Defense Systems
Directed energy weapons making a great leap forward
Lockheed Martin’s directed energy lead Paul Shattuck expounds on why laser beam weapon technology is maturing so quickly.
Defense Systems
DARPA wants to give hypersonic aircraft a reusable engine
The AFRE project looks to build a hybrid engine that can provide a smooth transition from supersonic to hypersonic (Mach 5) flight, which would allow the engines to be used again.
Defense Systems
Air Force explores trust issues among human-robot teams
The service gives SRA a contract to research into understanding “trust calibration” between operators and autonomous systems.
Science & Tech
Air Force Wants New Plane to Replace A-10, Fight ISIS
Generals float idea of new CAS aircraft — and beyond that, an “arsenal plane” or “flying Coke machine.”
Science & Tech
Air Force Says It Recovered Trove of Files in Corrupted Database
The service is still investigating how files from more 100,000 inspector general cases — and their backups — became corrupted.
Defense Systems
Widespread battle-ready wearables likely still far off
Despite technology improvements, an Air Force scientist says a majority of wearable devices aren’t ready for the field.
Defense Systems
Air Force nearing completion of satellite communications system
The service gives Lockheed a $48 million contract modification to finish work on AEHF, which is replacing the Milstar constellation.
Science & Tech
Computer Crash Wipes Out Years of Air Force Investigation Records
Fraud and abuse investigations dating back to 2004 vanished when a database became corrupted, service officials said.
Business
Here’s How Boeing Aims To Fix Its Broken Tanker
New hardware on the balky refueling boom will be tested next month.
Defense Systems
US-China counterspace tensions mount
The Pentagon's latest report to Congress highlights China's growing military space efforts, which include the ability to disrupt what the U.S. or other countries can do.
Defense Systems
Air Force looking for next-gen sensors
AFRL puts out a call for technologies to improve targeting via new electro-optical sensors for ISR and situation awareness.
Defense Systems
Air Force: Cyber is a factor in future air superiority
Two studies point out that cyber activities and a changing threat landscape are having an impact on how the service approaches operations in air and space.
Ideas
The B-21 Bomber Should Be Unmanned on Day 1
So far, U.S. Air Force leaders have said only that it will eventually be able to fly without crew.
Business
New Air Force Tanker Delayed Because It Can't Refuel Planes
Boeing has eaten $1.3 billion trying to fix their KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling plane. Now new aircraft, USAF decision to buy more, pushed back months.
Defense Systems
Air Force turns its attention to small UAS platforms
The proliferation of small systems present a threat, but also an opportunity, the service says in a recently released 20-year plan for small UAS.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants to tap into commercial satellite capacity
The Air Force released a request for information for Pathfinder 3, which is intended to provide the warfighter flexible access to commercial and military satellite capability.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants machine-to-machine software for drones
The service is asking industry for information on the next generation of UAS capabilities to support global operations.
Business
America's Last Fighter Jet Makers Scramble to Keep Production Alive
The end is nearing for the F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 lines unless more orders come in soon.
Defense Systems
Services still adapting to the job of weaponizing the network
As cyber operations begin to fold more frequently into daily activities, the services are still discovering some growing pains.
Business