Defense Systems
Navy starts countdown for launch of first MUOS satellite
With the launch its first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite set for the evening of Feb. 16, the Navy is highlighting that ability to provide a tenfold increase in bandwidth and the ability to communicate with warfighters on the move.
Defense Systems
Navy UAS programs focus on operational deployments
The Navy's unmanned aerial system programs are taking off with its UCAS-D aircraft readying for carrier trials and maritime surveillance aircraft preparing for flight tests.
Defense Systems
Future of unmanned systems uncertain, but hopeful, says robotics official
Unmanned systems and robotics may become a lesser priority as the wars draw down, but innovation will continue, DOD official says.
Defense Systems
Marines to upgrade tactical unmanned aircraft
The Marine Corps is adding capabilities to its fleet of unmanned aerial systems, including the deployment of an unmanned cargo helicopter.
Defense Systems
Army narrows in on top priorities as fiscal cuts hit
Doug Wiltsie, the Army's new PEO-EIS leader, has significant plans for guiding the service through the tough times to come.
Defense Systems
Budget cuts won't inhibit Army contracting workforce growth
The Army is building up its contracting military occupational specialty to grow its acquisition workforce.
Defense Systems
AIA hires former House Appropriations staffer as VP
The association's new vice president of acquisition policy brings extensive legislative procurement experience.
Defense Systems
Raytheon boosts satellite capacity for airborne radio terminals
Raytheon is tripling the satellite capacity for all AN/ARC-231 airborne radio terminals through an upgrade to Integrated Waveform software.
Defense Systems
Army wants to extend UAS endurance, add weapons
The Army's top unmanned aircraft systems will receive upgrades that emphasize increased endurance and weapons capability.
Defense Systems
Classified information routinely compromised
The reporting of information discussed in classified meetings harms national cybersecurity.
Defense Systems
Network lets Marines share data over 250 miles
The Marine Corps is conducting the first practical test of the Distributed Tactical Communications System that enables commanders to send text, data, video and voice messages via satellite to Marines ashore from up to 250 miles away in open water.
Defense Systems
Unmanned aircraft load up on compact sensors
Significant advances in the design of sensor systems for unmanned aerial vehicles enable a single payload to carry multiple sensors, which cuts weight and increases mission time.
Defense Systems
DARPA puts squad support robot through obstacle tests
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency just completed its first outdoor test of a semi-autonomous, four-legged robot that ultimately will be used by soldiers and Marines to haul upwards of 400 pounds of squad gear at a time.
Defense Systems
Special ops forces have pressing need for VTOL recon
Special Operations forces are looking at a rise in numbers and also exploring new reconnaissance capabilities in a time when they will be relied on more heavily to spearhead U.S. military efforts around the globe.
Defense Systems
Rapid app response support teams to entrench with Marines
The Marine Corps is fleshing out a service-oriented-architecture approach to help provide its deployed forces with rapidly developed command-and-control applications.
Defense Systems
Top Air Force weapons acquisition official to leave in March
The top weapons acquisition official will return to private industry.
Defense Systems
Shyu nominated for Army acquisition chief
President Barack Obama has nominated Heidi Shyu to serve as the Army's top weapons buyer.
Defense Systems
Air Mobility Command to purchase iPads for flight crews
The Air Mobility Command might purchase as many as 18,000 Apple iPads to replace paper charts and technical manuals used by its flight crews.
Defense Systems
DOD to craft new terrorist-hunting strategy for Afghanistan
The U.S. military plans to revisit its terrorist-hunting strategy and make key adjustments to the way it employs Special Operations forces in Afghanistan.
Defense Systems