Latest news with #OPV
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cruz's HOVER Act: Black Hawks Get A High-Tech Copilot For Safer Skies
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is flying high with a new bill that hopes to update the technology used in the American military's helicopter fleet. With the long title of The Helicopter Operational Versatility and Enhanced Readiness Act, more quickly referred to as the HOVER Act, the legislation promises to turn the Army's tried-and-true Black Hawks into modern marvels that can fly with or without a human at the controls. Cruz said in a recent press release that the move is about 'peace through strength,' giving our troops the very best in cutting-edge technology. 'The HOVER Act allows the U.S. Army to modernize its fleet with such technology, boosting military readiness and American national security. I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass this bill to ensure our military remains the strongest and most effective in the world,' Cruz added. The HOVER Act authorizes the use of government funds to convert at least three Army Black Hawk helicopters into Optionally Piloted Vehicles (OPVs), a fancy term for a helicopter that can fly itself or take instructions from a pilot in a format similar to Bluetooth. The OPV tech, already proven in aviation practices outside the military, aims to lighten the load on human pilots, reduce human error, and increase survivability rates during dangerous military missions. Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas-6), a former helicopter pilot, is also sponsoring 'companion' legislation in the House. 'As a former helicopter pilot, I understand firsthand the demands and risks associated with complex missions in challenging environments. The HOVER Act is a step forward in aviation safety and mission effectiveness. By integrating Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) technology into Black Hawks, we will not only reduce pilot workload but also enhance situational awareness and increase survivability in high-risk conditions,' Ellzey said. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Army to run a two-year test drive – an operational experimentation program to evaluate how these OPVs perform in the real world. The Secretary will also have to report back to Congress within a year with progress, findings, and recommendations for OPV usage in the future. Some could argue the bill is a no-brainer. Modern combat zones are complex, fast-paced, and dangerous. Cutting-edge tech like OPVs could help pilots focus on their missions and, hopefully, reduce crash rates. Cruz and Ellzey aren't waiting around. They're betting that robotic copilot systems are the next big thing in keeping America's pilots safe in battle. The HOVER Act is about more than just tech updates for a few choppers; it's about ensuring the U.S. Army's helicopters are ready to face tomorrow's modern threats. As Ellzey put it, 'This legislation is about giving our pilots the tools they need to be successful. It gives them the ability to execute their missions safely and effectively and come home to their families.'
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Shin Yang's unit receives LOI from Home Affairs Ministry for completion offshore patrol vessels
KUALA LUMPUR: Shin Yang Group Bhd's (Shin Yang) wholly-owned subsidiary, Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd, has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint as a contractor for works on offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Shin Yang said the LOI expresses the intention of the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint Shin Yang Shipyard as the contractor for the completion of the remaining works on OPV 2 and OPV 3 for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). "The issuance of the LOI is subject to further discussions and negotiations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Shin Yang Shipyard regarding specific terms of the proposed shipbuilding contract," it said. Shin Yang said the LOI does not constitute a legally binding commitment by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and there is no certainty that a definitive contract will be awarded to Shin Yang Shipyard. "The potential shipbuilding contract, if awarded, is expected to contribute positively to the group's earnings and net assets for the duration of the project. "However, the exact financial impact can only be determined upon finalisation and execution of the definitive contract," it added. -- BERNAMA
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Shin Yang's unit receives LOI for offshore patrol vessel work
KUALA LUMPUR: Shin Yang Group Bhd 's (Shin Yang) wholly-owned subsidiary, Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd, has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint as a contractor for works on offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Shin Yang said the LOI expresses the intention of the Ministry of Home Affairs to appoint Shin Yang Shipyard as the contractor for the completion of the remaining works on OPV 2 and OPV 3 for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). "The issuance of the LOI is subject to further discussions and negotiations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Shin Yang Shipyard regarding specific terms of the proposed shipbuilding contract,' it said. Shin Yang said the LOI does not constitute a legally binding commitment by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and there is no certainty that a definitive contract will be awarded to Shin Yang Shipyard. "The potential shipbuilding contract, if awarded, is expected to contribute positively to the group's earnings and net assets for the duration of the project. "However, the exact financial impact can only be determined upon finalisation and execution of the definitive contract,' it added. - Bernama
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Eradication of polio: Top paediatricians, major hospitals join hands
LAHORE: In a major step toward eradicating polio from Pakistan, leading paediatricians and major hospitals across Punjab have partnered with the Punjab Government and Punjab Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in support of the upcoming National Polio Vaccination Campaign, commencing today (Monday), May 26. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 23 million children under the age of five, with the help of more than 200,000 polio workers. The campaign will run for 7 days in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, while in other districts, the drive will continue for 5 days. Renowned paediatricians from key hospitals in Lahore and beyond have voiced their strong support for the campaign and the critical role of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in building herd immunity and protecting children against lifelong paralysis. 'We are proud to stand with the Punjab government in this national effort,' said Dr Shahzad Haider, a senior paediatrician at Defence Hospital, Lahore. 'Oral Polio Vaccine is safe, effective, and essential to developing community-level immunity. Every child must be vaccinated in every campaign to ensure we close the immunity gap.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Expert Speaks: All About Polio Vaccination
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. While many associate it only with paralysis, the virus can also infect children without causing any noticeable symptoms a condition known as asymptomatic polio. These individuals, despite not showing signs of illness, can still spread the virus, making them silent carriers and posing a risk to public health. While there is no cure, vaccination is the best way to prevent polio. Understanding the importance of polio vaccine Polio vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease, especially in children. Polio can present in three main forms: Asymptomatic infection - where the person shows no symptoms but can transmit the virus. Non-paralytic polio - symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, fatigue, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. Paralytic polio - the most severe form, resulting in permanent muscle weakness or paralysis, typically in the legs. Once paralysis occurs, there is no treatment that can reverse it. Physiotherapy may help improve mobility, but full recovery is rare. As there is no cure for polio, prevention through vaccination is critical. The vaccine not only protects children from paralysis but also reduces the overall presence of the virus in the community. Why polio vaccination is essential for the society Vaccinating children helps break the chain of transmission. Since the poliovirus spreads via the fecal-oral route mainly through contaminated food and water and poor sanitation and hygiene can accelerate its spread. In communities with high vaccination coverage, the virus cannot find new hosts, effectively containing and eventually eradicating it. It's very important to not miss it so that our country remains Polio free (Polio was eradicated in March 2014) Children are the most vulnerable group, particularly under the age of five. If polio re-emerges in a society due to low vaccination rates, it can hinder societal development, put public health systems under strain, and even paralyze productivity, especially in epidemics. Types of polio vaccines and their role There are two main types of polio vaccines: Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): This is a live, attenuated vaccine given by mouth. It not only protects the vaccinated children but also helps build herd immunity by spreading to others through the stool, thereby exposing others to a weakened virus that triggers immunity. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Given as an injection, this contains a killed version of the virus. It is safe, highly effective, and does not carry a risk of vaccine-derived polio. During pulse immunization drives, it is crucial that every child under the age of five receives the vaccine. Parents must ensure they take their children to the nearest vaccination centre. Health officials often visit residential buildings to administer these doses. It's important not to skip the pulse polio dose, even if your child is already following the routine national immunization schedule. These additional doses are administered in response to suspected cases or potential threats in the community, and are essential to prevent the spread of infection and protect every child. Ring immunisation is when there is a suspected case and pulse immunisation is given irrespective of cases on a regular basis. Recommended age and schedule for polio vaccination The polio vaccination schedule typically includes a combination of OPV and IPV: At Birth: One dose of Oral Polio Vaccine. 6, 10, and 14 weeks: Injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) given at each of these intervals. Booster Dose: At 18 months of age. Additional Dose: In areas with poor hygiene or risk of outbreak, another dose may be given at 5 years of age. By 18 months, a child should have completed the primary vaccination schedule. However, continued surveillance and booster doses, especially in high-risk areas, are vital to prevent any resurgence. (Dr. Preetha Joshi, Consultant, Neonatal, Pediatric and Cardiac Intensivist, Kokilaben Dhriubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
