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NASA starts testing light and flexible plane technology
NASA has successfully completed a series of tests making sure that the X-56A Multi-Utility Technology Testbed (MUTT) aircraft can withstand flights up to 130 knots in speed. See, the X-56A isn't your typical aircraft: it's a remote-controlled test model the space agency's using for the development of flexible flight tech, which will be used for lightweight, eco-friendly planes. NASA needs to test the technology extensively, since planes with pliable wings are typically more susceptible to strong winds and vibrations. In fact, this recent round of testing only completed all of the agency's "stiff wing objectives." X-56A 2.0 -- yes, this is the second version, as developer Lockheed Martin already put the first one through the wringer in 2013 and 2014 -- doesn't have its flexible wings yet. Those special airfoils will be attached in the next few months before the aircraft takes off for its first flexi-wing flight in early 2016.
Fallen Earth lets the dogs out
Oi, you there! Yeah, you, you grubby Wastelander! Bored of hiking the Grand Canyon all by your lonesome? There's hope for you yet -- the Fallen Earth team has announced that they've released companion pets into the game ahead of schedule. The dogs -- Wasteland Mutts -- were spotted on the test servers, yet did not make the journey to yesterday's 1.3.11 patch. While players feared that the new pet system was being held back for more testing, apparently everything is A-OK, and the Mutts are now available at feed and fuel merchants throughout Sectors 1-3. Even better, Icarus let out the word that the pets will be cheaper than anticipated, costing players about 500 chips for a new best friend. While the Mutts are welcome news indeed, Icarus wants us to know that Fallen Earth won't be a dogs-only club: "Don't get too attached," they teased. "We hear other variants still exist in Deadfall!"
