Defense Systems
Air Force to expand mission of missile defense satellite
The Air Force's troubled infrared missile detection satellite can be used to gather intelligence.
Defense Systems
DOD prepares personnel for government shutdown
The Defense Department will divide its employees into "excepted" and "nonexcepted" from the governmentwide shutdown, and is releasing some details about how it will proceed if funding runs out this weekend.
Defense Systems
Strong cyber defense requires better human skills
The best defense against cyberattacks on military assets is the establishment of strict security procedures for military and civilian personnel handling information, a top Air Force official says.
Defense Systems
Air Force builds high-performance data center
Hill Air Force Base's Project Bonfire is ready to be a model for how the government can consolidate data centers -- and improve the delivery of IT services.
Defense Systems
NASA plans laser method for clearing space junk
A laser-based method could help sweep debris from Earth's orbit, by slowing it down until it re-enters the atmosphere and burns up.
Defense Systems
U.S., South Korea hammer out Global Hawk sale
The United States and South Korea have reached a tentative agreement for the sale to the latter of four Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft.
Defense Systems
Air Force awards satellite study contract
The Air Force has awarded Hughes Network Systems LLC a contract to conduct an architectural study of system capabilities for commercial communications satellites.
Defense Systems
Intelligence edge requires sharp eyes on ground and in sky
Geospatial information must be supplemented by local knowledge to ensure force safety, say U.S. commanders who have served in Afghanistan.
Defense Systems
$4.5B budget cut won't keep Air Force from new ventures in 2012
Although the Air Force's budget is smaller for fiscal 2012, savings gained through efficiency measures will be applied to readiness and modernization, official says.
Defense Systems
Air Force explores various commercial satellite options
The Air Force has awarded Boeing Co. a contract to explore ways to modify existing commercial satellites capabilities to meet military satellite communications needs.
Defense Systems
Air Force rethinks WikiLeaks warning to military families
Air Force Public Affairs pulled the plug on its statement that family members of Air Force employees accessing WikiLeaks on a home computer may be subject to prosecution for espionage.
Defense Systems
Mission specialization might help solve DOD's funding woes
In an era of tight budgets and ongoing conflict, specialization is an intriguing idea, but experts question whether it would save money.
Defense Systems
Joint tactical radios approved for aircraft integration
Next-generation radio terminals aim to improve situational awareness and communications for deployed forces.
Defense Systems
Raise the bar for new Reaper, colonel says
New Reaper model must be able to face emerging threats such as cyber warfare and surface-to-air missiles better than the current MQ-9 drone, says Col. James Gear, director of the Air Force's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Task Force.
Defense Systems
Air Force embraces new mindset for cyber warfare
Networks should be viewed as weapons systems, says Brig. Gen. Charles Shugg, vice commander of the Air Force Cyber Command.
Defense Systems
Air Force tackles Gorgon Stare technical problems
The Air Force moved swiftly and forcefully in response to reports circulating this week that the Gorgon Stare battlefield surveillance system is flawed and unfit for deployment, reports Colin Clark at DOD Buzz.
Defense Systems
Gorgon Stare test uncovers major glitches
Gorgon Stare, a sophisticated video capture system with nine cameras that provides wide-angle surveillance images, has significant operational glitches and is not ready to be fielded at this time.
Defense Systems
Air Force selects provider for cybersecurity services
Computer Sciences Corp. will provide cybersecurity services to the Air Force 33rd Network Warfare Squadron under a three-year contract that has an estimated total value of $30 million.
Defense Systems
New surveillance system offers wide-angle view of battlefield
This winter, Air Force UAVs will begin operating Gorgon Stare, a sensor-fed, nine-camera system that gives operators and soldiers a much wider view of the battlefield.
Defense Systems