Defense Systems
President Obama cancels U.S. participation in Egypt’s Bright Star Exercise
The biennial training brings thousands of U.S. air and ground forces to Egypt.
Defense Systems
Air Force deactivates orbital tracking system, no decision on replacement
Deactivating the 21st Space Wing radar system will save the Air Force $14 million annually, but the proposed replacement costs could reach $2 billion.
Defense Systems
Air Force awards $20M for drone training
CAE USA will provide aircrew training to 1,500 Predator and Reaper operators.
Defense Systems
Air Force launches another Wideband Global SATCOM
The sixth satellite in the WGS system will be operational in 2014.
Defense Systems
Boeing to begin producing all-electric satellites
New propulsion system touted as weight, cost saver.
Business
Where Are All the Good Drone Pilots?
Drones are the future of the Air Force. But too many drone pilots are failing initial training or failing to earn promotions. Now it’s time to develop and support the pilots who fly them. By Col. Brad Hoagland
Defense Systems
Deborah Lee James nominated to be next Air Force secretary
James currently serves as the president of the technology and engineering sector at SAIC.
Defense Systems
Air Force awards $20.8M to Lockheed Martin for defense support
Lockheed Martin will work with the North American Aerospace Defense Command to protect U.S. and Canadian airspace.
Defense Systems
Next gen GPS III testbed delivered to Air Force
GPS system designed to boost nav capabilities by replacing aging satellites in orbit.
Business
Air Force to Discharge Sexual Assault Offenders
In its latest effort to crack down on sexual assault offenders, the Air Force is now kicking all of them out of the military. By Stephanie Gaskell
Defense Systems
Air Force target drone crashes during take-off
The QF-4 drone is a target drone used to simulate enemy aircraft maneuvers.
Policy
The Drone That Wouldn't Die: How a Defense Contractor Bested the Pentagon
The Air Force was ready to drop the RQ-4B Block 30, but a Northrop Grumman lobbying campaign convinced Congress to resuscitate it. By Richard H.P. Sia and Alexander Cohen
Defense Systems
Air Force testing iPad minis to replace traditional paper navigation
The Air Force could save up to $50 million over 10 years by making the switch to digital flight bags.
Defense Systems
Top gun data management keeps Air Force finance in flight
The Air Force uses CRIS to integrate near real-time data from financial managers based in numerous locations and manage day-to-day operations.
Defense Systems
Air Force designates six tools as cyber weapons
The Air Force has approved the weapons system designation for six of its cyber capabilities as part of an ongoing effort to make cyber a normal part of its operational capabilities for warfare, said Lt. Gen. John Hyten, the Air Force Space Command vice commander.
Defense Systems
Northrop to assist Air Force with R&D for intelligence tools
A Northrop Grumman unit will furnish research and development services for intelligence tools used by the Air Force and other federal agencies under a $40.5 million contract.
Defense Systems
9 to vie for $675M in Air Force task orders
The Air Force has selected nine small businesses to compete for task orders to deliver acquisition support advisory and assistance services under a contract with a ceiling of $675 million.
Defense Systems
Air Force puts next element of missile-warning system in place
The Air Force’s successfully launched the second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO-2) spacecraft Tuesday evening.
Defense Systems