4 May
US Army Research Laboratory’s (ARL) developers have supported the design of 3D-printed ventilator. The laboratory partnered with civilian partners to produce low-cost, 3D printed emergency ventilators. Known as Illinois RapidVent, the handheld gas ventilator can be used for soldiers in battle. It took less than a week to develop the device, which is almost the size of a water bottle. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering and Carle Health led the design of the ventilator.
Commercial and defence aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce is considering cutting up to 8,000 jobs, The Financial Times reported. The action follows after several aircraft manufactures reduced production due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on their operations. The FT report also said that the company will provide an update to its employees before the end of this month. Rolls-Royce has a workforce of 52,000 worldwide. The company has also taken certain measures to increase its liquidity and reduce expenditures.
The US Army is finalising a proposed risk mitigation framework to resume collective training soon. The framework outlines measures for the service to return to exercises safely. This June, 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade is set to start training at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Army Chief of Staff General James McConville said: “Getting back to collective training is crucial but we need to make sure we have the right measures in place first.”
The Indian Navy and Indian Air force (IAF) have reportedly put their platforms on stand to bring home Indians stranded abroad due to Covid-19 lockdown. Around 14 naval ships and up to 30 IAF aircraft from the evacuation fleet can be used for the mission, reported India Today. The Navy will focus on bringing back people from Gulf nations while IAF will fly Indians from other countries.
