Defense Systems
Navy awards a second $478.6M contract for joint tactical radios
The award to Data Links Solutions, identical to the recent deal to ViaSat, brings the total committed to MIDS JTRS terminals to nearly a billion dollars.
Defense Systems
Army tests giving ground forces control of Gray Eagle payload
The tests of the One System Remote Video Terminal are part of a long-range plan to improve UAS interoperability.
Defense Systems
Air Force awards $145.4M to keep BACN flying
Northrop Grumman will continue to support the system that lets Global Hawks act as all-purpose, around-the-clock communications nodes.
Defense Systems
DARPA wants to put real-time links into tiny satellites
The Pentagon’s research arm is looking for lightweight and low-power communications links for CubeSats.
Defense Systems
Air Force looking for low-cost, disposable attack drones
By relaxing its usual requirements, the service is hoping to make UAS inexpensive enough so that their loss could be "tolerated."
Defense Systems
Army gets OK for next stage of tactical network
Increment 2 of the Warfighter Information Network – Tactical, being built by General Dynamics, will go into full-rate production.
Defense Systems
Army tests satellite-independent battlefield radio
The service has developed a method for improved communications without the need for satellites by using vehicle-mounted, high-bandwidth networking radios.
Defense Systems
NATO gets its first AGS surveillance aircraft
Northrop Grumman and its industry partners deliver the first of five UAS that will be part of a system-of-systems ISR capability.
Defense Systems
Navy's third high-bandwidth satellite ready for duty
MUOS-3 expands coverage to about three-quarters of the globe; the fourth and final satellite is expected to be launched later this year.
Defense Systems
ISIS fallout: Satellite intel contract hits its ceiling 3 years early
DISA's contracting organization raises the ceiling on a $286.5 million deal for intelligence services while it makes plans to re-compete the contract.
Defense Systems
The elements of a lighter, faster command post of the future
The Army is adapting commercial technologies to make its deployed communications hubs easier to ship, set up, tear down and use.
Defense Systems
Mabus says delays are hurting UCLASS development
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus voiced some frustration over the delays in the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program, which Congress wants to focus more on strike capabilities.
Defense Systems
Navy awards $479M deal for joint tactical radios
The MIDS JTRS terminals allow high-speed, jam-resistant sharing of voice, data and imagery among U.S. and coalition forces.
Defense Systems
Lockheed wins C4ISR security contract for Coast Guard cutter
The company was recently awarded a $72 million contract to provide a C4ISR system for the Coast Guard’s eighth National Security Cutter.
Defense Systems
Special Forces: Why use a Cadillac when a Ford will do?
Budgetary pressures and the wide variety of threats prompt SOCOM to prioritize its ISR resources to reflect each threat.
Defense Systems
Future of unmanned capabilities: MALE vs HALE
While the U.S. has had a lot of success with medium-altitude unmanned aircraft against non-state actors, more technologically formidable militaries such as China's could be a problem.
Defense Systems
Air Force certifies SpaceX for satellite launches
Upstart will compete with incumbent United Launch Alliance on GPS III launches.
Defense Systems
Air Force gives Lockheed $735M deal for satellite support
The contract calls for continued support of three generations of satellite communications.
Defense Systems
NRL patents a small, orbital space junk sensor
The low-power, low-cost Optical Orbital Debris Spotter will allow for greater monitoring of the space debris threatening critical satellite infrastructure.
Defense Systems