Ukraine said it destroyed one of Russia's best and most expensive fighter jets over Kursk as its military pushes further into the region.
  • Ukraine downed a Russian Su-34 fighter jet over Kursk amid an ongoing territorial push.
  • The Su-34, worth around $36 million, is Russia’s most efficient fighter bomber with advanced tech.
  • Ukraine has previously held long kill streaks with Russian Su-34s.
  • TranscendentalEmpire@lemm.eeEnglish
    17·
    4 months ago

    The bearings in trains are actually pretty complicated to build. They use slanted roller bearings, not just regular old ball bearings. 10 companies in the world make like 70% of all rail bearings, and 5 of those are in Japan. Plus, only a few countries produce the two steel alloys that you make these bearings out of.

    China does produce around 20% of the bearings used in trains, but pretty much all of it gets used for domestic purposes and they still have to import due to their massive rail expansion projects

      • TranscendentalEmpire@lemm.eeEnglish
        2·
        4 months ago

        Pretty much anything with a turning wheel and axel relies on some sort of bearing system. That means traditional and high speed rail systems both require them.

        There are some differences in types of bearing depending on what you use your rail system for. In the US we utilize antiquated plain bearings that are relatively easy to manufacture, but that’s because our rolling stock is ancient compared to most countries. Mainly because we rely heavily on trucks for transporting most goods and haven’t bothered investing in our aging rail network.

        In Russia they have a much more modern rolling stock, as everything they ship goes through their rail network. Their rolling stock utilizes angled/slanted roller bearings, which can vastly increase their weight capacity, speed, and can double to triple their lifespan. The only problem is that they are complicated to manufacture.