Defense Systems

National Guard wants to make more domestic use of drones

A recent report outlines the uses unmanned aerial vehicles could serve in domestic airspace, as well as the constraints standing in the way.

Defense Systems

GAO warns DOD of 'fragmented' approach to commercial satellites

A scattered procurement process leaves the military without a good accounting of its resources, and could be leaving money on the table, the report says.

Defense Systems

Launch failure delays SpaceX's shot at military launches

Elon Musk said the June 28 explosion of a Falcon 9 rocket would delay the inaugural launch of the Falcon Heavy booster ticketed to compete for launches of U.S. military satellites.

Defense Systems

Air Force to offer $15K-a-year bonuses for drone pilots

The proposed changes also include stepping up training of new pilots.

Defense Systems

Army connects VSATs to speed up battlefield logistics support

The commonly used small satellite terminals can provide real-time IP links to the Global Combat Support Systems-Army.

Defense Systems

Navy adds $155M contract for electronic warfare systems

Lockheed Martin will continue to deliver SEWIP upgrades under the new deal.

Defense Systems

Report: NATO worried about comms gaps, Russia’s jamming power

A U.S.-Lithuanian joint exercise illustrated lingering allied communications problems as Russian electronic warfare capabilities improve.

Defense Systems

Army deploys 'flying command post' for paratroopers

The EMC2 system provides lets paratroopers plan missions en route and get live views of a landing zone right up to the time of a jump.

Defense Systems

'Space Pearl Harbor' debate rages

Policy analysts argue over how U.S. strategy should evolve to deal with asymmetric threats that could leave low Earth orbit unusable.

Defense Systems

Army developing a 'flying motorcycle' for the battlefield

ARL and two companies are adapting the Malloy hoverbike for tactical recon and troop transport, for use as a cheaper, more agile option to helicopters.

Defense Systems

Data link lets even small UAVs serve as secure comm nodes

The Marines recently tested Harris’ system, developed in 90 days, on hand-launched Raven UAS.

Defense Systems

Will SpaceX explosion impact Air Force launch competitions?

The company recently was green-lighted to compete for future launches of military satellites.

Defense Systems

New gateway links military, civilian, international responders

This year’s JUICE exercise introduced a system that links Army networks with other military services, civilian agencies and partner nations.

Defense Systems

Air Force awards deal to fix some Global Hawk software

The $16.2 million contract modification to Northrop Grumman is intended to correct deficiencies in ground station software.

Defense Systems

Bill would mandate a streamlined satellite program

An amendment to the Senate intel bill would put into law what the military has been trying to do anyway.

Defense Systems

ARL scientist zooms in on a better way to search confiscated images

A new interface for DARPA's Visual Media Reasoning system spares Intelligence Community analysts a lot of time and frustration.

Defense Systems

Military establishes space-focused center to counter China, Russia

The Air Force and Rand Corp. have established the China Aerospace Studies Institute to focus on the persistent threat China and Russia poses to U.S. technological and military superiority.

Defense Systems

Army awards contract for WIN-T Increment 2

The Army has awarded General Dynamics $219 million for full-rate production of systems for its battlefield network.

Defense Systems

Navy awards $60.9M deal for maritime drone program

Northrop Grumman will supply support for its BAM-D Global Hawk.

Defense Systems

Airborne 'stealth launch' of CubeSat said to be underway

DARPA and the Air Force are readying a program to launch small, inexpensive satellites on short notice.