Boeing Co. is getting ready to develop an electrically powered airplane to see if fuel cell technology can make jets more environmentally friendly. The goal is not to replace jet engines on commercial airplanes, but to use fuel cells and electric motors for auxiliary power instead of gas turbines, the company said Tuesday. Auxiliary power units – essentially small jet engines – are typically in the rear of an aircraft, where they drive generators and compressors to produce electricity and pump air for the plane while it is on the ground and for backup use in flight.
The president and chief executive of US Airways, the nation’s sixth-largest carrier, unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday, and the company said chairman Stephen Wolf would take over both positions. The Arlington, Va.-based carrier, which has struggled all year and whose proposed merger with United Airlines fell apart, said Rakesh Gangwal quit to pursue a career in venture capital. Analysts described the management shake-up as a needed change for the embattled carrier, which lost $766 million in the third quarter.
About 90,000 baby floats are being recalled because leg holes in the seat can tear, causing children to fall into the water. The SunSmart Baby Adjustable Sunshade Boats were intended for ages 6 months to 18 months and have pictures of purple crabs and various colored fish along the top. The word “SunSmart” is printed across the front of the float. The recalled boats can be identified by the lettering “C/S” molded on the valve. Target, Kmart, Bed Bath and Beyond and Baby Central sold the floats for between $10 and $13. The government said consumers can call for a replacement at 866-807-3998
The government is recalling about 49,000 computer mouse sets for children because the mouse ball can separate and pose a choking hazard. The recalled Cozy Coupe Computer Mouse is functional and shaped like a red and yellow toy car. Call 800-321-0183 to obtain a $10 coupon toward another Little Tikes product. Also recalled were 15,800 Zapper toys because their balloon tongues and the cylinders holding them can come loose. The vinyl toys are 2 to 3 inches long and come in the shape of various animals. When squeezed, the balloon tongue attached to its mouth inflates or rolls out. For more information, consumers can call 800-767-9998. A Massachusetts company is recalling about 100,000 rattles because they can break open. The Wiggly Giggler brand rattles are 3-inch-long tubes with mushroom caps on each end. The government said parents should take the rattles away from children and contact HandsOn Toys at 888-442-6376 for a replacement toy.
Herald news services
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.