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
Next-generation GPS satellite ready for testing
GPS III is maneuverable, more resistant to jamming and can be upgraded.
Defense Systems
DOD to show off latest tech at Lab Day
Next week the Pentagon will host a display of more than 100 research projects and tech-centric success stories.
Business
The Man Under the Flattop: Who is Paul Selva?
Two key military assignments helped position Air Force Gen. Paul Selva to become the next Vice Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff — and perhaps, eventually, the chairman.
Science & Tech
The Air Force Wants You To Build Their Next Drone Engine
The Pentagon hopes that the next Predator is in someone's garage.
Ideas
Everything You Need To Know About No-Fly Zones
Lesson one: there’s nothing easy about setting up or enforcing aerial off-limits areas.
Defense Systems
Antisatellite race heats up with China, Russia
The Air Force is exploring new antisatellite technologies -- but keeping quiet about which ones -- in response to Chinese tests and Russia's hard line.
Defense Systems
Air Force, NASA test jet with 'morphing' wings
The technology promises to make aviation more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and quieter.
Science & Tech
The Air Force Is One Step Closer to a Shape-Shifting Plane
NASA and the United States Air Force Research Lab successfully tested a plane with wings that change shape mid-flight.
Defense Systems
Reusable rocket race heats up with Vulcan
ULA rolls out a new U.S. rocket with reusable components, while SpaceX again narrowly fails to recover a spent launcher.
Defense Systems
Blue Origin reports progress on new U.S. rocket engine
The BE-3 engine could serve as a future upper stage, and represents a step toward replacing the Russian-made RD-180, Jeff Bezos says.
Science & Tech