Science & Tech
Robots Won't Be Taking These Military Jobs Anytime Soon
A chief Air Force scientist says that there’s no way to automate drone-based intelligence collection without a major technological breakthrough.
Defense Systems
Humans, computers and the quest for Sensing as a Service
At the GEOINT symposium, AFRL’s Steve Rogers talks about the gap between automated systems and true autonomy.
Defense Systems
Airborne 'stealth launch' of CubeSat said to be underway
DARPA and the Air Force are readying a program to launch small, inexpensive satellites on short notice.
Business
America’s Drone Pilot Shrink Says They Need a Vacation From War
The men and women fighting America’s drone war can’t go home, no matter where they are.
Defense Systems
Air Force concludes fast-acquisition 'PlugFest' test
The event was part of the broader Bending the Cost Curve program, which aims to cut acquisition cycles for some program from years to weeks.
Defense Systems
Air Force awards $145.4M to keep BACN flying
Northrop Grumman will continue to support the system that lets Global Hawks act as all-purpose, around-the-clock communications nodes.
Business
The Air Force Is Trying To Get Some of Its Civilians To Leave
Hoping to avoid layoffs, the service is offering incentives to civilians who retire early.
Science & Tech
What To Watch For at the 2015 Paris Air Show
Aviation trendsetters and seekers converge on Le Bourget.
Defense Systems
Air Force accelerates development of military GPS receivers
The service has awarded Rockwell Collins another contract modification to speed development of the high-powered, jam-resistant devices.
Defense Systems
Air Force looking for low-cost, disposable attack drones
By relaxing its usual requirements, the service is hoping to make UAS inexpensive enough so that their loss could be "tolerated."
Defense Systems
Study: DOD needs to field laser weapons ASAP
The Center for a New American Security also recommends that military labs abandon their piecemeal approach in favor of a merged development program.
Defense Systems
Future of unmanned capabilities: MALE vs HALE
While the U.S. has had a lot of success with medium-altitude unmanned aircraft against non-state actors, more technologically formidable militaries such as China's could be a problem.
Defense Systems
Air Force certifies SpaceX for satellite launches
Upstart will compete with incumbent United Launch Alliance on GPS III launches.
Defense Systems
Airman's 'Frankenphone' connects ground forces, drone pilots
An Air Force sensor operator uses scrap parts to develop a low-budget solution to streamline communication between drone pilots and forward operators calling in air strikes.
Science & Tech
Air Force Certifies SpaceX To Launch Military Satellites
The move breaks a monopoly long held by the United Launch Alliance.
Defense Systems
High-power laser weapon advances to field testing
The HELLADS project, funded by DARPA and the Air Force Research Lab, is shooting for a small, lightweight laser capable of 150 kilowatts of output.
Defense Systems
Air Force gives Lockheed $735M deal for satellite support
The contract calls for continued support of three generations of satellite communications.
Defense Systems
NRL patents a small, orbital space junk sensor
The low-power, low-cost Optical Orbital Debris Spotter will allow for greater monitoring of the space debris threatening critical satellite infrastructure.
Science & Tech
The Air Force's Secret Space Drone Is Headed Back To Orbit
Less than five years ago, the X-37B became the first U.S. spacecraft to land on a runway autonomously. Now, as before, few know what its mission actually is.
Defense Systems