Defense Systems

Air Force considers switching vendors on GPS III program

After delays with Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ production of the first satellite, the service is looking for alternatives.

Defense Systems

UAVs, C4ISR systems aren’t always reliable, Pentagon report finds

Acquisition assessment also finds major defense contractors maintain profit margins despite cost overruns and schedule growth.

Defense Systems

ULA considers non-Russian launch engine for Atlas V

Under political pressure to stop using the RD-180 first-stage engine, the joint venture is studying concepts for a U.S.-made replacement.

Defense Systems

DOD looks to accelerate commercialization of military tech

AFRL, SPAWAR Pacific inventions will be made available for entrepreneurs to propose commercialization plans.

Defense Systems

How virtual reality helps improve weapons quickly, cheaply

The Army’s SWeET simulation system can display customized scenarios and instantaneously collect ballistics and user-response data.

Defense Systems

DARPA initiative looks to push the limits of science, engineering

The Defense Sciences Office releases a BAA focusing on physics, chemistry and material sciences for new military capabilities.

Defense Systems

Air Force gets serious about securing infrastructure

Engineers and cyber experts team up to develop standards and software to protect SCADA and other critical systems.

Defense Systems

Excalibur S artillery shell can change course in flight

Raytheon's dual-guidance system can switch from GPS to laser guidance to hit moving targets, reduce collateral damage.

Defense Systems

DOD aims to make smart ID cards even smarter

CACs and PIV cards with increased security could be used as transit or credit cards.

Defense Systems

DARPA, Navy want long-range ISR drones for smaller ships

The Tern program plans to build a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS that doesn’t need an aircraft carrier for take-off.

Defense Systems

US cyber official: Treat IT architecture as a weapon

DOD also needs to take account of its infrastructure and develop the ability to respond quickly to attacks, Marine Lt. Gen. Jon M. Davis says.

Defense Systems

Barking up the right tree: a dual-use approach to continuous monitoring

Configured the right way, continuous monitoring not only protects your network but enhances it.

Defense Systems

Pentagon picks Bender to be new Air Force CIO

Currently serving in Baghdad, Maj. Gen. William Bender would replace Lt. Gen. Michael Basla.

Defense Systems

Army, Navy fund Northrop for electronic warfare system

The company will produce pre-production units of its advances radar warning receiver and electronic warfare management system for aircraft.

Defense Systems

DISA mulls laser system for satellite communications

All-optical systems potentially offer increased data transfer rates and better security while avoiding the crowded electromagnetic spectrum.

Defense Systems

UAS training to be basic training for Marine officers

The Basic School for new officers is adding a course on the RQ-11B Raven, a small, lightweight system that can provide ISR in the field.

Defense Systems

Next-gen man portables swap out size and weight, add performance

New satellite router boards for field use are about the size of an iPad, more battery-efficient and can handle high data rates.

Defense Systems

Cyber conflict escalates: Second Chinese PLA hacking group accused

CrowdStrike releases a report implicating a Chinese military group in cyber espionage focusing on the satellite and aerospace industries.

Defense Systems

Navy awards HP $138M extension for getting from NMCI to NGEN

The contract modification enables the company to provide NMCI services until Sept. 30, when NGEN is expected to take over.

Defense Systems

Army, Marines get new blue force tracking system a step closer

The user friendly, mobile battlefield command and control tool gets a workout during NIE exercises at Fort Bliss.