Tag Archives: commercial

News, Space

This Enormous Satellite is Causing Problems for Scientists: Here’s Why

According to Imperial College London, the BlueWalker 3 satellite possesses the largest commercial antenna system ever deployed in low-Earth orbit, occupying 64 square meters. This development raises concerns regarding light pollution. While scientists are accustomed to observing satellites during their research, the resulting streaks must be digitally altered in the final images. Correcting these images becomes a daunting task when a succession of satellites, like the Starlink trains, pass by. The massive reflective profile of BlueWalker 3 could exacerbate this problem.

Referred to as artificial light at night (ALAN), light pollution caused by these large satellites not only creates optical interference but also generates radio interference. Experts insist that these issues must be addressed simultaneously. The International Astronomical Union has published an extensive report [PDF] that sheds light on the extent of the problem and offers guidelines for maintaining the integrity of astronomical research in the face of man-made satellites. Additionally, there is a concern about preserving the cosmic heritage. SpaceX has already obtained a permit from the FCC to launch 12,000 satellites and plans to launch another 30,000 units. Scientists worry that these satellites will obstruct the clear view of the night sky not just for themselves, but also for amateur stargazers.

Technology

Ranking of Major 3D Printer Brands from Worst to Best

Formlabs is a leading brand in the commercial 3D printing industry. Although their products are more focused on businesses, they offer excellent devices. If you have the budget or want to turn your hobby into a profitable venture, Formlabs is a strong brand to consider.

The Form 3+ is Formlabs’ most affordable industrial printer, priced at $2,499. However, it is a relatively small device. You can also check out our review of the Form 3, the predecessor to the Form 3+.

Most of Formlabs’ printers use SLA technology, which utilizes lasers to solidify liquid resin and create sturdy and highly detailed prints. The Fuse 1+ 30W is their only device that utilizes Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which involves compressing resin powders with a laser to form a solid surface. This process is complex, which is why the Fuse 1+ is priced at $25,000.

If you are new to 3D printing as a hobby or don’t require a mass-production printer, Formlabs may not be the ideal brand for you. Nevertheless, the quality of their devices cannot be denied.

Motorsport

Lexus Will Consider Pickup Truck If Customers Want It

Lexus is open to the idea of launching a luxury pickup truck, despite the failure of the Nissan Navara-based Mercedes X-Class. While there are no immediate plans for such a vehicle, Lexus is not against the idea if there is sufficient customer demand. Takashi Watanabe, a spokesperson for Toyota’s premium division, made this surprising announcement during a recent press conference in Japan.

Watanabe stated that if a Lexus pickup truck were to be given the green light for production, it would not be based on any existing Toyota model. This means it would not have any similarities to the Hilux, Tacoma, or Tundra. Additionally, the Lexus pickup truck would be an all-electric vehicle, as it would not have a combustion engine. The development team’s focus would be on catering to a wide audience, as Lexus aims to offer a luxurious utilitarian vehicle.


Featured

New Isuzu S-Cab Z Offers More Features at a Lower Price


The S-Cab Z is currently only available as a commercial pickup, but many believe Isuzu should introduce it for private use as well

Isuzu S-Cab Z

Isuzu has recently launched the new D-Max S-Cab Z as the top variant of its commercial pickup lineup. Priced at Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom), it is priced Rs 2 lakh higher than the regular S-Cab but offers several additional features for a more premium experience.

The S-Cab Z serves as a bridge between the base variant of the Isuzu D-Max and the Hi-Lander, which can be used as a private vehicle. Despite its additional features, the S-Cab Z is still priced around Rs 4.50 lakh below the Hi-Lander.

Similarities And Differences Between S-Cab Z And Hi-Lander

Isuzu S-Cab Z

Despite its lower positioning, the S-Cab Z includes several feature advantages over the Hi-Lander. These include LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, leather-wrapped power steering, a 7-inch touchscreen system, rear parking camera, and day/night IRVM. Both vehicles also share features such as dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, adjustable driver’s seat, automatic AC, and multiple USB ports. The S-Cab comes with a 78PS 2.5-litre diesel engine with a 4X2 drivetrain and a 5-speed manual transmission, while the Hi-Lander is powered by a 163PS 1.9-litre diesel engine with a manual stick and rear-wheel-drive only.

Also Read: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Vs Toyota Hilux

Should Hi-Lander Get A More Feature-Rich Variant? 

Isuzu Hi-Lander

Many believe that a similar Z (or equally equipped) variant should also be introduced for the Hi-Lander. The Hi-Lander is considered the base variant of the D-Max pickup for private buyers and costs Rs 2.5 lakh less than the V-Cross 4X2 Z variant. To offer an enhanced experience, a new variant with additional features could be introduced for the Hi-Lander, which would still be more affordable than the entry-level option of the V-Cross.

When Can It Launch?

Isuzu S-Cab Z

While there is currently no information about Isuzu launching any updates for the D-Max for private buyers, a new variant for the Hi-Lander may not arrive until the second half of 2024. The Isuzu V-Cross, which is a more affordable alternative to the Toyota Hilux, is currently priced between Rs 22.07 lakh and Rs 27 lakh (ex-showroom).

Read More on : Isuzu V-Cross diesel

Motorsport

Volkswagen Teases Plug-In Hybrid California Camper Concept

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released teaser renderings for a new plug-in hybrid California concept camper. The full debut is set for August 25 at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf, Germany, with the production version expected to arrive in 2024.

The California concept is based on the long variant of the Multivan and features a pop-up roof that adds 6.5 feet (two meters) of height when deployed. The teaser image also shows an extending awning on both sides.

In one of the photos, a control panel for the thermostat, lights, and cooling box is visible, giving us a glimpse of the cabin.

The Multivan is currently available with an eHybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a total output of 215 horsepower (160 kilowatts) and offering up to 30 miles of electric range. However, it’s not confirmed whether this same powertrain will be used in the new California camper.

VW Commercial Vehicles CEO Carsten Intra stated during the division’s annual press conference in March, “We want to expand the range around the business with our camping models – and thus offer our customers that special California feeling. These include digital services for the Cali Community, completely new services to complement the purchase of a vehicle… but also the show car presentation of the new California based on the Multivan.”

In addition to the California variant based on the Multivan, VW also plans to build a California variant of the ID. Buzz, an electric camper, set to arrive in 2025. Although no official details are available yet, it is expected to have popular motorhome features such as a sleeping area and a small kitchen. Aftermarket companies in Europe are also working on similar offerings.

The ID. Buzz itself, which is an electric van, is scheduled to arrive in the United States in 2024. The US version will have a longer wheelbase than the European version, with the passenger version offering room for up to seven people (five- and six-occupant variants will also be available). Two battery options will be offered, one with 82 kilowatt-hours (77 kWh usable) and another with 91 kWh (85 kWh usable). The standard powertrain will deliver 282 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the GTX grade will add all-wheel drive and 335 horsepower.

The California name for the motorhome version of the VW Transporter was first introduced 35 years ago at the Caravan Salon. Since then, VW Commercial Vehicles has produced over 260,000 units. The new California camper will be the fifth generation of this iconic model.

Cars

Why Your Cars Headlights Get Foggy (And How To Fix It)

Most commercial headlights are made of a clear and durable plastic material. They are designed to be transparent and sturdy. Additionally, these headlights are treated with a UV film coating to enhance their resistance to intense heat from the sun and their own powerful bulbs. However, there are two issues with this construction.

Firstly, like many types of plastic, the material used for headlights is slightly porous. This means that small particles of dirt, dust, and other debris can become trapped inside the headlights. Secondly, the UV film gradually wears down over time due to exposure to heat and general wear and tear. As a result, the headlights become foggy and the lighting output is significantly reduced. Although it may be possible to remove some of the debris by wiping the headlights, in most cases, the buildup will be stubbornly stuck.

Motorsport

Watch how a tow truck saves a Ram 3500 Dually from a precarious position in a ditch

In the world of commercial trucks, the Ram 3500 Crew Cab dually is one of the largest. Imagine a four-door truck with an eight-foot bed and a 14-foot wheelbase, making it nearly 22 feet long. Unfortunately, the driver of this truck miscalculated while navigating an intersection, resulting in the backside of the dually getting stuck several feet into the air.

This dramatic scene was captured in a video by Towtruck_Dustin on YouTube. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from this incident, and the Ram was able to drive away under its own power after being rescued. This indicates that any damage to the undercarriage was likely not severe.

Ram Dually In Ditch

The successful recovery of the Ram can be attributed to the skill of the tow truck operator. While it may seem simple to just winch the truck straight backward, that could potentially cause additional damage to the passenger side of the truck, which is stuck down in the ditch. Instead, the operator uses extra gear to pull the back of the truck down while also applying rearward force. This lifts the front of the truck out of the ditch without causing any damage and ensures that the truck doesn’t get caught on any objects in the ditch, such as a drainage culvert.

The entire operation takes approximately 15 minutes and involves the use of just one tow cable. Once the truck is upright, the Ram driver gently backs away from the ditch, and everything is back to normal. This may seem like an easy recovery, but it requires experience and expertise to safely and effectively handle an 8,000-pound, 22-foot truck on the verge of a rollover.

News

Top 10 Best Pick-up Trucks 2023

When the UK’s commercial vehicle market becomes fully electrified, not many people may recognize the Maxus T90EV as one of its pioneers. The Maxus T90EV is Britain’s first electric pick-up truck, manufactured in Wuxi, China by SAIC, a car-industry giant from Asia. SAIC also owns brands like Roewe and MG Motor. The T90 is a mid-sized truck that has been modified to meet the UK’s registration requirements for a working flatbed. In the UK, it is classified as a ‘one-tonne’ truck by Maxus, even though it carries less than 1000kg in other markets. Maxus has enhanced its load-carrying capabilities to comply with the tax status and introduced it to the UK market in 2022.

If you’ve seen the Maxus badge on the grille before, it’s because SAIC acquired LDV, formerly known as Leyland DAF in the UK. The Maxus T90EV is available through a network of 60 UK dealerships, starting from just under £50,000 excluding VAT. Choosing an electric pick-up truck like the T90EV offers significant tax savings compared to conventional diesel trucks.

The T90EV is equipped with a 201bhp electric motor that provides sufficient power and acceleration. However, the interior of the truck is quite plain and sparsely fitted out, albeit modern. The ride and handling of the T90EV are rougher than the average pick-up truck, mainly due to Maxus’s efforts to strengthen its load-carrying capability. The real-world range of the T90EV is approximately 200 miles, which may decrease slightly when driven solely on the motorway.

Pros: The Maxus T90EV is an impressive and powerful truck.

Cons: It can be quite expensive, starting at around £150,000, and it may require frequent fueling.

If you’re willing to deal with the inconveniences of owning an imported, full-size, left-hand-drive truck from the American market, some might argue that you should go all out and get a proper one. And when it comes to a “proper” truck, the Hennessey Mammoth fits the bill.

Technology

How High Can Fighter Jets Actually Fly?

Military-grade fighter jets can fly higher than commercial flights, reaching altitudes of over 50,000 feet above sea level, according to Simple Flying. However, specific altitude information for individual jets is not readily available due to military security concerns.

In 1976, a world record was set that gives us an idea of the potential upper limit of fighter jets’ altitude. Before the era of reconnaissance satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the U.S. military relied on high-altitude jets to gather intelligence. One of the most notable high-flying jets was the Lockheed SR-71, also known as the Blackbird, which reached altitudes exceeding 80,000 feet.

The SR-71 played a crucial role in Cold War intelligence gathering for the U.S. military due to its exceptional speed and high-altitude capabilities, as noted by the Smithsonian. The aircraft’s unique engine inlets, responsible for bringing air into the engine, contributed to its remarkable speed and agility.

Motorsport

Winnebago Solis Pocket Small RV Gets Upgrades

Winnebago has introduced some exciting updates to its Solis Pocket 36B, a compact RV based on the Ram ProMaster commercial van. The new floorplan now includes a dinette and a wet bath, providing more convenience for travelers. Additionally, Winnebago has partnered with EcoFlow to offer an optional Power Kit Pro, which includes a five-in-one power management controller, a 5.0-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, and a touchscreen controller.

The updated dinette offers various layout options. In travel mode, the cushions can be tipped forward to accommodate two additional passengers with seatbelts. The dinette can also be converted into a bed or used as a couch, providing flexibility for different needs.