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
Air Force takes steps to fix drone pilot shortage
The service is boosting pay and retention bonuses, training more pilots and reducing the number of missions.
Defense Systems
Air Force plans to spend $4B on Global Hawk drone program
Northrop Grumman will maintain and modernize the long-range ISR aircraft over the next five years.
Business
Air Force Trims Drone Ops to Get Workforce ‘Healthy’
The service is dropping five of its 65 combat air patrols so its overtaxed pilots and intelligence operators can catch their breath.
Defense Systems
Air Force gives 20 companies a spot on $7.9B NetCents 2 contract
The businesses will compete for work in network operations and infrastructure solutions.
Defense Systems
Air Force to certify SpaceX for launches by June
The Space and Missile Command has amended a research agreement streamlining EELV certification.
Defense Systems