Popular Mechanics South Africa - March/April 2021

In this issue

Launched locally in 2002, Popular Mechanics is the acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa. Underpinning its rich sci-tech content is an ever-changing mix of articles covering a broad range of interests, from automotive news and outdoor adventures to DIY projects and exploration of the universe.

Building Da Vinci's Forgottten Bridge

When Sultan Bayezid II of the Ottoman Empire requested proposals for a bridge connecting capital city Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) with the neighbouring city, Galata (Karaköy, Turkey) at the turn of the 16th century, famed inventor Leonardo da Vinci was eager to win the contract.

4 mins

The B-52 Is America's Longest-Serving Plane – And The Most Badass

Like many of America’s legendary aircraft, the B-52 was built to offset the Soviet threat that characterised the Cold War. The US needed a bomber to reach far-flung Soviet targets, defeat their air defences, and carry a massive atomic payload.

4 mins

Should Your Car Have Solar Panels?

You can get them on the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited (only available in the US, for $35 300), which I tested for a week, under existentially strange but mechanically ideal conditions. Except for a 16 km drive to the grocery store and back, the car sat in the driveway, its 205watt system earning free, clean power, I thought.

2 mins

Keeping track

Lost a leopard? Hunting down a hyena? It’s time for an adventure with two intrepid wildlife trackers…

1 min

Sky's The Limit

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a pilot? To take to the skies and soar above places you’ve never visited before?

2 mins

The History Of Maps

The map has no single origin or known inventor. But these breakthrough maps illuminate the milestones of science and discovery that guided civilisations – and define how we view the world today.

8 mins

Making Music With Machines

From artificial-intelligence song writers to virtual-reality playlists, technology has completely changed the way music is composed and consumed. Here, we unravel some instrumental audio developments worth taking note of…

7 mins

This MakerBot Made 3D Printing Hot

Released in 2012, THE MakerBot Replicator sold for $1 749 (or about R15 200 at the exchange rate back then).

3 mins

Use A File To Make A Handcrafted Knife

Use a file to make a handcrafted knife

7 mins

Riding With The Current

Electric cars are ever-present in the news, but what about electric motorcycles? Well, in a scoop for local enthusiasts, electric superbike brand Energica has recently hit South African roads, with some jaw-dropping performance figures.

3 mins

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Popular Mechanics South Africa Magazine Description:

The acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa

The South African edition of Popular Mechanics was launched in 2002 and has fast become the acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa. Underpinning its rich sci-tech content is an ever-changing mix of articles covering everything from automotive news and outdoor adventures to DIY projects. In essence, it explains how our world works.