Defense Systems
Air Force awards deal for Space Fence to track orbital debris
Lockheed Martin wins the $914.7 million contract to build a system to track even small bits of space junk.
Defense Systems
Air Force awards five-year deal for Joint Operation Planning tool
Under the contract, worth up to $98 million, Northrop Grumman will maintain and enhance the Strategic Command’s Collaborative Information Environment.
Business
Why No One Is Buying the Air Force’s Argument To Ditch the A-10
Lawmakers want assurances that getting rid of the aircraft won’t leave soldiers vulnerable. So far, the Air Force is just not getting that message across. By Janine Davidson
Policy
House Committee Votes to Keep A-10 Funding Through 2015
Despite pleas from Air Force officials, lawmakers are refusing to let the A-10 become a casualty of sequestration. By Ben Watson
Defense Systems
A flying car, of sorts: Helicopter/ground vehicle hybrid takes flight
Black Knight Transformer could conduct casualty rescue, cargo resupply missions.
Defense Systems
Air Force to outsource Middle East communications
Citing the strain on personnel from ongoing operations, the service looks to hire some help.
Policy
It’s Too Soon to Cut Funding for A-10s, Lawmakers Say
The A-10’s capabilities are too great to pass off to jets and too cheap for the Pentagon to turn its back on the fleet just yet, according to eight senators. By Ben Watson
Defense Systems
SpaceX protest halts Air Force satellite launches
A federal court ruling blocks an Air Force contractor from buying Russian rocket engines.
Defense Systems
In-flight system to give rapid-response forces a good look ahead
The Enroute Mission Command Capability, being installed on C17 aircraft, delivers real-time video and collaboration tools for planning missions.
Defense Systems
Nuclear arsenal finds security in 8-inch floppy disks
The decades-old technology at the Air Force‘s missile silos has its advantages.
Defense Systems
SpaceX launches protest of Air Force rocket contract
The commercial space company says the Air Force's sole-source award to United Launch Services should have been competed.
Business
After Cheating Scandal, Air Force Switches to Pass-Fail for Nuclear Missileers
Air Force officials say an expectation that perfect test scores were needed for advancement up the ranks fueled the recent cheating scandal. By Rachel Oswald
Science & Tech
The Next Step Toward Autopilot in Combat
The military is looking to roboticize the most exhausting aspects of flying jets. By Patrick Tucker
Business
Air Force Chief Explains Why He’s Retiring the A-10s
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, a former A-10 pilot, says after much debate, sequestration forced him to only one conclusion: Cut the A-10 fleet. By Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
Future Threats Will Require Much More Than the A-10
Forget the A-10. The Air Force needs a mix of aircraft and capabilities for the 2023 fight. By Col. Robert Spalding
Defense Systems
D-FENSE: Army nips Air Force in NSA’s cyber competition
Service academy teams defend their homegrown networks against NSA and Service Red Cell attackers.
Defense Systems
Software upgrades boost B-1B bomber’s effectiveness, longevity
The Air Force is testing new software intended to integrate the Lancer’s new features and improve situational awareness.
Defense Systems
Biosensor bandage collects vital signs, health indicators from sweat
Air Force Research Lab is developing a quick, non-invasive way to the kind of results you get from a blood test.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants 'mini crypto' devices for battlefield ops
The service issues an RFP for NSA-certified modules that can be embedded in small communications devices.
Defense Systems