Defense Systems

AF secretary: Deadline to replace Russian rocket engine could be too soon

Deborah Lee James tells lawmakers that a domestic rocket engine might not be ready by 2019, because "this is rocket science."

Defense Systems

JIE: How DOD is building a bigger network that's also a smaller target

The Joint Regional Security Stacks add speed to the interservice network while reducing its cyber attack surface.

Defense Systems

Predator demos sense-and-avoid system with first air-to-air radar

Another Predator also sets a new flight endurance record, General Atomics says.

Defense Systems

Air Force closing in on more powerful satellite comm system

Six months of testing have concluded on the first three satellites in the AEHF constellation, which could soon reach initial operating capability.

Defense Systems

New anti-ship missile conducts precision strikes without GPS

The Navy's LRASM, developed with DARPA and the Air Force, also reduced reliance on traditional — and jammable — ISR platforms and networking links.

Policy

Air Force General's Treason Comments Spark Investigation

The Air Force is now investigating a general who reportedly accused Air Force pilots of committing treason for sharing successes of the A-10 aircraft with lawmakers.

Science & Tech

Northrop Secretly Building Jet for Air Force Trainer Competition

Northrop Grumman has abandoned plans to jointly pitch the BAE Systems Hawk jet training plane for the U.S. Air Force, instead opting to build a new aircraft.

Defense Systems

Lighter, mesh antennas can help cut satellite costs

Harris and Vanguard are developing a lightweight, high-density mesh for satellite antenna reflectors that unfurl in space.

Science & Tech

Here’s What You’ll Find on the Fighter Jet of 2030

Military leaders reveal their hopes and fears for the 6th Generation fighter they will desperately need.

Defense Systems

Budget requests reveal military's R&D priorities

From cyber to lasers and dual manned/unmanned systems, the military services focus on the future.

Defense Systems

DOD leaders take their place in the Fed 100

FCW's annual list honoring people doing great things in public-sector IT includes 22 Defense Department honorees.

Defense Systems

Strategic Command adds Germany to its space surveillance network

The alliance of nations and international organizations will share data on objects orbiting the Earth.

Policy

Buying a New Air Force One Is Complicated

Buying a new jet to fly the American president around the world is more complicated that cutting Boeing a check for a new 747.

Defense Systems

SpaceX drops lawsuit, as Air Force continues ULA contract

An agreement will let Elon Musk's company compete for future military launches while the service maintains its current contract with ULA.

Defense Systems

Air Force adds funds for developing better GPS equipment

Rockwell Collins gets a $21.8 million modification to speed up development of more powerful, M-Code-capable receivers.

Defense Systems

Air Force puts $50M more into airborne communications system

Northrop Grumman’s BACN system bridges the gaps in air and ground communications.

Defense Systems

Air Force's new acquisition plan aims to boost innovation, cut costs

The Bending the Cost Curve program will increase early collaboration with industry while looking for acceptable trade-offs in performance.

Defense Systems

Air Force looks to speed development of modernized GPS gear

Service gives L-3 Communications an extra $8.5 million to accelerate work on the Military GPS User Equipment program.

Science & Tech

New Air Force Bomber Is a Critical Piece of the Pentagon’s Pacific Weaponry

The Air Force’s new radar-evading nuclear bomber is the first large piece of weaponry being purchased with the Pentagon’s Pacific pivot in mind. By Marcus Weisgerber

Science & Tech

The F-35 Has To Phone Texas Before Taking Off

Recent tests revealed the F-35 flies well enough, but not without calling Texas first. By Patrick Tucker.