CENAP Infoline - no 071

Magazine Overview

Title: cenap-infoline
Issue: nr. 71
Date: March 10, 1998

This issue of CENAP Infoline, titled "Mikrotechnik der Erdlinge" (Microtechnology of the Earthlings), focuses on the burgeoning field of microtechnology and its implications, particularly in military applications, but also touching upon scientific discoveries and personal technological innovations.

New Weapon Technology: Micro-Chips in Warfare

The lead article, "Im 21. Jahrhundert ziehen Mikro-Chips in den Krieg" (In the 21st Century, Micro-Chips Will Enter Warfare), details the Pentagon's plans to deploy thousands of tiny micro-systems instead of expensive aircraft and missiles. These systems include remote-controlled mini-drones equipped with sensors for day and night surveillance, capable of identifying targets on the ground for missile and artillery attacks. The article also describes "wasps" carrying explosive charges to destroy enemy computer and communication systems, and "ants" that infiltrate enemy command centers to transmit secret information. A key advantage highlighted is the reduction in the need for large troop deployments, with combat becoming electronic. The first "mini-warriors" are expected to be produced within 10 to 15 years.

The Army of the Future: Micro-Chips

This section elaborates on the concept of a future army utilizing micro-chips. It mentions that while science fiction films like "Star Wars" predicted space battles, the reality is the development of a powerful mini-army. New computer technologies enable thousands of mini-drones, some as small as a 20-Mark coin, to monitor enemy territory from 250 km away. Micro-chips with integrated explosive charges can destroy communication devices. The advantage is that large numbers of soldiers are not needed, and combat is controlled electronically from a base station. The first "mini-warriors" are projected for production in 10 to 15 years.

Smaller Than a Peanut: It Flies Secretly into the Room and Sees Everything

This article, "Kleiner als eine Erdnuß: Er fliegt heimlich ins Zimmer und sieht alles" (Smaller Than a Peanut: It Flies Secretly into the Room and Sees Everything), introduces a high-tech spy drone, smaller than a peanut, developed by the University of Florida and several high-tech firms. These drones, equipped with video cameras and sensors, are remotely controlled and can be used to infiltrate rooms and provide police with video intelligence during hostage situations. The article notes that they can also be used to locate hidden snipers in the field. Japanese researchers are also experimenting with attaching mini-cameras to real insects for search and rescue operations after earthquakes. A prototype mini-helicopter with two rotors, developed by German engineers in Mainz, is also mentioned.

The Micro-Aircraft: With a Computer Eye

This section describes a micro-aircraft capable of being launched from a foxhole, providing images from 2-3 km altitude to soldiers' laptops and headquarters.

The "Black Widow"

A disc-shaped flying device, approximately 15 centimeters wide, that carries a camera and successfully completed a test flight, reaching speeds of 70 km/h.

Flying Spies

US engineers are developing mini-robots for use in war, disasters, and even marital investigations. These "flying spies" can be well-camouflaged in dense foliage, surprising approaching enemies. One such device, described as sounding like a songbird, provided the enemy with useful aerial reconnaissance.

Sea Shadow Emerges into the Daylight

This technology report details the classified "Sea Shadow" program, a US Navy project designed to test future warship technology. Developed in the mid-1980s, the $50 million craft was built to test advanced signature, hydrodynamic, and structural considerations, with a major focus on radar cross-section reduction. The navy stated it is not related to the F-117 aircraft program and is not a prototype for future "stealth ships." Signature control technology from the Sea Shadow has been incorporated into Arleigh Burke class destroyers, and some of its Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull technology has been used on ocean surveillance ships. The craft, weighing 560 tons and measuring 160 ft long, uses a twin-screw diesel-electric drive with a top speed of 13 knots. Due to funding issues, the Sea Shadow was in storage from 1986 until tests resumed in April 1998. The total testing cost over 10 years is estimated at $195 million. Only one Sea Shadow has been built, and no future uses have been determined.

The "Invisible" Warship

This sub-section describes the Sea Shadow's passive armament and anti-radar protection, making it nearly invisible. Its design allows it to carry more offensive than defensive weapons. Secret materials, likely fiberglass and carbon layers, deflect radar beams. The "stealth" construction conceals the ship's size on radar. Water jets and sprinkler systems create thin water layers on the hull to make it invisible to infrared rays. The article also mentions an unmanned aircraft with sensors and electronic countermeasures, and a British marine vessel that uses water jets for propulsion and carries cruise missiles and automatic cannons.

Science & Technology

Rectifier from the Nanoworld

Physicists at Berkeley, led by Alex Zettl, have made a step towards developing incredibly small electronic components by experimentally proving that carbon nanotubes possess specific electrical properties. These nanotubes, artificial hollow cylinders of carbon with a diameter about 50,000 times smaller than a human hair, are extremely stable and 100 times harder than steel. They can be used as rectifiers or semiconductors.

Robot Insects as Military Spies

US military researchers are developing an army of small "robot insects." These creatures have a skeleton, a motor for their elastic legs, and are smaller than a credit card. They are equipped with video cameras and sensors and can crawl up to 40 meters per hour. Potential applications include reconnaissance, special operations, and exploration. Japanese researchers are experimenting with attaching mini-cameras to real insects for earthquake victim searches.

"The Red Bat"

This section describes radio-controlled aerial reconnaissance vehicles, about the size of model airplanes, with a wingspan of approximately 45 centimeters. It also mentions a "Heli-Rocket," a vertical take-off and landing craft about 18 centimeters long.

"Blitzlichter" (Flashes)

Fit for Space

More than 36 years after his first space flight, American astronaut Glenn has been cleared by NASA for a space shuttle mission at the age of 77.

World Space Telescope Sees Ion Storms on Saturn

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured its first image of Saturn's gaseous envelope in ultraviolet light. The image reveals massive, red-shimmering ion storms at the poles, comparable to Earth's auroras. The Hubble telescope orbits Earth at an altitude of 590 kilometers, allowing it to capture images in unusual colors, as Earth's atmosphere prevents ultraviolet radiation from reaching ground-based telescopes.

Expert Debate on Mars Microbes

This article discusses a renewed debate about the possibility of past life on Mars, fueled by two new studies. These studies suggest that supposed remnants of extraterrestrial microorganisms found in a Mars meteorite are actually contaminants from Earth that entered the rock while it was in Antarctic ice. Researchers from the University of Arizona and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography analyzed the carbon and amino acids in the meteorite. Despite the findings, the scientists involved remain confident in their theory of Martian life, with one criticizing the studies for not examining the specific areas where life traces were found.

Satellites Shine Brighter Than Stars

Reports of supernovae have been widespread, but it has been discovered that these are actually satellites from a US mobile phone company. These satellites, with their antennas and solar panels, reflect sunlight and appear 23 times brighter than Venus. The brief flashes of light can easily be mistaken for a supernova.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rapid advancement and application of miniaturized technology, particularly in military contexts, and the exploration of the unknown, whether in space or on other planets. The magazine highlights cutting-edge innovations, from microscopic drones and robot insects to stealth warships, suggesting a future where technology plays an increasingly dominant role in warfare and surveillance. Simultaneously, it keeps readers informed about significant scientific discoveries, such as new images of Saturn from the Hubble telescope and ongoing debates about the potential for life beyond Earth, exemplified by the Mars meteorite studies. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with and reporting on technological progress and scientific inquiry, presenting these developments as both exciting and potentially disruptive.