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.

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

F-35 Production Set to Quadruple As Massive Factory Retools

After years of delays, the Joint Strike Fighter program is finally ready to hit the afterburner.

Defense Systems

DOD official: The spectrum should be a domain of warfare

In a recent panel discussion, an Air Force general said the electromagnetic spectrum should be declared a domain, given how important EMS operations are.

Defense Systems

Air Force's cyber boss: Military needs to innovate at 'cyber speed'

The outgoing commander of the Air Force’s cyber force, Maj. Gen. Ed Wilson, offers some parting advice: 'Think big, start small, scale fast."

Defense Systems

Air Force looking for a small, portable counter-drone device

The service wants a way to defend against quadcopters and other commercial UAS that could be turned into flying IEDs.

Defense Systems

Air Force looks to protect space with new enterprise vision

Gen. John Hyten recently announced the Space Enterprise Vision to counter the ever-emerging threats to the space domain.

Business

The Air Force’s Next Chief Might Be Its Space-War General

Gen. John Hyten has never flown a warplane, but he plays a role in just about every Air Force mission.