Wikipedia gives this definition: Kilo- (symbol: k, lowercase) is a unit prefix in the metric system denoting multiplication of the unit by one thousand... The kilo prefix is derived from the Greek word χίλιοι (chilioi), meaning thousand. It was originally adopted by Antoine Lavoisier's group in 1795, and introduced into the metric system in France with its establishment in 1799.
Kilo might also refer to a district (of which there are 50!!!) of Espoo, a large city in Finland. Kilo is a place of homes and small industry. The head police station of Espoo is located in Kilo. Unfortunately there is a shortage of services in Kilo and for example to visit the post office or the pharmacist one would have to go to neighbouring district Leppävaara or the neighbouring municipality of Kauniainen.
Hands down the most interesting kilo is the kilo class submarine, a diesel-electric submarine that is made in Russia. The original version of the vessels were designated Project 877 Paltus (Halibut) in Russia. There is also a more advanced version, designated as Improved Kilo [now that's imaginative].
The Kilo class was to have been succeeded by the Lada Class. In November 2011 the Russian Navy announced that the Lada class will not enter service because trials with the lead boat of the new class, Sankt Peterburg (B-585) had shown major deficiencies. Construction of two further boats has been suspended.
The boats are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters. Original Project 877 boats are equipped with Rubikon MGK-400 sonar system,which includes a mine detection and avoidance sonar MG-519 Arfa. Newer Project 636 boats are equipped with improved MGK-400EM, with MG-519 Afra also upgraded to MG-519EM. The improved sonar systems have reduced the number of operators needed by sharing the same console via automation.
A boat intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations?? What has this boat got against ships and submarines? Unless it'a a whaling ship of course! :-)
ReplyDeleteNow I never knew a kilo could also mean a "don't mess with me" boat! Yay! Take care
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Tsk, tsk, tsk, so the Russians are downsizing, too, eh? The history and technology of submarines is actually quite fascinating. Darned if I can remember the title right now, but I read a book a couple years ago based on some of the declassified (but not always accurate) information about U.S./Russian submarine espionage.
ReplyDeleteI agree the kilo sub is the coolest. Don't think I'd want to ever get on one though. The idea of going underwater, trapped in a metal tube, scares the crap out of me.
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ReplyDeleteEspoo...neat city name. ;o) And interesting about the subs! I agree with LG Smith--I wouldn't want to go underwater in one. For the same reason I wouldn't want to go scuba diving. Water and breathing do not equal a sane activity, IMO! :)
ReplyDeleteSubmarines make me feel a little queasy. Remember that sound they used to make? The echoeing pinging sound? What was that sound?
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the last two.
ReplyDeleteIn Canada we use kilogram and kilometer a lot so I totally understand that word.
ReplyDeleteI feel a little bit smarter now! ha. thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I need to add riding a submarine on my bucket list. :-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome info...thanks for teaching me!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like some impressive technology.
ReplyDeleteThis word has a fun sound to it, for me. Learning of the different definitions was great.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcy & Dianne!