May 2024 – The Engineering Digest
Bringing you the latest engineering triumphs, clean energy breakthroughs and defence innovation.
This month, we’re celebrating engineering excellence across multiple fields.
Here are the highlights:
- Royal Navy seizes £204m of cocaine
- UK hits record low for fossil fuel power generation
- Our engineers smash milestone on secret Royal Navy project
- Royal Navy’s new electronic warfare system aces tests
- Former SpaceX engineer develops clean, portable nuclear reactors
Starting things off with the Royal Navy cocaine haul just this week. 👇
Huge Drug Bust by the Royal Navy’s HMS Kent!
The Royal Navy continues to win big in disrupting criminal activity, with HMS Trent’s recent seizure of £204 million worth of cocaine in the Caribbean.
This impressive operation demonstrates the vital role the Navy plays in keeping our borders and waterways safe.
Fossil Fuel Power Generation Hits Record Low
Fossil fuel power generation hit a record low of 2.4% in April. 15 years ago, gas and coal accounted for 75% of the energy mix.
The share of Great Britain’s electricity generated by burning fossil fuels plummeted this month, ahead of plans to begin running a “zero-carbon grid” for short periods from next year.
Hythe Engineering Reaches Milestone on Royal Navy Project
Teamwork makes the dream work! Our rockstar engineers just smashed a major milestone on a top-secret Royal Navy project.
The crew successfully completed a compartment seating installation – an intricate task involving cross-functional collaboration, a high level of technical expertise and clear communication between internal and external teams.
Royal Navy Gets New Electronic Warfare Edge
The Royal Navy‘s next-generation electronic warfare system, MEWSIC, has passed initial tests with flying colours. This new system will provide:
- Enhanced detection of enemy forces
- Improved decision-making through automatic data fusion
- Advanced planning tools for better operational readiness
MEWSIC will be deployed across the Royal Navy fleet, significantly boosting their electronic warfare capabilities.
Former SpaceX Engineer Raises $40 Million To Build Portable Nuclear Reactors
Diesel generators are a major source of air pollution and a health hazard, but they’re crucial for backup power in emergencies and remote locations.
Radiant Industries is developing portable, megawatt-scale nuclear reactors called Kaleidos. These reactors are designed to be:
- Safe: They use TRISO fuel particles with a very high melting point, making meltdowns unlikely.
- Clean: They produce no emissions compared to diesel generators.
- Portable: Packaged in shipping containers, they can be easily deployed to remote areas.
Radiant is working towards commercial production in 2028, pending regulatory approval.
Until next time…
At Hythe Engineering, we’re committed to keeping you informed with the latest engineering, defence and innovation stories. And if you need engineering advice, we’re here for you.
All the best,
Lydia and the Hythe Engineering Team.