Defense Systems

Air Force asks court to dismiss SpaceX lawsuit

SpaceX shouldn’t be allowed to challenge the core rocket contract because the company didn’t respond to original RFP, the Air Force says.

Science & Tech

The Air Force Adds Eyes in the Sky With More Anti-Missile Satellites

Lockheed Martin picks up a nearly $2 billion contract, adding to the Space Based Infrared System tracking ballistic missile launches across the globe. By Global Security Newswire

Defense Systems

Air Force awards $1.86B contract for next two SBIRS satellites

Lockheed Martin gets the go-ahead to finish the fifth and sixth satellites in the early missile warning and infrared surveillance system.

Threats

The Air Force Is Losing Patience With Its Aging Bomber Fleet

A top U.S. Air Force official is pushing to modernize America's nuclear bombers--some of which have been in the air for more than 50 years. By Global Security Newswire

Defense Systems

Air Force considers switching vendors on GPS III program

After delays with Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ production of the first satellite, the service is looking for alternatives.

Defense Systems

DOD looks to accelerate commercialization of military tech

AFRL, SPAWAR Pacific inventions will be made available for entrepreneurs to propose commercialization plans.

Defense Systems

ULA considers non-Russian launch engine for Atlas V

Under political pressure to stop using the RD-180 first-stage engine, the joint venture is studying concepts for a U.S.-made replacement.

Policy

Congress Is About to Have a Major Fight on the Future of the A-10

Capitol Hill will also be slammed with a leadership battle in the House, looming investigations on the VA scandal, and ongoing budget fights. By Billy House

Defense Systems

Air Force gets serious about securing infrastructure

Engineers and cyber experts team up to develop standards and software to protect SCADA and other critical systems.

Defense Systems

Pentagon picks Bender to be new Air Force CIO

Currently serving in Baghdad, Maj. Gen. William Bender would replace Lt. Gen. Michael Basla.

Policy

Congress Says Pentagon's Long-Range Bombers Are 'Increasingly Irrelevant'

Congress sounds the alarm on America's aging bomber fleet: fix them up or put them to pasture. By Rachel Oswald

Threats

U.S. Sends Two B-2 Stealth Bombers to Europe

The Russia-NATO standoff just got more interesting as the Pentagon dispatches two nuclear bombers. By Global Security Newswire

Business

Why Elon Musk Is Suing the U.S. Air Force

Rocket design firm SpaceX is suing for the right to bid on Pentagon contracts Elon Musk says will save taxpayers billions of dollars. By Alex Brown

Ideas

Inside the Air Force's Secret Drone Pilot Training Classroom

The technology of war is changing, but the fundamental conflict is the same. By Corey Mead

Defense Systems

Air Force switches contractors with $298M award for FAB-T satellite terminals

Raytheon snags contract from Boeing to provide terminals for “nuclear survivable” satcom.

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.