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Boeing used potatoes to improve Wi-Fi

Boeing used potatoes to improve Wi-Fi

Boeing engineers have managed to improve the Wi-Fi signal in their plane cabins with the help of 20,000 pounds (more than 9,000 kilos) of potatoes. The sacks of spuds took the place of human volunteers in the signal tests as the way they physically interacted with the electronic signals proved very similar to their human counterparts (to say nothing of the fact that potatoes can be kept cooped up in a grounded plane for days on end without becoming irate). The tests were designed to investigate wireless signal behaviour which can be problematic in the enclosed space of an airplane cabin as it deviates as passengers get up and move about. This then leads to weak and strong patches of signal, disrupting connectivity in some seats. "Inside the aircraft it's a very complex electromagnetic environment," said metrology engineer, Dennis Lewis. "Some seats might have very strong signal and some might have very weak signal. As things move around -- as people move and the galley carts are pushed up and down the aisles -- then those signal levels can change." But using a combination of specially developed measuring and analysis tools and lots of potatoes, the Boeing engineers have been able to better understand the distribution of these hot and cold spots and safely tweak the Wi-Fi setup accordingly. "Every day we work to ensure that Boeing passengers are travelling on the safest and most advanced airplanes in the world," said Dennis O'Donoghue, the vice president of Boeing's Test and Evaluation sector. "This is a perfect example of how our innovations in safety can make the entire flying experience better." The substitution project was known by the researchers as Synthetic Personnel Using Dielectric Substitution.

Indian Navy receives first P-8I

Indian Navy receives first P-8I

First Upgraded MiG-29s for IAF

First Upgraded MiG-29s for IAF

JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (part of the United Aircraft Corporation) began to supply upgraded MiG-29 fighters to the Indian Air Force. The first three aircraft are delivered to India by An-124 transport aircraft. Modernization significantly extends the range of tasks performed by MiG-29. The upgraded aircraft, along with increased capability to fight air targets, acquire the ability to strike ground (surface) moving and stationary targets with precision weapons by day and night and in any weather conditions.

Chiefs paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti

Chiefs paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti

Tri Service Chiefs paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate on 04 Dec 2012 on the occasion of Navy Day.

Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne presenting memento to General Haruhiko Kataoka, Chief of Staff, Japan Air Self Defence Force

Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne presenting memento to General Haruhiko Kataoka, Chief of Staff, Japan Air Self Defence Force

INS Tarkash

INS Tarkash

INS Tarkash (F46) is a Talwar-class frigate constructed for the Indian Navy. She is part of the second batch of Talwar-class frigates ordered by the Indian Navy. She was built by the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Indian Navy Food Relief Operation in Andhra Pradesh

Indian Navy Food Relief Operation in Andhra Pradesh

Commander of the Turkish Naval Force visiting India

Commander of the Turkish Naval Force visiting India

Admiral E Murat Bilgel, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces visiting India from 04-08 Nov 12.

Learning the Art of War on a Sand Model

Learning the Art of War on a Sand Model

The character and mode of warfare changes with time and region. The Indian Army is currently fighting proxy wars, insurgency and terrorism, even while it maintains the utmost level of vigil, preparation and readiness for a conventional war that may be forced upon by its adversaries. Soldiers must therefore be physically and mentally robust to meet the demands and operational challenges of difficult terrain.

Ma?jor General Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Air Force, RSAF, calls on Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, Chief of IAF

Major General Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Air Force, RSAF, calls on Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, Chief of IAF

Major General Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force calls on Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, Chief of the Air Force, Indian Air Force at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), New Delhi on 31 October 2012.

On the firing range

On the firing range

The training of young recruits introduces new entrants to the profession of arms. It makes them physically fit, mentally robust and adept in use of their personal weapons.

Grooming of Gentleman Cadets

Grooming of Gentleman Cadets

The Armed Forces expect high standards from their personnel in respect of their turnout in military uniform, in civilian attire, as also in their appearance.

War Wounded participated in the Delhi Half-Marathon

War Wounded participated in the Delhi Half-Marathon

The War Wounded Foundation had participated in the Delhi Half-Marathon on Sunday 30 September 2012. A total of three officers, 1 JCO and 12 jawans, all disabled, ran in the Great Delhi Run, as a group and completed the full race. The distance was approximately seven km.

P-8I for India completes first flight

P-8I for India completes first flight

The second Boeing P-8I aircraft for the Indian Navy completed its initial flight on July 12, taking off from Renton Field at 3:29 p.m. and landing two hours and 14 minutes later at Boeing Field in Seattle. The P-8I, a derivative of the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, is the second of eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft Boeing is building for India.

Soldierly Pride!

Soldierly Pride!

A final look at himself by the Commandant's stick orderly - 11 GRRC

siege of Kedah

Siege of Kedah

Khaki Drill

Khaki Drill

Towards the middle of the nineteenth century, while fighting in the northwest, the British realized that the red-jacketed dress then in use was too conspicuous in the rocky and barren countryside. Soon most of the Indian and British Infantry units were using coarse white drill, died Khaki drab locally, using many innovative pigments. The practice continued. Much later, in 1883, a representative of a cotton mill in Manchester, while on a visit to India, recognized the commercial potential of fast dyed Khaki that could take rough washings and the scorching Indian sun. Whereas the firm patented the cloth and the colour in 1884, it was only in 1902 that Khaki became the official dress for the Army in India. Olive green came in use with the campaign in Burma and continues to be the colour of the summer uniform in our Army.

British Indian Army: A Fact File

British Indian Army: A Fact File

IAF: Independence Day, 2012

IAF: Independence Day, 2012

The Brass Bell

Brass Bell captured during Op Chindits

This brass bell weighing about 40 Kgs was captured by 3/4 GR as part of 30 Column on 22 June 1944 in Burma during Operation Chindits.