All aboard for solid state

Article Abstract:

The advent of advanced train-control systems (ATCS) is bringing railroad technology up-to-date and may help make trains profitable again. One ATCS set up by an organization of US and Canadian railroads and suppliers consists of a series of modular subsystems that allows a railroad to control and locate its trains with unparalleled precision. A communication network links the dispatching system with subsystems in train engines, tracks, and field switches. Sweden's automatic train control, installed in 1981, is the only ATCS-like system currently in full operation. A major benefit of ATCS is increased safety. The system can also save money on fuel through more careful speed regulation. The cost of installing an ATCS could be recovered within three years, according to one top railroad official. A large railroad with 20,000 miles of track would have to spend around $100 million to $150 million.

Cost benefit analysis, Automation, Control systems, Performance improvement (Computers), Performance Improvement, Updating

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Endangered species

Article Abstract:

Rapid advances in electronics technologies are obsoleting whole generations of products and engineering tools. Semiconductors have reduced sales of electronic vacuum receiving tube sales from $135 million in 1977 to $28 million in 1987 and almost eliminated bread-boarding. Computer punch cards and general-purpose analog computers are almost extinct; 1987 sales of the latter were $15 million compared to $187 million in 1979. Core memories markets have mostly dwindled to $100 million sales for military aircraft systems. Scientific calculators have virtually replaced the slide rule, the Smith chart and the nomogram. Most drafting is now performed with computer-aided design equipment, severely impacting the sales of drafting machines.

High technology, Product life cycle, Product obsolescence, Electronic Industry, Trends, Impact Analysis, Obsolescence

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Transportation

Article Abstract:

The 12 members of the European Community have big goals for improvements in rail transport and commercial aviation when unification happens in 1992. There is concern, however, in the automobile industry. Rail technology emphasizes speed, while air traffic emphasizes control. The automobile segment is worried about cars imported from other countries, particularly Japan.

Europe, Automobiles, International trade, Business planning, European Economic Community, Airline Industry

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