The fact that discrete electronic components are becoming more efficient and therefore generate less heat is of no consolation to the engineer responsible for heat management of electronic enclosures. Under competitive pressure, designers continue on a relentless quest to cram more capability into smaller areas thus creating more heat and less space – the worst possible scenario for the heat management engineer.
In addition, modern electronic systems are becoming ever more complex and the cost of failure due to overheating is prohibitively expensive. There are numerous methods of removing unwanted heat such as Peltier thermoelectric coolers, heat pipes and water cooling modules. However, in the vast majority of cases the ubiquitous equipment fan, in one of its many guises, remains the chosen method.
The same but different
Ranging from small instrument cases, through desk-top enclosures and studio desks up to large, free-standing cabinets, enclosures come in all shapes and sizes, each one with its own unique characteristics in terms of cooling requirement and shape. Operating environments are equally diverse varying from the benign, air-conditioned, temperature controlled, clean rooms to harsh and hostile high temperature environments such as manufacturing plants.
The right place
Cooling fans need to be located within the enclosure and in the best possible position to provide maximum cooling effect. There is nothing more frustrating from a thermal management point of view than to see an enclosure that has the cooling device bolted on to the outside of the enclosure. This is a sure sign that cooling was an afterthought, a process that is unlikely to achieve the most effective solution.
The fan must be located in the best position to ensure the optimum air path and it may be that more than one fan is required to deal with overall cooling and specific hot-spots. Whatever the final layout, it is highly recommended to draw ambient air into the enclosure and exhaust warm air. This means that lower temperature air passes over the bearing of the fan thus optimising its life.
Don’t yield to the pressure
To choose the right fan for the job requires accurate calculation and interpretation from data provided by the fan manufacturer and it is a relatively simple job to calculate the air volume required from the formula: Airflow (l/s)/1.2 x ∆t (ºC) = P(W).
However, airflow is always quoted in free air and it must be remembered that the system pressure, the pressure drop across the enclosure caused by the various components and restrictions to airflow, has a vital bearing on fan performance.
It is possible to measure pressure drop by using a venturi tube and anemometer but this is a fairly complicated task and may require the assistance of the fan manufacturer or a specialist laboratory. In the real world the task can be accomplished by intelligent and experienced interpretation of the fan performance curve from which the airflow that the fan will achieve at any given pressure will establish what is known as the ‘duty-point’ of the fan.
The right type
Choosing the right fan for the job really is horses for courses and will depend on the outcome of the deliberations described earlier. Although AC fans still have their place for some applications the superior efficiency, flexibility and controllability of DC fans mean they will be chosen in the vast majority of cases.
In general terms, axial fans give high volume but do not work well against high system pressure; blowers provide less volume but work well at higher pressures while air wheels deliver both high volumes and high pressures. At Aerco we supply axial, flat axial, centrifugal blowers, single and double inlet, skeleton fans, cylindrical air wheels and backward curved impellers. The list is too long to discuss at length here but an experienced cooling specialist will establish the best choice very quickly by analysing the space available, the air volume required and the anticipated system pressure.
The intelligent approach
Most modern, DC fans provide signal wires that allow monitoring and control of fan speed meaning that the system temperature can be controlled within strict parameters. These signals can be used to control, with a high degree of accuracy, the cooling rates within the enclosure, the noise levels of the fans and also provide audible or visual signals to identify potentially damaging reduction of fan speed or, in extreme cases, fan failure.
The right accessory makes all the difference
We have said that every component in the housing will increase system pressure but it is worth noting that the use of a purpose-built wire finger guard creates less restriction than a pattern of punched holes in the housing. The sharp edges of a punched hole create harmonics in the airflow causing turbulence and greater resistance thus affecting both the inlet and exhaust flow of the fan.
While on the subject of accessories, due care must be taken to consider access to the enclosure for maintenance and fan replacement and also the judicious use of filter assemblies will ensure they are in keeping with the style of the cabinet.
Think the whole package
Other aspects to be considered are the environmental conditions and the required IP rating of the fans and it is very important that the projected life of the fan matches that of the system to be cooled. In general terms, sleeve bearings are less expensive and quieter than ball bearings; ball bearings provide maximum life while newly developed hybrid bearings provide an affective compromise.
It is a simple fact of life that the earlier cooling is considered in the design cycle the more effective and efficient the overall system will function and the less likely that those costly down-times will occur.

Application

The first of it’s kind, Aerco can now offer the Dialight HB series LED High Bay Luminaire which was designed specifically to replace conventional lighting in a wide variety of industrial applications, both indoor and outdoor.  It’s low profile light weight design and versatile mounting options make it ideal for many applications such as hanger, warehouse, garage, bridge, tunnel and general area lighting.

All of Dialight’s long life LED luminaires are designed to meet the most demanding specification criteria while offering maximum energy savings, reduced maintenance cost and a superior quality of light.

Certifications & Ratings:

• UL1598
• CSA 22.2 #2500
• CE
• UL1598A
• IP66
• NEMA 4X

Features & Benefits:

• Low Power Consumption
• Instant on/off operation
• Universal input (100-277VAC), 50/60Hz
• Superior colour rendition
• Mercury free
• Resistant to shock and vibration
• Temperature compensation technology for longer life
• >80% lumen maintenance after 60,000 operating hours
• Copper free aluminium

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND DATA

The nature of warfare is changing, resulting in new requirements for vehicles. Whilst there is a persistent need to protect troops from mines, roadside bombs and IED’s using highly armoured patrol vehicles, the consequent escalation in armour and protection has led to vehicles designed to move troops across country and rough terrain becoming increasingly heavy and cumbersome to the point where they may be described as “mobile pillboxes”. For example the M1151 Humvee weighs more than twice the original model, the M998, and all the additional armour and equipment, whilst having its place, means the vehicle can no longer fulfill many of the roles for which it was originally designed.

These developments, coupled with a continuing and increasing need to move small bodies of men over short range and across extremely rough terrain, have highlighted the need for much smaller, lighter, relatively unarmoured vehicles to fulfill a range of missions. Thus, the light strike vehicle (LSV) was born for fast hit-and-run raids, reconnaissance missions, border and security patrols, special operations support and counter-insurgency work. Whereas traditional vehicles are having to be fitted with six inch thick blast protection panels, it is much harder to set an IED trap for an LSV that does not have to use roads or predictable routes. This allows the LSV to remain light, fast, agile and true to its original design intentions whilst also maintaining a reasonable payload capacity.

The Solution

The PHOBOS system has been developed to provide an operational and commercial solution for forces and organisations requiring a LSV capability.

Based around a core design that ensures high levels of parts commonality and minimizes the time from order to delivery, PHOBOS can be configured to satisfy a range of operational requirements. These include:

·        2 man extreme terrain reconnaissance vehicle

·        3 man light strike and reconnaissance vehicle

·        4 man light strike and reconnaissance vehicle

·        2 man PHOBOS utility / pickup for remote forward operating positions

·        Casualty extraction / transport vehicle

Development to date

A prototype vehicle was built and has been in testing for over 12 months during which period refinements to the original concept have been identified. Testing included assessing several different types of suspension units to find the ideal solution offering performance, strength, ease of maintenance and “tuneability” to allow one type to meet the range of needs across the PHOBOS system.

The spaceframe has been re-designed to incorporate these improvements while increasing strength and occupant safety. The re-design has also been focused upon producing a frame design that can be built cost effectively. To this end, the frame is designed to be built as a set of two-dimensional sub-assemblies that can be assembled in simple planar jigs before construction of the final assembly that is largely self-jigging.

A pre-production vehicle (two seater) is now in assembly. This is being used as the base to develop modular wiring and plumbing systems and other details prior to final design for series production.

The PHOBOS concept and model has been discussed with a number of senior military and security personnel, and received favourable responses. It has already attracted interest from a western European customer looking to source a three-seat platform for a North Asian client.

Specification is as follows

TIG welded spaceframe built from Clubman 500 CDS

110″ wheelbase

Double trianguated four link suspension front and rear

16″ travel suspension struts all round, springless, internal hydraulic bump and limit stops, fully adjustable

Full hydraulic high speed steering

Ford PUMA 2.4 l diesel engine (as in current Land Rover Defender)

4 speed ZF automatic box, fully adjustable shift pattern

Land Rover full-time 4×4 transfer case with locking differential

Custom axle housings

High Pinion 9″ differentials with air operated lockers

1.5″ 300M 35 spline shafts all round

Axle is built to be disassembled / repaired very quickly. For example outer knuckles are held on by 2 bolts, unit bearings are pre-assembled and replace with only 4 bolts.

37″ x 12.5″ tyres (can run up to a 42″)

Forged aluminium rims with internal beadlocks

HIgh performance winches front and centre / rear

FIA approved / burst proof / anti-explosion fuel cells giving over 1000km range

Panels are kevlar composite with a carbon fibre outer layer

To see the original extreme motorsport version in action click here

For more information contact Mike Strevens at Aerco. mstrevens@aerco.co.uk

GE have introduced a new range of 22mm LED Pilot Lights. 

Panel mount, IP54 rated at front 24/220/230v with a 30,000hr life expectancy and very cost effective.

Available in White, Green, Red, Yellow, Blue.

Click here for more details

Our resident geek Mike Strevens took a couple of days out to visit the Oxley Manufacturing Sites last week in Cumbria.

He was in nerd heaven when Oxley’s Mark Johnson walked him around the entire manufacturing process for the discreet/EMI filters.

Oxley are leading specialists in the effective suppression of electromagnetic interference with a wide range of EMI/RFI filtering solutions. To help you solve your EMC problems, through Aerco, Oxley can advise on the most suitable filter solution for your specific application from the standard product range or develop a custom filter solution if required. 

Each filter is hand made to suit the indivdual requirement of the customer and will suit virtually any connector on the market.

Chassis Mounting Filters

A wide range of chassis mounting filters are available. The extensive range includes solder mounted, threaded and press fit. Many have hermetic versions and all are designed and manufactured to the highest quality.

PCB Mounting Filters

Designed in both through hole and surface mounting configurations, the Oxley range of PCB mounting filters offers both C and PI section filtering. Surface mounting devices can be supplied taped and reeled where required.

Filtered Connectors

Utilising design, engineering and manufacturing experience Oxley can offer filter solutions for circular, rectangular (D-Sub and miniature D-Sub), ARINC, and DIN configurations. Extensive in-house ceramic production facility can supply high quality planar, tubular and discoidal capacitors to provide a total filtering solution.

Filter Arrays

Oxley specialise in providing a unique service for the design and integration of filter capacitors into equipment for a specific customer application. Utilising in-house design, assembly and manufacturing facilities we provide high quality components to both military and industrial applications.

Ceramic Planar Capacitor Arrays

Oxley are at the forefront of the development of planar capacitor arrays. Utilising high quality ceramic tape technology, we are able to supply planar arrays for both standard connector plan forms and special requirements.

FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE

Our resident Fan Guru Robin Cook has retired after many long years in the Cooling Fan business and although thoroughly delighted at having more time on his hands, took himself out of the Beer Garden and has made a very useful cross reference list for us. 

Part number cross references are available between the manufacturers below.

AddA – Delta

Delta – AddA

Etri – AddA

Adda – Etri

Etri – Delta

Delta – Etri

Papst – AddA

AddA – Papst

Papst – Delta

Delta – Papst

Papst – Etri

Etri – Papst

Click here to contact us for more details

Series 44A  Small short stroke, high force solenoid available from Aerco for next day delivery.

Featuring:

• AC and DC Types
• Pull and Thrust Versions
• Shading ring for quiet AC operation

Click here for further information

L810 Red LED Obstruction Light

NOW AVAILABLE FROM AERCO:   LED Based L810 Red Obstruction light certified to meet both the rigorous FAA requirements for red LED obstruction lights and Class I, Division 2 for hazardous area lighting locations. It is available in 120 or 230 volt versions and can be ordered as single or dual units.

Click here for LED Lighting for Hazardous Locations Brochure 

Introducing the Honeywell SS30AT Bipolar Hall-Effect Magnetic Position Sensor, available from Aerco in a subminiature SOT-23 surface mount package that takes up less space on the printed circuit board (PCB). Available on tape and reel, the SS30AT often allows for lower-cost pick and place assembly, helping to reduce manufacturing costs.

The SS30AT is a very small, versatile, digital Hall-effect device operated by the magnetic field from a permanent magnet or an electromagnet designed to respond to alternating North and South poles.

The SS30AT sensor is:

Price competitive: Honeywell has optimized the size of the integrated circuit, saving on manufacturing costs while still meeting customer requirements. These cost savings result in lower costs to customers.

Economical: Package is supplied on tape and reel, often allowing for automated, lower-cost pick and place assembly which helps the customer to reduce manufacturing costs.

Small: Small footprint takes up less space on the PCB, typically allowing for more components on the same board.

Flexible: Synching output with open collector allows the sensor to interface with many electrical components without buffering; 4.5 Vdc to 24 Vdc supply voltages and operating temperature to 125 °C [257 °F] enhance application flexibility.

Stable: Thermally balanced integrated circuit provides stable operation over a full temperature range.

Safe: Built-in reverse voltage protection provides enhanced circuit protection.

Potential transportation and industrial applications include speed and RPM sensing, tachometer, motor and fan control, electric vehicle control, convertible roof position, flow-rate sensing, brushless dc motor commutation, and robotics control.

Contact Aerco’s free DESIGNSUPPORT service for further details

Model AB/HP

The AB/HP is ideal for a wide range of applications.  That’s because it has a variety of mounting options, stainless steel construction and wide pressure ranges.  In addition, the AB/HP has two thermally matched strain gages, and it is fully compensated and calibrated.  It’s output is a stable 0-100mV from an excitation of 5Vdc.

The AB/HP may be flush mounted or fitted with an external adapter.  It also may be fitted with an optional integral connector or wateproof cable fitting.  The flush mounting capability allows it to be used in applications where sanitary or cleaning requirements exclude using pressure ports.

Applications:

• RESPIRATORS
• FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
• DRILLING MUD DENSITY
• KIDNEY DIALYSIS MACHINES                                                                
• HYDRAULIC SERVO VALVES
• GAS MONITORING
• TRANSIT VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEMS
• AIRCRAFT HYDRAULICS
• DIESEL GENERATORS

Features:

• Flush mount option
• 0-6 to 20,000 PSI ranges
• Custom designs available
• PSIA and bi-directional models

Benefits:

• Permits maximum cleanliness
• Wide range of applications
• Adaptable to special needs
• Measures vacuum referenced to absolute or atmospheric pressures

For further information click here:

Now available from Aerco

 ElfaPlus Unibis: The solution for space saving problems

GE Power  have introduced the new ElfaPlus Unibis MCBs which can reduce the size of the distribution board to an absolute minimum.  And to upgrade performances up to 10kA.

Featuring:

1. Brand new design 2P in 1 module, 3&4P in to modules acc. to EN60898
2. Complete range: from 3- 4.5 -6 upto 10kA, 2-40Amps B & C curves
3. 100% compatible with all ElfaPlus auxiliaries and accessories
4. 100% ElfaPlus quality and reliability
5. VDE certified

Click for full product details

Fixwell            

Easy, Fast & Reliable

Fixwell MCB’s and RCCB’s are developed to reduce the installation time by upto 40%. Tool free termination, guaranteed reliability from the very first moment by plug and play.

Click here for more info

Tele REC    

Ensure Power Continuity in Critical Applications

Tele REC, the intelligent relay that attemps 6 times – with varying intervals -to reclose the RCCB after an earth leakage or manual disconnect.

Click here for more info

Unibis

2 circuits in 1 module

Unibis MCB’s are the space saving solution for all applications. This innovative range can reduce the space required by as much as 50%. Performance up to 6kA are standard

Click here for more info

PERFECT CONNECTION OF MCB’S & RCCB’S WITHOUT TOOLS IN SECONDS

Featuring:

1. Screwless contact
2. Terminal contact stability guaranteed
3. Plug in connection with standard pin busbars
4. 100% screwless table top connection
5. 100% screwless bottom plug in connection for busbars upto 63A
6. 100% toolfree installation
7. 100% reliable and safe

Fixwell PDF Available here

Aerco are now stocking a range of Honeywell Resolvers and Pancakes, (not with) Lemon Juice and Sugar.
Resolvers are absolute rotary and angle sensing electromagnetic transducers or transmitters (RX) that convert mechanical postition into an electrical signal.

Types of Resolvers

Pancake Resolvers: Supplied as separate stator and rotor assemblies which mount to customer system. Available in single or dual speed configurations they come with a flange for mounting or sleeves and hub which bond to customer system.

Brushless Pancake Resolvers: What defines a ‘brushless’ resolver is the addition of a rotary transformer. The transformer allows the lead wires to exit from the stationary element that enables the resolver to rotate mechanically 360 degress. This eliminates the need for slip rings and significantly reduce costs.

Housed Resolvers: These can be mounted in a custom housing with a shaft, bearing and cover. Typically these options offer a ‘plug and play’ feature not found in pancake resolvers.

Click to see range now available through Aerco

Another tragic fire related incident brings home how dangerous fires can really be. More people die in fires from smoke inhalation than any other cause. Reducing smoke in general and toxic smoke in particular can save lives.

When common cable and wire burn their insulating materials can give off toxic smoke, toxic gases and toxic acids. In common cabling materials, halogens are stable under most conditions but they present serious health hazards when burned. When burned, a halogen containing plastic can release hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride and other dangerous gases. In contact with water hydrogen chloride forms dangerous hydrochloric acid. These gases are also highly corrosive to metal.

Without compromising on mechanical and electrical performance a low smoke zero halogen cable lowers the amount of smoke emitted making it easier for visibility in exiting the area and reduces the danger of smoke inhalation. Eliminating halogens reduces the toxicity and so no harm to people from the halogenated gases.

Low smoke zero halogen cables are suited for industrial, commercial, rapid transit applications as well as confined space applications where the low smoke cables can potentially reduce damage to electronic components and save lives.

The SeaGen Machine is the world’s first commercial tidal stream turbine and has acheived its maximum generating capacity of 1.2MW in the fast flowing waters of Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. The SeaGen turbine operates like an underwater wind turbine, with the rotors driven by tidal currents rather than the wind.
The SeaGen machine will operate for upto 22 hours a day supplying Power to the Irish energy company, ESB independent for use by its customers in Northern Ireland. SeaGen has the capacity to meet the average electricity needs of approximately 1,000 homes.
The machine uses a pair of axial flow turbines to drive generators through gearboxes in a similar way to wind turbines. The SeaGen uses two 16m- diameter turbines, each capable of generating 600kW.
MCT have used Aerco supplied sensors by Contrinex with the help of the Design Support Team and Martyn Wheatley of Contrinex during the development stage of the project.

Aimed primarily at our traditional market areas of rail, aerospace and military vehicles and equipment,  we will provide a total interconnect service that includes products from  leading, world-class manufacturers like Alpha Wire,  Habia Cable, HellermannTyton and Thermax CDT. 

Specifications include Mil spec / Def Stan and UL/CSA approved across all ranges.

Heat Pipes
Heat pipes are an evacuated pipe part filled with a liquid and wick. The pipe is passive and acts as a condensor and evaporator. When heat is applied the liquid will turn into a vapour and travel through the pipe.

The latest blowers from AERCO have been designed to work with both types of heat transfer and can assist the heat transfer at either the input or output sides of exchangers. The blowers have a design of Bearing called the HYPRO which can easliy work at the typical temperatures found on these applications. The vital ‘3rd wire’ is standard so the user can have immediate warning of failure or over limit temperature.

Medium Intensity Red Beacon (2000cd)
Dialight’s new D164 red beacon is the industry’s first and only LED-based medium intensity red beacon certified by ETL to be compliant with FAA standards. It easily interfaces into existing systems and can be provided as a red lighting fixture for new installations. Designed to flash or steady burn, the beacon is used to mark tall obstacles that may prove hazardous to aircraft navigation. It is designed to replace incandescent fixtures and offers the benefit of increased durability, thus reducing maintenance and replacement costs. It consumes around 1/10th of the power of incandescent fixtures and neither emits, nor is affected by, EMI/RFI interference.

Low Intensity Obstruction Lights (32cd)
The 860 series red LED obstruction light is the first LED based L-810 obstruction light certified by ETL to be compliant with FAA standards. Like the D164, it is designed for steady burn or flashing to mark any potentially hazardous obstacle. These versatile lights are available in single or double configuration in a range of voltages to meet most obstruction lighting applications.

Low Intensity Class 1 Div 2 Obstruction Lights (32cd)
This product is certified to meet both the rigorous FAA requirements for red LED obstruction lights and Class 1 Div 2 for hazardous area lighting locations. It is available in 120 or 220 volt versions and can be ordered as single or dual units.

Coloured Obstruction Lights
The Dialight 860 Series Multi-Purpose LED Light fulfills the needs of engineers and architects requiring a rugged, weather-proof fixture in color alternatives to the standard red obstruction lights. Available in green, yellow, blue and white, these fixtures are equally at home in an office building, on the Arctic Tundra, or a sailboat. Truly the LED solution to your lighting challenges.

Follow Weblink for range of European and Worldwide approvals
http://www.dialight-obstruction-lights.com/approvals.php

Obstruction light

The Geeks at Aerco are happy! At last a great alternative to Piezo Switches have been manufactured by ITW badged as ACTIVE METAL. These are ‘intelligent switches’ and the basic principle is that a material capable of supporting shear and torsional waves at ultrasonic frequencies can have those waves trapped or localized by contouring its surface. These trapped energy regions are set into motion with transducers and act as high quality resonators.
This will operate through a panel thickness of + 0.5″ and can be used through Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Plastic, Glass, are self diagnosing, self adapting, error reporting. These can bet set to be pressure sensitive,  momentary, latching, timed, slide action activated.
Due to the switch being completely sealed, with no moving parts the life cycles are virtually unlimited. So far this has been tested to 100+ million cycles.
Has anyone any suggestions (however crazy) for applications?

Last year Tom needed snow to blow air up the hollow tree trunk in the centre of the 9ft diameter rotating display. The air activated the snow when the children recited a poem! Nothing could be easier you may think but getting the right speed of the snowfall proved to be a challenge. Tom was in need of the right sized fan for the snow activation, and one that would not overheat and most important silent operation. In consultation with Aerco’s fan product manager, a medium sized dc fan proved to solve the problem. So despite the weather outside, it definitely snowed inside Tom’s home last year.

So when it came to a major redesign for this years tree – changing from filaments lamps to a total LED display. Tom called Aerco to help with the project. In being with Liverpool’s “European Capital of Culture” year a special effort was required.

The task was to use small fans to dissipate warm air to enable reflective discs to rotate. The reflective discs would then beam rays of coloured light around the nativity scene and illuminating the rotating tree. Addas small dc fans 50×50x10mm were used for this project. Christmas 2008 will be a place of colour and wonder at Tom Kelly’s home.

You may find yourself wondering as to why Tom would give up his time and energy just for a Christmas tree. The reason, the memory of Roy Castle standing on the platform at Lime Street Station. He had just returned from his final tour of the UK. Roy knew he was dying but continued onto his final destination – Liverpool. Later he died of lung cancer. He had never smoked during his entire life. The cause, passive smoke from the theatres and clubs he had preformed in.

Thoracic surgeon, Professor Ray Donnelly founded the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Research Centre. It opened in Liverpool in 1990. The research centre is the only one of its type dedicated to defeating lung cancer.

In addition to short lead-times (2 weeks) Aerco will also offer full technical support and after-sales service.

Aerco are taking on the ITW Switches Franchise, this franchise is due to be signed at the beginning of October and a full stock profile will be on the shelf to coincide with the launch.

The full range of switches will be available including “ITW ActiveTouch”

Just like Aerco, ITW Switches are geared towards customer support and strive to develop close working relationships.

On Thursday October 18th 2007 the only airworthy Vulcan bomber in the world returned
to the skies over Leicestershire when Avro Vulcan XH558, having last flown 14 years ago
after a 33 year career in the Royal Air Force, took to the air from Bruntingthorpe airfield
for a 34-minute test flight.

Having helped to restore this historic aircraft by acting as a consulting company on
connector requirements providing data and drawings of connectors and contacts originally
used on the aircraft. We also supplied samples and production connectors at subsidised
prices to help the project.

This wonderful achievement, unique in the history of aviation, marks the end of a 10-year
effort by the Vulcan To The Sky Trust and for the past two years a team of 24 engineers
have spent £6 million making the jet airworthy.

It was hoped that the aircraft would become a regular sight at air shows and Farnborough Air Show 2008 proved just the place. What an amazing sight to see this historic bomber fly again. The noise and sheer beauty of this aircraft left alot of us in awe.

A little history on the bomber. Designed by A.V. Roe and Company, the Avro
Vulcan, a revolutionary delta-winged bomber, was used by the RAF from 1956 to 1984 during
which time it spearheaded British nuclear and conventional bombing capability and
achieved dramatic success in the 1982 Falkland conflict.

Fundraising still continues and if you would like to know more on this project
please visit http://www.tvoc.co.uk.

How small can fans go?

ADDA believe to have manufactured the world’s smallest DC equipment fan.
These tiny fans are built in a frame size of 15 x 15 x 6mm and weighing only 1.4g.
How light is 1.4g? I decided to find out using the “things” on my desk. After weighing
a sheet of A4 paper, a pen, 10 pence coin, a £10 note I found this was proving a
rather difficult task. Eventually I got a result. 4 paper clips!

This is a tiny light fan and the reason for this, they are ideal for selective cooling
in mobile phones, PDAs and similar small enclosures.

Could fans get any smaller or lighter?

Using a control layout similar to those used in video game controllers, the
patented FMCU™ series offers an easy transition from video games to military
applications providing military personnel with the ability to move freely in
the field without being restricted by a mounted controller.

A new generation!  �