How Ships Navigated Before GPS Was Invented
GPS helps everyone from moms and dads and Amazon drivers to ship's captains get where they need to go. How did ships navigate in the days before GPS?
Read MoreChris Littlechild
SlashGear Editorial Policies
SlashGear's content hails from a group of experienced technology and automotive editors and a wide-ranging team of writers, engineers, enthusiasts, and experts across consumer tech and transportation. Our goal is to provide up-to-the-minute breaking news coverage as well as original and engaging opinion and editorial content that serves as the ultimate resource for those who want to stay up to date on the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.
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Stories By Chris Littlechild
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Why Do Some Planes Make A Weird Barking Sound?
Planes aren't supposed to bark - or are they? One of the strangest noises you may hear during a flight is a barking sound, and here's why it happens.
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Where Do Airplanes Store Their Fuel?
When every ounce of weight and its distribution matters, the question of where airplanes store their fuel becomes an important consideration.
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Buck Buck Bronco: Why People Are Horsing Around With The Ford SUV
A new craze is sweeping Ford Bronco owners nationwide, taking the form of toy horses, tags, and even business cards. Here's what's up with Buck Buck Bronco.
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How Long Can A Helicopter Hover In Place? (And What Is The Record?)
We've seen helicopters hover both in movies and in real life rescues, even briefly. When put to the test, how long can helicopters actually do it for?
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Why Some Coast Guard Ships Had Missiles In The Cold War
The U.S. Coast Guard doesn't have the Navy's heavily armed warships, but during the Cold War some Coast Guard ships were outfitted with missiles. Here's why.
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New To Reddit? Here's What OP Means
The internet is full of slang, LOL, and specific platforms have their own idioms. So what does it mean if you're on Reddit and you see the initials "OP"?
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Butterfly Vs. Scissor Doors: What's The Difference Between Them?
There's nothing quite as cool as opening a vertical car door and stepping out, but is there a real difference between butterfly and scissor doors?
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Why Do Planes Sometimes Dump Fuel Before Landing?
Airplane fuel is expensive, and airlines aren't in the business of throwing away valuable assets. So why do planes sometimes dump fuel before they land?
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How High Can A Helicopter Fly? (And Can It Get To The Top Of Mount Everest?)
Mount Everest stands tall, but can the maneuverability and landing versatility of a helicopter allow it to land on the summit?
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How Is Diesel Fuel Made? Here's What You Need To Know
Diesel fuel powers many vehicles around the world. Here's what it takes to make it, from getting oil out of the ground to refining it properly.
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Yes, Submarines Can Shoot Down Planes: Here's How Their Anti-Aircraft Missiles Work
Submarines toil beneath the waves while airplanes fly above them, right? So how would a sub shoot anti-aircraft missiles at a plane? Here's how.
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Why Do British Ships Have HMS In Their Names?
American naval ships use USS before the ship's name, but with British ships it's HMS. There's a reason, and a lot of history, behind the designation.
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Diesel Engine Glow Plugs Vs Intake Heaters: What's The Difference?
Diesel engines require on heated and compressed air to run efficiently. Glow plugs and intake heaters help make that happen, but how do they work?
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China Claims It Can Track An F-35 Stealth Fighter, But It's Not The Jet It's Spotting
China has a detection system that it claims can track an F-35 stealth jet. That said, it's not the jet itself that's giving away precious details.
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What Does Saab Mean And What Kind Of Military Equipment Does It Make?
While most people are probably familiar with Saab as a (now defunct) car brand, the company is prolific in producing military hardware. Here's what it makes.
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What Does SPG Stand For In The Military? Here's Every Meaning Behind The Acronym
When it comes to understanding military acronyms, SPG has several meanings that can vary by context. But what do they all stand for and what's the importance?
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Are Fighter Jets Faster Than Bullets? How Their Top Speeds Compare
'Faster than a speeding bullet' is something we've all probably heard before. But does it ring true even when compared against fighter jets?
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The Secret Behind What Makes Tugboats Strong Enough To Tow Massive Ships
Tugboats are small in stature but large in power, but what makes them so incredibly strong? There's a lot that goes into it. Here's what we know.
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What Is Moo Moo Subaru (And Where Can You Buy The Cows?)
Moo Moo Subaru is a tradition that allows Subaru owners to connect with other brand loyalists. How does "moo moo Subaru" work, and where do you buy the cows?
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Why Amazon Won't Let You Ship To Certain Addresses
Amazon offers 600 million different products for sale and can ship to more than 100 countries. Not all items can be delivered to all locations, though.
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This Is Why You Get More MPG On The Highway
If you're shopping for a car or tracking your fuel usage, you'll notice that cars burn less fuel on the highway then in town. Why is mpg higher on the highway?
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7 Classic Chrysler Concept Cars That History Forgot
Concept cars embody visions of a possible future, but rarely make it to the mainstream. Here are some of Chrysler's most memorable.
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Why Don't New Cars Come With Spare Tires Anymore?
As time passes, the spare tire is becoming more and more of a rare species. Here is why so many new cars no longer come with spare tires.
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Why Do People Hide Rubber Ducks On Cruise Ships?
Finding small rubber ducks hidden around your cruise ship isn't meant to be unnerving. Here's why other passengers have brought these ducks along for the ride.
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What Are The Yellow Grids On Telephone Poles For?
While driving past a telephone pole (especially at night), you might have seen a yellow grid design on its side. What are these, and what are they for?
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What Is Renewable Diesel & How Is It Different From Biodiesel
Biodesel and renewable diesel promise to completely change how we approach diesel fuel and engines with more sustainable fuel, but what sets them apart?
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