Defense Systems

Space Command wants better, cheaper (non-Russian) launch engines

The Air Force is considering commercial partnerships to develop a domestically produced booster propulsion system.

Defense Systems

Air Force enlists 3D printing for rocket engines

Aerojet Rocketdyne, which also has worked with NASA, will demonstrate large-scale 3-D printing techniques that could be used to manufacturing engine components.

Business

Budget Cuts Delay New Nuclear Missile By Two Years

The drive to replace the Minuteman 3 nukes with newer Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent missiles just hit a $28 million snag. By Elaine M. Grossman

Business

This is NATO's Version of 'Netjets'

The little-known Strategic Airlift Capability Program provides high-end air assets to alliance partners on the cheap. It's a template that should be expanded. By Janine Davidson

Defense Systems

Air Force orders 3 more Global Hawk UAVs

Northrop gets $240 million contract for Block 30 models of the ISR drone.

Business

Haney Defends Air Force Nuclear Personnel As Promised Reforms Lag

Adm. Cecil Haney won't say when the reforms from Defense Secretary Hagel's internal review of the Air Force's nuclear corps will begin. It was completed in the spring. By Elaine Grossman

Defense Systems

Army lab to provide software analysis for Joint Strike Fighter

ARMDEC will independently double-check the F-35’s software systems for safety, airworthiness.

Defense Systems

Air Force Academy unveils new network security major

Cadets will be able to take new courses in computer forensics and reverse software engineering, as well as political science and strategy.

Defense Systems

Air Force looks to get proactive on cyber defense

Cyber deception and self-repairing code are among the techniques that AFRL is looking to develop.

Defense Systems

Air Force adds Airbus to hosted payloads contract

The company will compete to host Air Force communications on commercial satellites.

Defense Systems

Air Force adds ship-based radar to missile-detection network

The Cobra King system will use dual state-of-the-art radars for ballistic missile treaty monitoring and verification.

Defense Systems

Air Force: SBIRS upgrades would cause delays, increase costs

Senate’s proposal to upgrade the early-warning satellites’ sensors could endanger the constellation’s operational capabilities, a report says.

Business

Air Force Secretary Doubles Down on Nuclear Mission

Air Force leaders want the world to know their June decision save the embattled nuclear corps from forced cutbacks was an absolute necessity. By Rachel Oswald

Defense Systems

Air Force’s 30-year plan seeks 'strategic agility'

The service sees its biggest challenge as adapting and responding to change at a rate faster than its adversaries can, the new strategy document says.

Defense Systems

Air Force takes $495M step toward hosted payloads for satellites

The service awards a contract to 14 companies with a plan for fast, flexible satellite operations.

Defense Systems

Air Force gets a move on dynamic cyber defense

The C2PD program is looking to incorporate Moving Target Defense into an existing command and control framework.

Defense Systems

ULA launches Air Force's 'space neighborhood watch' satellites

ULA launched the first two satellites in the Air Force’s formerly secret Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program on July 28, after several days of delays.

Defense Systems

Air Force certifies SpaceX launches for future contracts

The private space launch company is now qualified to compete for the Air Force’s EELV program.

Science & Tech

SpaceX Just Cleared a Key Hurdle on Its Way to Bidding for Air Force Contracts

Elon Musk's company proved for the 10th time it can launch satellites into space. But will that be enough to earn it a shot at nearly $70 billion in Air Force contracts? By Tim Fernholz

Defense Systems

Air Force mulls secretive sensor research center

The SIRCUS program would investigate how to measure sensor exploitation performance and sensor development, and require up to Secret-level clearances for contractors.