that the services are not "given away freely" but are provided though a taxpayer-funded agency. That way it doesn't cost flyers a separate fee but everyone (even non-flyers) pays a bit through their taxes. I try to avoid going to towered airports but the odd fee here and there doesn't hurt too much.

Comment Re:North Korea (Score 1) 609

by Kotukunui on Monday April 06, 2009 @06:02PM (#27481891) Attached to: North Korea Missile Launch Fails

North Korea is stuck on an island with enemies to the south.

A metaphorical island, perhaps?

Last time I looked at an atlas, the Korean peninsula was firmly attached to China.

Or it is the tail on the rump of the Chinese dragon. (metaphorically speaking)

Comment Re:Oscar betrays its Western centerednes (Score 1) 317

by Kotukunui on Monday February 23, 2009 @08:11PM (#26963939) Attached to: Slumdog Millionaire Takes Home 8 Oscars

Danny Boyle wasn't a bankable name, or, indeed, a successful director.

I think you must be talking about a different Danny Boyle. Maybe his profile isn't so high in the US but maybe you should look him up on IMDb. He has directed a number of successful movies. If that doesn't make him bankable then I don't know what does.

Comment Re:What the FUCK is this doing on Slashdot?!? (Score 1) 317

by Kotukunui on Monday February 23, 2009 @07:42PM (#26963669) Attached to: Slumdog Millionaire Takes Home 8 Oscars

Directors, special affects artists, and maybe writers, yes. But good acting isn't hard to come by. Acting is pretty easy, and there are lots of great actors who are never given the opportunity to work with the best directors, producers, or writers.

Yes, acting IS easy...

However, GOOD acting is hard work and requires talent and commitment.

I'm not breathless with excitement over the results of the Oscars but I do realise that those nominated are usually there for a good reason.

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