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

Air Force's BATMAN team testing Google Glass

Researchers developing medical app for smartphones, tablets and Google Glass to be used by pararescue jumpers.

Defense Systems

Air Force: Pilots will fly by remote on many future missions

RPA vector report covers current operations and a future vision for remotely piloted and autonomous systems.

Defense Systems

L-3, Intelsat demonstrate anti-jam technology for military satellites

The demonstration is part of an Air Force effort to leverage commercial technologies to provide anti-jam satellite communications.

Defense Systems

Smart Node Pods for battlefield communications pass first test

Aircraft-mounted pods extend voice, data, images and video to front-line troops.

Defense Systems

Damaged Air Force radar delays satellite launches

Electrical fire brings down radar network used to track launched from Cape Canaveral.

Defense Systems

Air Force's unmanned 'shuttle' breaks orbital endurance record

The X-37B spacecraft’s secret mission could involve testing new space surveillance technology.